Plate Shoes

Coachdg · #1 (**permalink**) Tue Jan 24, 2006, 10:51pm

I'm in the market for a new pair of plate shoes. I have worn the Gerry Davis high tops for years there fine. Does anybody have an opinion on the Honigs high top or the New Balance high top plate shoe? Thanks for the input>

BigUmp56 · #2 (**permalink**) Wed Jan 25, 2006, 03:39am

According to Aaron in customer service at Honigs this shoe was not going to be put into mass production for the amature umpire unles there was significant support from the professional ranks for the shoe. Apparently there was enough support for New Balance to do this. This has to say something for the comfort and quality of the shoe.

I've heard mixed feelings about the look of the shoe from internet umpires, but my opinion is if they are anywhere near as comfortable as their base shoes, they're worth a try. I've already got my order for a pair pending while waiting for the March release date.

Tim.

WhatWuzThatBlue · #3 (**permalink**) Wed Jan 25, 2006, 06:12am

Davis still makes a great plate shoe and my +POS Patent Leathers have a better sole than the New Balance. If you work on Diamond Dry fields, you'll like the ease of keeping mine clean. Those gym shoe bottoms can be slick, so try them on first. Then imagine busting your tail to get to third for a blown coverage - the ground is damp. The hinge on the New Balance looks to be a weak point too.
MY PLs have lasted 6 years and I only need to spray them with water and Febreez (my feet don't smell so bad and it keeps the bag smelling fresh). If you try them, it might not be a bad idea to paint over that big 'N'. I'm not a fan of white being visible on an umpire - especially a plate umpire. Good luck with whatever you choose.

2rad4u · #4 (**permalink**) Wed Jan 25, 2006, 07:44am

I just bought a pair of the Honig's K90 high top plate shoes. I had a pair of the low tops for years and have never had a problem. I went with the high tops for a little more support. I haven't worn them on the field (only 4 weeks to go!), but trying them on they feel great.

mbyron · #5 (**permalink**) Wed Jan 25, 2006, 08:41am

I'd love to wear the Honig's high tops. They're unavailable (like many other models) in EEE.

RPatrino · #6 (**permalink**) Wed Jan 25, 2006, 08:53am

GD Patent Leather hightops. Very light and comfortable, plus a breaze to polish. Did 18 inning double header behind the plate and there was nary a whimper from the dogs.

Bob

Jeremiah · #7 (**permalink**) Wed Jan 25, 2006, 04:06pm

I also have the GD Patent hightops. I was sent a new pair for free as my first pair which I purchased two years ago was deemed defective. I liked my first pair, but I've only worn my 2nd pair a few times and have had some "serious" pain on the side of the shoe. Hopefully they just need to be worn in.

Tim C · #8 (**permalink**) Wed Jan 25, 2006, 04:53pm

I'll stick with my new NIKE low cuts.

Tee

BigUmp56 · #9 (**permalink**) Wed Jan 25, 2006, 05:25pm

Nike plate shoes? Where did you find them?

Tim.

greymule · #10 (**permalink**) Wed Jan 25, 2006, 05:41pm

I'm happy with my +POS low tops.

DG · #11 (**permalink**) Wed Jan 25, 2006, 11:44pm

I have used Honigs high tops for 3-4 years. The soles on mine are different than the ones they sell now. I like the soles on the newer ones better. I took mine to the shoe store and got new heels put on them last fall for about $16 and I think I am good to go for several more years.

While I like my current plate shoes, if I were in the market for new ones I would at least consider GD high tops or Tanel 360 lows, based on comments I have heard from others.

Since using the Honigs high tops I am now partial to high tops, and yes, I used lows for years before getting the current pair.

MichiganOfficial · #12 (**permalink**) Thu Jan 26, 2006, 12:21pm

I have used the Honigs K-90 Highs and the +POS lows as well as the riddell highs, they were all about the same in performance but the +POS held up the best over time. I have heard some other guys say that they were hard to run in but I seem to ok with them. I really like the look of the
New Balance plate shoes, I might give them a try.

tjones1 · #13 (**permalink**) Thu Jan 26, 2006, 02:10pm

I use the Gerry Davis Patent Leather. Love them, feel great and extremely easy to clean!

irefky · #14 (**permalink**) Fri Jan 27, 2006, 06:38pm

Quote:

Originally posted by BigUmp56
According to Aaron in customer service at Honigs this shoe was not going to be put into mass production for the amature umpire unles there was significant support from the professional ranks for the shoe. Apparently there was enough support for New Balance to do this. This has to say something for the comfort and quality of the shoe.

I've heard mixed feelings about the look of the shoe from internet umpires, but my opinion is if they are anywhere near as comfortable as their base shoes, they're worth a try. I've already got my order for a pair pending while waiting for the March release date.

Tim.

Will these be available in wide widths? Are these patent leather?

Anaconda sports.com is selling this shoe for 89.95 but not until March 06

[Edited by irefky on Jan 27th, 2006 at 06:44 PM]

tjones1 · #15 (**permalink**) Fri Jan 27, 2006, 06:39pm

They don't like they are in patent leather.