Honig's K90 Plate Shoe

Honig's Canada is not a "Superstore" but to the baseball umpire or other sports official looking for equipment, clothing or just general it is a "Super Store!" Herman, the General Manager, has established a tradition of quality service and product knowledge. There is very little he does not know about the products he sells and based on past experience his suggestions are to be trusted. You will discover that the same enthusiasm he brings to your telephone order is exceeded many times over when you meet him in person.

Our task for the day was to purchase a plate shoe for son's size twelve feet. Herman had several available for his choice, from an Iron Age ripple sole, to their own #K80 leather with a traction sole, to the one that caught my son's eye, the Honig's #K90 Mid-High Plate Shoe. The size, an 11 1/2 in an E width.

Essential to the shoe's construction is the cleated "Goodyear Traction" sole which has gained great popularity with officials. Honig's has taken the design of this sole one step beyond its industrial counterparts by reducing the thickness of the sole and therefore take a considerable amount of the weight out of the shoe. The shoe does not seem to suffer from any lose of rigidity or support but in fact, a full mid-high boot weighs noticeably less than my low cut plate shoe.

The insoles and lining are of an equal high quality. Comfort and durability are built into the product at every level. The boot cradles your foot and holds it securely, preventing it from sliding forward. (It is important that an umpire's toes not touch any part of the front of the plate shoe for a proper, safe, fit.)

The lacing system features a standard boot feature, the "D" rings and upper speed lacing. This makes obtaining an even tension under the metatarsal plate easy to accomplish. Umpires who know how difficult it is to obtain any tension under the protective plate will appreciate this feature.

The price? At $199.00 in Canadian Dollars ($110.95 American) this shoe combines solid protection with extraordinary value. The demand for this shoe has been significant and size availability will be limited for the 1999 season.

Herman recommended applying several coats of Collinil Waterstop (#A27) before wearing them for the first time and following each wearing with a good dusting and Collinil Polish (#A26) to restore the shine. The Collinil products are not alcohol based and therefore do not cause the leather to dry out. Based on our past experience this is what we do normally, but once a week out comes the shoe shine kit and a spit shine is applied. The K90's shine up beautifully and quickly take on that mirror finish that is part of the umpire's game preparation.

- stepping out to a five plate rating! (5/5)

Honig's Mid-High Plate Shoes (#K90) are available from Honing's Canada, 20 Warrington Street, Hamilton, Ontario, L8E 3V1. Their toll free order line is 1-800-560-6680 and regular phone line is 1-905-560-6161 or fax: 1-(05)560-6388. Honigs-Canada maintains a web-site and e-mail at sales@honigs-canada.com.