New Balance Men's 442 V2 Team FG Soccer Shoe, Black/White, 9 Wide Review
The New Balance Men's 442 V2 Team FG Soccer Shoe is designed for players who value both style and performance on the field. The shoe features a re-designed full-grain leather upper that not only enhances durability but also provides a refined aesthetic that commands attention. Coupled with a lightweight TPU outsole, this cleat exemplifies the perfect balance between form and function.
Whether you're in a match or practicing your skills, the 442 V2 ensures a comfortable experience thanks to its soft internal lining. Additionally, the firm ground studs are engineered to deliver exceptional traction on firm surfaces, making it an ideal choice for any soccer enthusiast.
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Features
- Re-designed stitching pattern with twin needle articulation for superior comfort
- Full-grain leather upper material
- Lightweight TPU plate with durable TPU stud tips
- Firm ground studs for optimal performance on hard pitches
- Comfortable lining enhances the overall fit
Pros
- Stylish design that merges classic and modern elements
- Excellent comfort from the internal lining
- Durable construction using high-quality materials
- Great traction on firm ground surfaces
Cons
- May feel slightly narrow for wider feet despite being available in wide sizes
- Break-in period required for optimal fit
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Feature | New Balance 442 V2 | Adidas Copa Mundial | Nike Premier II |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper Material | Full-grain leather | Leather | Leather |
| Outsole Type | TPU | FG | FG |
| Stud Configuration | Firm ground | Firm ground | Firm ground |
| Weight | Lightweight | Moderate | Lightweight |
Detailed Review
Design and Aesthetics: The New Balance 442 V2 brings together traditional soccer aesthetics with modern performance features. The black and white color scheme offers versatility, allowing you to pair these shoes with various kits. The craftsmanship is evident in the re-designed stitching pattern, providing an elegant touch.
Comfort: Comfort is pivotal for soccer players, and the 442 V2 delivers. The internal lining feels soft against the skin, while the leather upper conforms over time to provide a personalized fit. However, some users might find the width to be slightly restrictive initially, necessitating a brief break-in period.
Performance: When it comes to gameplay, the lightweight TPU outsole paired with firm ground studs makes a significant difference. You’ll appreciate the grip and traction during quick turns and intense plays. The stud configuration is designed specifically for firmer ground, ensuring stability and support.
Durability: Built with premium materials, the New Balance 442 V2 is designed for longevity. The full-grain leather upper not only looks great but resists wear and tear from intense matches. This investment could last through multiple seasons if maintained properly.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Design | 4.5/5 | Elegant appearance with a classic touch |
| Comfort | 4/5 | Soft lining but may require break-in |
| Performance | 5/5 | Excellent grip and traction on firm ground |
| Durability | 4.5/5 | High-quality materials ensure long-lasting use |
User Reviews
Very good quality. My son is constantly replacing cleats. These are the first pair that are durable, don’t smell, and fit his feet better. Great purchase
My son played in a different brand for 2 seasons and was never able to really run to the best of his ability.These shoes set him free and he's much more comfortable and able to open his stride and has no foot pain.
Went one size up
For summary, skip to bottom.FYI, this review is for the WIDE version.When I was a high school soccer player, there were two unassailable principles of shoe selection:1. The ONLY truly fantastic boot was the Adidas Copa Mundial, understood to be made of kangaroo leather, the most supple of all materials. The only acceptable reason for not getting "Copas" was a restricted budget. Since they went for about $90, a lot of kids either shelled out money they really didn't have or desperately searched for the next-best alternative from another brand.These shoes were also the only reason every soccer player knew the word "supple".2. You ALWAYS bought your cleats at least two sizes too small. Otherwise, they would get loose as they stretched out (remember, they're very supple) and you would drag your toe on the ground when kicking.Well, I think I owned one, maybe two, pairs of Copas. I never liked them and, frankly, I couldn't afford them.Although they are still the most iconic futbol boot ever made, they are ridiculously narrow, overpriced, and will only last for about one season of serious soccer.I tried other brands, some of which also claimed to be made of kangaroos and some that were wider.But overall, soccer shoes are just way too narrow for the average human foot, and as we've moved away from leather in favor of synthetic materials, this has become a serious problem (because synthetic materials don't stretch).Now that I'm, um, older, some things have changed in my world:A. I'm not going to pay for the best shoes available.B. My feet need room to flatten out in the transverse direction (read: I wear Altras for running).C. I don't want to lose a toenail.So my approach to selecting cleats is significantly different from when I was younger.Bottom line: I'm looking for shoes that are reasonably affordable and comfortable.Like you, I looked all over the www for a pair of wide soccer shoes. Not much out there.New Balance (who made only rarefied, cult-followed running shoes when I was young) seems to be the only company with a soccer shoe marketed specifically as being wide.Ergo, I tried this model and this is what I can say.I. These are not wide by the normal definition of wide.They are wider than most soccer shoes, though.So while these will take a little time to be comfortable, I think they will be okay for most people with wider feet. If you require really wide shoes, these might not work.They have broken in perfectly and are very comfortable for me now.II. I'm pretty sure only the front of the shoe is leather.The rest seems to be synthetic.III. I do recommend getting a half or whole size smaller than your other shoes.I wear 11 in Altras for running (I like to have plenty of room for my forefoot).For other types of shoes, I wouldn't wear anything smaller than 10.5.I tried the 10.5 in these cleats - felt a little too long.Settled on the 10 - they are not too long, but won't hurt my toes.IV. These are well-made and sturdy.I've worn them for three months, in soggy and dry conditions, for up to six hours. They worked well and are comfortable. They stretched out adequately. They are holding up perfectly.I will follow up if they wear out prematurely.
These are the first real pair of boots I’ve bought as I recently got into playing. I tried plenty of regular boots that’s are supposedly rated for wider feet, and they were way too tight. The only brand that seems to make actual wide sizes are New Balance, so I gave these a try and they are very comfy and light for my wide feet. I haven’t had the chance to fully break these in yet so I’ll have to update this later. Anyway if you’re looking for a nice wide boot that’s very light and comfortable, while also at a pretty good price, these a try. glhf :)
The fit was excellent for my kid. Only real wide foot alternative for soccer boots. We still do not have a barefoot option for soccer boots but in the meantime this helps.
Youth football. My 12 y/o son does not like tight shoes. These are just right! New Balance runs a bit wider than nike and other brands. We plan to wear these for flag football and sports conditioning training. Light weight. He might even wear them for baseball (he has other baseball cleats but they are a bit more bulky).
We purchased these cleats because they are the only ones we could find that came in wide width. They are just as narrow as all other brands. Even though they advertise as wide width, they are not.