Umpire Shoes

Plate shoes are built to protect the plate umpire’s feet from foul balls, with a hard toe, a metatarsal and instep guard over the top of the foot, and a mid-cut for ankle support. Field shoes, also called base shoes, are lighter and more flexible for moving quickly on the bases. Shop all umpire shoes.

A foul ball off the top of the foot at full speed can easily break small bones. Plate shoes, like the New Balance Umpire Plate Shoe and MU460, use a dispersion instep guard that spreads the impact, plus Abzorb cushioning for comfort through a full game. The New Balance Umpire Plate Shoe is the official plate shoe of MLB umpires.

• The New Balance Umpire Plate Shoe offers maximum protection, a guard that releases for easy on and off, and a snug neoprene sock liner. It weighs about 23 ounces.

• The New Balance MU460 offers the same type of protection in a lighter shoe.

• The Mizuno Pro Wave combines toe protection and an instep cover with Mizuno Wave and Enerzy cushioning and an antimicrobial lining that helps prevent odours.

Base umpires need comfort and grip for running on grass, dirt and turf. The New Balance MU950 Umpire Field Low has a full-length Fresh Foam midsole, a nubby outsole for traction and a lace cage that keeps laces tucked in. For artificial turf and indoor games, all-surface shoes like the Mizuno Ambition 3 AS Mid offer high, multi-directional studs for grip on every surface.

Most umpires wear plate or field shoes with nubby rubber outsoles, which grip well on dirt and grass and are allowed on turf. Cleats are rarely needed and can be uncomfortable when standing for a full game. For wet grass, an all-surface shoe with taller studs, like the Mizuno Ambition, gives extra grip.