New Balance Prodigy Review: Great Traction and Support, But Is It Comfortable Enough

Introduction

When New Balance announced their entry into the football cleat game, expectations were high. Known for producing some of the most comfortable sneakers on the market, many players were hoping for that same plush ride underfoot with the Prodigy cleats. However, after a full round of testing, the reality is a bit more complicated. While these cleats shine in areas like support and traction, they come up short in overall comfort. Here’s the full breakdown of what to expect from New Balance’s Prodigy cleats.

Comfort

Let’s start with the most surprising part: these cleats are not very comfortable. If you were hoping for running-shoe-level cushioning, you’ll likely be disappointed. The Prodigy cleats are very stiff throughout, and my feet started to ache pretty quickly into testing. The upper is made from New Balance’s Fantom Fit, a thick multilayer synthetic material that does offer great support, but very little flexibility. This made the toebox feel extremely cramped. The internal bootie does a good job of hugging the foot, and there is some soft material around the sides, but the comfort stops there.

The tongue is paper-thin and doesn’t provide enough cushion against the pressure from the laces, which led to some discomfort on the top of my foot. In the heel, there’s minimal padding, and I could definitely feel my foot being pushed right up against the heel cup. The ankle collar also digs slightly under the ankle bone, which could become annoying over time. One bright spot is the NB FuelCell insole. It offers solid underfoot cushioning, which helps mitigate some of the cleat’s raw feel, but it’s not enough to offset the stiff upper.

Lastly, putting these on is a bit of a struggle. Without a front loop or pull tab, the collar tends to fold over while sliding them on. All in all, these cleats felt surprisingly barebones and uncomfortable, especially for a brand known for comfort.

Fit and Support

While the comfort isn’t ideal, the fit and support on the Prodigy cleats are among the best I’ve tested in a true skill cleat. These fit true to size, though they are definitely on the tight side. If you have wider feet, it’s worth noting that New Balance does offer a wide fit option, which is rare and appreciated.

The Fantom Fit upper, while stiff, does a fantastic job of locking the foot in place. Inside the cleat, there’s added structure that really enhances lateral support. When cutting and changing direction, my foot didn’t slide at all. The lockdown is excellent, which gives a strong sense of stability during dynamic movement. That said, as a low-cut cleat, there’s little to no ankle support, and the minimal padding around the heel is a missed opportunity. Still, for a lightweight cleat, the support is excellent.

Traction

Now onto one of the Prodigy’s standout features: the traction plate. New Balance really nailed this aspect. The plate is built with a stiff TPU and nylon base, and it’s paired with a plastic shank underneath the insole. This gives the plate incredible stiffness and spring, which adds some extra pop when accelerating or pushing off.

Up front, you get 10 studs, including six innovative “T” studs that are uniquely shaped and designed with varying depths. These studs did a fantastic job digging into the ground and letting me stop and go quickly. There are also four arrow-shaped studs that help with forward acceleration. In the rear, you get four more T-shaped studs that add to the planted feel of the cleat. During testing on both long grass and turf, I felt locked in and had full confidence in the cleat’s grip. This plate reminds me of a more refined version of the one used on the Nike Vapor Edge and might be one of the best new options on the market for skill players.

Style

The Prodigy cleats keep it classy in the style department. They have a clean, sleek silhouette with some thoughtful detailing. You’ll find a chrome “N” logo on both sides, a smaller logo on the heel, and some silver striping for accent. It’s not flashy or over-the-top, but that simplicity gives them a sharp, professional look. Currently, they’re only available in two colorways: black and white. Hopefully, New Balance expands that selection because this silhouette would look great in bolder team colors. Overall, it’s a great-looking cleat, especially for those who prefer a subtle style.

Best Position

The Prodigy is built for speed and skill positions. These cleats are a great match for wide receivers, defensive backs, quarterbacks, and running backs who need quick bursts, lateral cuts, and responsiveness. With the weight and build of a skill cleat and the added side-to-side support, they’re perfect for those who want a minimal feel with strong performance underfoot.

Price

The Prodigy cleats retail at $170, which places them toward the higher end of the skill cleat market. That price reflects the premium materials and innovative traction plate, but the lack of comfort makes the price tag a little hard to swallow. While the cleat definitely performs well in areas like fit and traction, there are more comfortable options out there at the same price or less. It’s a solid cleat, but you’ll need to weigh whether the raw feel is a dealbreaker for you.

Overall

In summary, the New Balance Prodigy cleats offer excellent traction, premium support, and a clean silhouette, but fall short in comfort. The fit is tight and stable, and the traction plate is a serious win, but the stiff upper and thin tongue made them hard to wear for long stretches. At $170, it’s a tough sell if comfort is your top priority. However, if you’re after a lightweight, locked-in feel with excellent grip, these might be worth considering. Just know what you’re getting into before lacing them up.