3N2, an Orlando-based designer and manufacturer of high performance baseball and softball footwear, apparel and uniforms recently unveiled its full range of new product for 2010 at a series of industry tradeshows and on their website, 3N2Sports.com. The new product lineup is highlighted by the ACCELERATE PT—a pitching-toe version of 3N2’s popular women’s’ fastpitch softball cleat—and the REACTION PRO-PLATE—a plated, lightweight version of their REACTION umpire shoe.

The ACCELERATE PT is built on the successful ACCELERATE fastpitch platform and includes a rugged, lightweight pitching toe integrated into the toe. The shoe was fit tested for over a year with 3N2 partner-athletes who rave about its durability and comfort. Jessica Sallinger, who pitches professionally for the NPF’s Philadelphia Force was one of those who tested prototypes. Sallinger considers the ACCELERATE PT the best pitching-toe cleat she has worn in her career;

“In my 15 years of pitching, I’ve worn almost every cleat on the market. I’ve always had an issue with cleats not lasting an entire season. The ACCELERATE PT lasted an entire season and more so. It’s lightweight, comfortable and isn’t bulky like a lot of other pitching toes on the market. It doesn’t look or feel like you have a pitching toe on your foot…it’s a very streamlined form that works with your motion. I love it. I tell all of the pitchers that I work with that they need this shoe.“

The ACCELERATE PT is offered in both eight-spike metal and nine-spike plastic cleat configurations and features genuine leather construction vented with 3N2’s MetaMesh fiber. The pitching toe itself is made from a specialized rubber compound that is lighter and more durable than traditional rubber.

The REACTION PRO-PLATE was designed and developed as a result of direct feedback from the officiating community. 3N2 has realized a great deal of success with their REACTION field shoe, but found that umpires also had a need for a lightweight, comfortable alternative to plated umpire shoes that are currently on the market.

Dennis Mader, Director of the Softball Umpires Program for the Collegiate Softball Umpires Association (CSUA) and Supervisor of Officials for National Pro Fastpitch (NPF), says that, “3n2 is new to the umpire shoe market but they did it right, they talked to the umpires and asked them what they would like to see in a good umpire shoe. If you are looking for a plate or base shoe, 3n2 are the best and most comfortable I have ever worn.”

The REACTION PRO-PLATE features wear-resistant, highly polishable, 100% genuine leather construction and a rugged carbon-fiber plate backed by an impact-absorbing cushion. At only 15.7 ounces per shoe, it is one of the lightest plate shoes on the market. Its midsole has been specifically designed to minimize the knee and joint stress associated with officiating.

In addition to the ACCELERATE PT and REACTION PRO-PLATE, new 3N2 products for 2010 include a color-customizable back pack and batting bag, a pro-caliber batting glove, and apparel such as a fleece pullover, athletic socks and compression shorts. To view a full range of 2010 3N2 products, visit 3N2Sports.com