[Update 14 Feb 2023] Release news for the celebratory New Balance 574 Cleats have arrived! Officially dubbed as the New Balance 574 “Fresh Foam Softball”, this pair is set to drop on New Balance’s website on 17th February, at a retail price of US$135. They will also come in both mens and women’s sizing.

One of if not the hottest Japanese sportsperson at the moment, Shohei Ohtani, has officially announced that he will be joining New Balance’s roster on a long term deal. To celebrate, the Boston-based shoemakers will release a special New Balance 574 Cleat variant for their new superstar.

Having only signed his MLB contract five years ago, Ohtani has been smashing records left and right. Turning out a Rookie of the Year season in 2018, he wasted on time in achieving the American League MVP title a mere three years later.

Along the way, he was given MLB All-Star honors twice, became the only player to be named All-MLB First Team as a pitcher and hitter (DH), broke two Guinness World Records entries and won multiple publications’ player of the year awards. As New Balance themselves put it, “he’s unlike anything you’ve ever seen”.

In 2023, ahead of speculations that he will become the highest paid player come free agency next season, Ohtani has officially tied the knot with New Balance. While posing for his new brand, Ohtani also introduced a new limited-edition New Balance 574 Cleat.

While it retains almost all of its features from the original 574, notably as its name suggests, baseball-ready cleats have been added to the outsole, bridging the sneaker world with America’s National Pastime. The interior of the Cleat version also sees some changes to ensure it’s ballpark-ready. Notably, this will be a momentous ocassion for the brand as well, as this is the first time the classic silhouette is stepping onto the pitch.

As we eagerly await the start of the upcoming MLB season, you can expect to find the New Balance 574 Cleat at brick-and-mortar shops in the coming weeks at a retail price of US$120.

In other New Balance-related news, check out the upcoming 90/60 “Blue Haze”.