Plate Shoe Update Wanted

[umpduck11]

Originally Posted by SanDiegoSteve

I wear the crappy Spot-Built model that Tim wears. I liked how comfortable they are and how I could run like the wind (okay, a gentle breeze ). After getting nailed in the right big toe by a foul and thinking my toe was broken, and then taking a fastball directly off the left big toe two days later (and thinking that I might as well be wearing tennis shoes), I have decided that I am going back to steel toes, no matter how uncomfortable they may be.

Mine would be much more comfortable if they actually came in
a wide width.

[mrm21711]

Originally Posted by RLG

I bought both the NB base and plate shoes this winter and they are extremely comfortable and light. I was wearing the Reebok base shoes and they are too narrow. The NB plate shoes started coming apart in the stiching around the toes about three weeks after I bought them ( I call HS or college five days a week). After about five weeks the guard started tearing off and finally came completely off. I have come to realize that I am hard on plate shoes for some reason. I have been through the GD patent leather and Honig's hightops. I just buy a pair every year.

This doesnt sound normal to me.

[ibcallindux]

Several of my associates and I have bought and been using plate and turf shoes from an ad in "Referee" magazine for Inhouse Sports. We all got the patent leather lowcuts and love em. They are the exact same shoes that Honig's sells and are much cheaper (plates are $64 as opposed to $115, and the turf shoes are $39 as opposed to $64). They are the exact same shoes. In House sports pays the shipping. They have a lines of clothes and equipment for all sports. The website is www.inhousesports.com. Check em out

[briancurtin]

i just ordered the NB plate shoes from purchaseofficials.com ($95), and im hoping they come in by the weekend for my games.

[piaa_ump]

After completely wearing out a pair of +POS Hightops, I went on a serious search for replacements.....During the last year I wore my "old faithfuls", I asked each of my partners who wore something different about thier plate shoes and got to look over the construction and signs of wear on the shoes.....

First off.... I excluded patent leather shoes.......purely personal reasons, I just dont like the look, although Id love the ease of clean up.

I even got to try out a pair of tanels and a pair of spot builts.....and decided to repurchase the +POS high tops.

When they arrived, I compared them to my old pair and initally thought the leather quality was lesser than my old ones, however after a few evenings of shining, they seem to be very nice....The fit is super and I believe they even have inproved on the sewn seams where the metarsal is connected.. My old ones seemed less securely fastened.

Having taken a few shots off the feet, I mayhave given up some lightness with going back to my +POS, but I am confident in thier protective ability and very happy with thier appearance.....

Stan

[SanDiegoSteve]

I think I may go with these puppies here. They are Timberland 6" Met-Guards. The specs on them are incredible, and I can make them shine like patent with Shape Up.

[BigUmp56]

Steve, buddy. Those look like they belong on a production line welder in a factory. Yuk!


Tim.

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by BigUmp56

Steve, buddy. Those look like they belong on a production line welder in a factory. Yuk!


Tim.

That's what the Nautilus models are designed for too, but they seem to be very popular with umpires. They are uglier than sin, too.

If you go read the specs on these Timberland's at http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/11797054.html you will find that they are superior to any plate shoe on the market for quality of construction and protection. I'm not out there to put on a fashion show, I want my feet protected.

Do you really think those New Balance look much better? They are no beauty pageant contestants themselves.

Edited to correct error in link given.

[ToGreySt]

Originally Posted by ctblu40

How do umps out there like the spot-bilt and Nautalis shoes as far as protection?

I have the Nautalis shoes and I love them, the protection is great, they are light and I don't notice them weighing me down as I run around the diamond.

my only compliant about them is I have hard time keeping them clean, as its been said before parts of the shoe are not leather and take to dirt very well.

but other that that I would highly reccomend them, good protection and comfertable too, I've gone 18 with them and they have treated my feet very well...better than my base shoes sometimes

joe

[LMan]

I'm using these right now, work well so far:

[briancurtin]

i got my NBs in the mail today. im not working a game for a while but i cant wait to try them out. they fit great and are incredibly comfortable so far, we'll see how they do in a game

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by LMan

I'm using these right now, work well so far:

I like the Lehigh's, but they are thermoplastic toe. Have you taken any shots to the toe area yet?

[ggk]

i love the comfort of my NB base shoes, but hate the look of the NB plate shoes.
I was wearing GD patent leather and love the look and fit, but they are very heavy.
just purchased Honigs K90 Hi top. excellent shoe, great protection and looks and extremely light weight compared to the GD or POS shoes.

[LomUmp]

Hey all,

I have the KCHS from Honing's. It's basically the same as the K90, just in patent leather. have taken a few foul balls/missed pitches/ and even one step on. I have had no ill effects from any of these, and they are very light and comfortable.

LomUmp

[LMan]

Originally Posted by SanDiegoSteve

I like the Lehigh's, but they are thermoplastic toe. Have you taken any shots to the toe area yet?

Actually, yes, a couple right on my left toe in 18U games. Just scuffed the toe a bit, thats all

I hear what you are implying about the thermo-toe....I can only say it has been OK so far.