3N2 Debuts Fastpitch Softball Cleat with Pitching Toe

January 18, 2010

3N2 has released their first fastpitch softball cleat with a reinforced pitching toe – the Accelerate PT. The Accelerate PT is an extension of 3N2’s successful Accelerate line of women’s fastpitch footwear. Its release has been met with positive reviews and performance feedback from both industry professionals and fastpitch athletes.

The Accelerate PT was fit-tested throughout 2009 by both college and National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) athletes before it was finalized for production. 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. However, durability is not the only value the pitching toe provides to athletes.

ESPN commentator and softball legend Michele Smith, who serves as a senior advisor for 3N2’s full line of fastpitch softball cleats and performance wear, counts the performance-boosting impact of the Accelerate PT as one of its best attributes.

“One of the things I love about the pitching toe on the Accelerate PT, other than the great protection it provides, is the immediate feedback it gives to pitchers in terms of correct hip angle. This ensures proper mechanics, which, in turn, elevates the games of the pitchers who wear it.”

Sean Murphy, 3N2’s CEO, has been pleased with both the cleat itself and the market response, stating that; “3N2 wanted to provide the fastpitch pitcher with a superior alternative to what currently exists in the market. Something other than an aftermarket, toe-cover application or poorly integrated pitching toe. As our athletes can attest, we’ve managed to marry design, durability and performance quite well in the PT.”

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