Equipment Care

[jdmara]

Originally Posted by aschramm

I just thought it might be more of the brand that was causing problems.

I'm not trying to be knit-picky but I hate when people use similar statements (note that this is not directed towards you aschramm, it's just a rant).

In the past year I've became a runner and have learned a lot about shoes. People have grips about footwear all the time but I believe that the problem is not with the shoe, but with the buyer. Shoes are made to fit a certain type of foot. Yes, everyone knows that they make different widths of shoes but nobody thinks about the arch support and other important factors. I'm all about finding the best product for the cheapest, hence I use the internet to buy all my equipment. But many overlook the fact that they need to try their shoes on and make sure they are the right fit for your foot. Personally, I know I have high arches and need a control-type shoe. Umpiring shoes don't necessarily offer such "arch-types" so when I get my shoes I typically buy insoles that offer that support that is needed dictated by my feet. If I get the shoes and they don't fit right, I just send them back and get a refund/credit.

It's different if a shoe is made crappy and doesn't last, however, if your feet get tired/ache/knees hurt/etc...It might be because you have shoes that do not support your feet correctly. Consider going to a local specialty running store and get fitted for a pair of running shoes. Ask them what type of shoes you should get based on your feet. Should you get low/mid/high arch shoes? Is your foot overpronator/supinator/neutral? Do they recommend cushion/orthotics? I stand throughout the day at work and have found that then I wear shoes that don't support correctly I have all sorts of problems. The moment I start wearing the correct-fitting shoes the problems seem to dissipate. I've applied the same theory to my officiating shoes and have had wonderful success.

I know the local running store here is more than willing to fit someone for shoes without pressure to buy. I'm sure that many local stores are the same way. Although I do admit that I buy from them because I love their business style and I know they aren't out to sell the top priced item, in fact they've talked me out of the more expensive models plenty of times.

One more thing, shoes are not made to last forever. Even the top of the line running shoe is made to last for 300-500 miles. Yes, this seems like a long time for a pair of shoes (for a non-runner). But then you consider the distance most marathon runners train, shoes last anywhere from 13-23 weeks Of course, I'm not advocating we all buy new officiating shoes every 13 weeks; However, we have to be realistic about how often we replace our shoes as well. I don't think that 10 years is realistic for a pair of shoes. Most of us, I can safely say, put a lot of wear and tear on our shoes. Personally, I replace the insoles at least every year. And since running has become a hobby, I now have a pretty good feeling about when shoes aren't support as they should anymore. Every couple of weeks I also evaluate the tread on the shoes. If they are wearing thin, it's time to replace.

If I were to put a number on how long a pair of quality officiating shoes would last, I would say 1-4 years. Of course that depends on a lot of different factors. Here are some factors that I can think of off the top of my head:

• Sport being officiated
• Contests wore per year
• Weight of the official

For instance, I would venture to say that basketball/baseball officials need to replace their shoes more often then volleyball officials Obviously, the more weight put on a pair of shoes, the more stress is being put on the material

I will step off my soapbox now. Sorry for the rant

-Josh