text: I've owned several pairs of these now. I bought them.  I am not a major league umpire so I cannot buy a pair every few months. I do high school, college, and tournament baseball and women's fastpitch...easily 300 games per year. Have officiated for 40 years so have worn all brands of shoes for football, basketball, and on the diamond.  On a weekend I might do 9 - 11 games and even though only half of those are behind the plate they are simply made of poor material. The only part that will hold up is the flap.  As a shoe repair man told me: &#34;These plastic shoes are basically a $39.00 cheap gym shoe with a flimsy insole, and then they add a plastic flap to it and charge another $80.00 for the flap. For occasional use these shoes will work. However for working 10 or more games per week you are up the creek because there are only a couple of choices.  Also, let it be noted that New Balance is not one of the better athletic product companies for acknowledging bad products and sloppy craftsmanship. Thus do not expect support from them at any level.  If I were 400 pounds I could understand these shoes lasting about 18 games. However I am 6' 0&#34; and 195 pounds wearing size 13. They should hold up.  Keep in mind these shoes run narrow and a half size small. If they were $45 it would be a fair price. Remember there is no leather in these shoes so they will not breathe. If you're in cooler weather then it won't matter so much.