New Balance 442 Pro - Review
When it comes to soccer cleats, finding the perfect fit can be a challenge, especially for those with wider feet. That’s where the New Balance 442 V2 Pro comes in. Retailing for just $130 USD, these may be the most affordable K-leather cleats available on the market today. But do they deliver on both quality and comfort? Let's dive into the pros and cons of the 442 V2 Pro to help you determine if they're the right cleats for you.
Fit and Sizing
One of the standout features of the 442 V2 Pro is its fit. If you’re on the hunt for cleats that accommodate wider feet, these might be your answer. The standard fit of the cleats is already fairly wide, and they are available in both standard and wide(r) versions.
For narrow-footed players:
These cleats may not be the best choice due to the width through the midfoot.
For players with medium-width feet:
I recommend going half a size down from your usual size.
At first, the cleats might feel tight, especially in the toe box, but you can expect the kangaroo leather upper to stretch over time and mold to your feet.
It’s worth noting that if you opt for your true size, you might end up with a pair that’s too wide, especially in the midfoot area.
If you have wide-feet:
Consider going true to size with the standard width (D) option, as they are already fairly wide and you can expect some stretching of the leather over time.
If you have extra-wide feet:
I would go true to size with the wide (E) option, or even a half-size up if needed.
Upper
At this price point, you might not expect top-tier leather, but New Balance has really managed to deliver with the K-leather upper. The toe box is soft, padded, and offers a comfortable feel for shooting and juggling. Interestingly, the quality of the leather seems to vary slightly depending on the colorway. The black version feels slightly different from the gray pair, with the latter offering a softer, more luxurious feel. If leather quality is a dealbreaker for you, it might be worth trying out different color options to find the one that feels best.
That said, the cleats aren't all leather. Moving towards the midfoot, New Balance uses a synthetic material, which, unfortunately, feels a bit cheap. The synthetic doesn’t have the soft, supple feel of leather and can come across as somewhat plastic-like. It is understandable with the cheaper cost of the boots, however, it’s still a bit of a disappointment.
Comfort
The tongue of the 442 V2 Pro is a pleasant surprise—it’s padded and has a suede-like feel, adding extra comfort to the top of your foot. Moving to the heel, however, there’s a noticeable lack of padding. The heel feels relatively hard, which is one area where New Balance has likely cut costs. While I wouldn’t say it’s uncomfortable, it doesn’t offer the same level of luxury or support found in higher-end cleats.
The padding just below the ankle is a nice touch, offering some extra cushioning on both sides. But overall, the heel area could use some improvement, particularly for players who value extra support in this region.
Weight
Are these speed boots?? One feature that caught me by surprise was the weight. For a pair of K-leather cleats, the 442 V2 Pro is surprisingly light, weighing in at less than 7 oz. This makes them lighter than many other speed boots on the market, which is impressive considering the price point. The lightweight nature is perfect for players who prioritize speed and agility on the pitch.
Soleplate/Stud Pattern
However, the soleplate is where things start to feel a little cheap again. The soleplate itself feels like a piece of inexpensive plastic, especially on the black version, and lacks the comfort that you’d expect from higher-end boots. Time will tell how well the soleplate will hold up with regular use.
The 442 V2 Pro features a traditional conical stud pattern, which is quite similar to the Puma King design. The studs are fairly short and this pattern is ideal for players who play regularly on both firm ground and artificial grass, but it may not be the best option for wet or muddy natural grass.
Conclusion: Great Value for the Price
Despite a few drawbacks, the New Balance 442 V2 Pro is an excellent option for players with wider feet or those looking for a budget-friendly, leather cleat. While the synthetic midfoot and the hard heel leave something to be desired, the K-leather quality, lightweight feel, and reasonable price make it a strong contender in the under-$150 price range.
If New Balance can improve the soleplate and add more padding to the heel area in future iterations, these could become an even better value for money. Until then, they remain a top choice for players on a budget looking for a comfortable, well-fitting cleat.
So, if you're in the market for a pair of wide-fitting cleats that won’t break the bank, the New Balance 442 V2 Pro might just be the cleats you've been searching for!
