New Balance unveiled details of their first Shohei Ohtani signature collection that features multiple clothing items, cleats and turf shoe.
Neutral tones are mixed with marsh green as an ode to infield dirt, the pitcher’s mound and outfield. Due to be available are a woven jacket, woven pants, t-shirts and French terry items. Many of the clothing items feature multiple pockets in a nod to Ohtani’s talent as a two-way player.
“I have a deep respect for the heritage of baseball and the sport itself, and I love that the collection pays tribute to the traditional old-school style while bringing a new-school twist,” Ohtani said in statement.
“Every item can fit an athlete’s wardrobe on and off the field and collaborating with New Balance to capture that perfect balance was such an exciting moment for me.”
T-shirts and jackets include Ohtani’s logo that New Balance unveiled to coincide with the start of the 2024 season. The first-of-its kind logo focuses on Ohtani’s athleticism that’s led to an already-historic MLB career as the only player twice to win an MVP Award in unanimous fashion.
Specific details of Ohtani’s logo is a sketch of him rounding first base.
The Ohtani 1 cleat was designed to sit closer to the ground while maintaining comfort through FuelCell foam. The toe box design pays homage to ceilings of some Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) stadiums with a triangle pattern.
“In designing Shohei’s spike, we knew every detail mattered,” said Matt Nuzzo, senior product manager for Field of Play at New Balance. “Comfort, durability and ground feel were the most important to him, so there are no contours or recesses on the plate to maintain a flat surface underfoot to help prevent mud from caking and to allow the studs to interact with the ground.
“The studs themselves are approximately 2mm lower to the ground compared to traditional spikes, as this concept of ground feel and using the ground as leverage is something well understood in Japanese baseball but less so in other parts of the baseball world where thick, cushioned midsoles act to help alleviate the stud pressure underfoot.”
The Ohtani 1 is going to be available as a metal cleat and turf shoe, in white and gold and black and gold colorways.
Shohei Ohtani signature collection release details
Fans can begin shopping Ohtani’s collection with New Balance on Monday, July 15. Those attending the 2024 MLB All-Star Game at Globe Life Field will have access to the collection beginning 24 hours earlier at the New Balance pop-up event.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
