I wear both the New Balance shoes as well as the patent run and ref converse. The new balance shoes are very comfortable for me but I have wider feet.
As far as the Con's go they look really sharp!! THe shine up almost blindingly w/ pledge and when all 2/3 officals have them on I think they look really professional. We have got comments from a couple of college coaches on hopw sharp they look. THe only problem is they don't breath real well. I wear extra socks and always air them out. Our association purchased our pair from
http://www.theofficialschoiceinc.com. We dealt w/ paul. I had a pair blow out earlier in the season and they were returned no questions asked. The people I know that have them really like them... JMO