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swkansasref33 Tue Dec 23, 2008 01:57am

Plate Shoes
 
Hey guys,
Im lookin for some reccommendations on plate shoes... not lookin to spend a bunch, but lookin for a quality pair that i can get relatively cheap.
thanks

bob jenkins Tue Dec 23, 2008 08:55am

Many threads on this subject. Search.

General options include:

New Balance
Honigs
Tanel
Gerry Davis

Delaware Blue Tue Dec 23, 2008 09:03am

Quote:

Originally Posted by swkansasref33 (Post 560906)
...lookin for a quality pair that i can get relatively cheap.

If you're buying new, "quality" and "cheap" are generally mutually exclusive when it comes to equipment. "Cheap" plate shoes often have a plastic toe box (look for words like "composite" or "molded thermoplastic") and don't offer enough protection if you take one directly on the toe. I would not wear a pair of plate shoes with a composite toe box unless they meet some sort of industrial standard such as I/C75 and most cheap shoes don't.

You can expect to spend at least $90 for a quality plate shoe. Purchase Officials Supplies has the the New Balance plate shoe on sale for $94 and I've seen it as low as $90. You can find the Tanel360 for less than $100 if you search for it. Both are good quality shoes.

When it comes to protective equipment, you get what you pay for. Spend the money and buy quality the first time. It's cheaper in the long run.

kylejt Tue Dec 23, 2008 10:02am

Save up a little longer, and buy pro gear. You'll never regret it.

The New Balance 450 is light, comfortable and offers great protection. I've purchased these for several guys who work for me, and they all agree that they're the best. Buy them a half size larger than normal, trust me.

http://www.gerrydavis.com/Merchant2/...1/ps5351-s.jpg


Some good reasons to buy pro gear. One, it will out last the cheap stuff. It will protect you better. If you decide you don't like umpiring, you can sell top grade stuff on eBay and get most of your money back. Plus, if you find you like umpiring, you'll want to replace your cheap stuff with pro gear after one year anyway. Your cheap gear will be a waste of money.

A favorite motto of mine is "you never regret buying the best".

ozzy6900 Tue Dec 23, 2008 10:13am

Quote:

Originally Posted by swkansasref33 (Post 560906)
Hey guys,
Im lookin for some reccommendations on plate shoes... not lookin to spend a bunch, but lookin for a quality pair that i can get relatively cheap.
thanks

Quality shoes cost money. I bought my Gerry Davis Hi-Tops 15 years ago for $125. They are still my only plate shoes today (with a few minor repairs to the stiching).

Do not go cheap (as others have advised) because you will pay for it with pain and loss of wages on your job. Many umpires seem to like the New Balance brand now so look at those. I saw someone mention Tanel, stay away from those! About a dozen of our new recrutes bought Tanel from a visiting Honig dealer a couple of years back. Not one pair lasted the HS season (about 3 months here in CT)! They went to either Gerry Davis or New Balance and bought real plate shoes and are very happy now.

Delaware Blue Tue Dec 23, 2008 11:20am

Quote:

Originally Posted by ozzy6900 (Post 560999)
I saw someone mention Tanel, stay away from those! About a dozen of our new recrutes bought Tanel from a visiting Honig dealer a couple of years back. Not one pair lasted the HS season (about 3 months here in CT)!

Strange, my Tanels are 5 or 6 years old and still going strong. They outlasted the "redesigned" Honigs K90s I purchased about 4 years ago. Perhaps Tanel changed manufacturers.

Santa brought me a pair of Gerry Davis Hi-Tops last Christmas. They are a heavier shoe, but quality all the way. They are now my regular plate shoe.

bossman72 Tue Dec 23, 2008 11:25am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Delaware Blue (Post 561030)
Strange, my Tanels are 5 or 6 years old and still going strong. They outlasted the "redesigned" Honigs K90s I purchased about 4 years ago. Perhaps Tanel changed manufacturers.

Santa brought me a pair of Gerry Davis Hi-Tops last Christmas. They are a heavier shoe, but quality all the way. They are now my regular plate shoe.

I also own a pair of Tanel's that are about 5 years old and they look fantastic. Oz, you guys must have gotten a bad bunch. They are highly recommended!

Kevin Finnerty Tue Dec 23, 2008 11:43am

Quote:

Originally Posted by kylejt (Post 560994)
Save up a little longer, and buy pro gear. You'll never regret it.

The New Balance 450 is light, comfortable and offers great protection. I've purchased these for several guys who work for me, and they all agree that they're the best. Buy them a half size larger than normal, trust me.

http://www.gerrydavis.com/Merchant2/...1/ps5351-s.jpg


Some good reasons to buy pro gear. One, it will out last the cheap stuff. It protect you better. If you decide you don't like umpiring, you can sell top grade stuff on eBay and get most of your money back. Plus, if you find you like umpiring, you'll want to replace your cheap stuff with pro gear after one year anyway. Your cheap gear will be a waste of money.

A favorite motto of mine is "you never regret buying the best".

Listen to this wise man! He speaks the bold, absolute truth on this particular subject as eloquently as any of us ever have.

And as far as plate shoes that are "relatively cheap": I ask, are your feet relatively cheap? Take care of your feet--especially when you're working behind the plate. Games go poorly when your feet are screaming.

To give you an idea how I feel about my feet: I spent $36.00 on insoles and $18.00 on snowboarding socks. I put those over a $10.00 pair of Under Armour thin socks. So I'm $64.00 deep before I pull on the $100.00 NB 450s.

Umpmazza Tue Dec 23, 2008 02:09pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Delaware Blue (Post 561030)
Strange, my Tanels are 5 or 6 years old and still going strong. They outlasted the "redesigned" Honigs K90s I purchased about 4 years ago. Perhaps Tanel changed manufacturers.

Santa brought me a pair of Gerry Davis Hi-Tops last Christmas. They are a heavier shoe, but quality all the way. They are now my regular plate shoe.

your right... I used to be a rep for Tanel and I think these shoes are great. last me 2 full season, and the only reason I got rid of them.. I wanted a high top NB cause I saw them and thought they looked cool...LOL

DG Tue Dec 23, 2008 08:09pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by swkansasref33 (Post 560906)
Hey guys,
Im lookin for some reccommendations on plate shoes... not lookin to spend a bunch, but lookin for a quality pair that i can get relatively cheap.

Shop around for best price and buy a pair of New Balance 450's. You can get a pair from Honigs for $100 and I have seen them for under $90 in some sites.

Kevin Finnerty Tue Dec 23, 2008 11:10pm

Sometimes saving $10.00 isn't worth risking the shipping costs if you need a different size. New Balance and a couple of others offer free or low cost shipping and/or a perfect fit free shipping guarantee. That can be worth a lot.

tribefan1952 Wed Dec 24, 2008 02:48pm

eBay
 
If you are just getting started and need to get a lot of equipment on a tight budget, your best bet is used equipment. I've had very good luck on eBay.

Forest Ump Wed Dec 24, 2008 03:04pm

Whatever shoe you choose, one of the best things you can do for yourself is to remove the insert and install a cushioned insert. You're feet will thank you at the end of that double header day.

BTW I use the NB Plate and Base shoes.

GerryB Wed Dec 24, 2008 04:17pm

I have a pair of Tanel's. Love them, eight years old; the heel has finally broken down, need a new pair. Will probably go Tanel, although I am intrigued by the Reebok's. I have a pair of NB's, very nice but low cut is for me.

SAump Wed Dec 24, 2008 06:10pm

Wear Combo Plate/Base Shoes
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by swkansasref33 (Post 560906)
Hey guys,
Im lookin for some reccommendations on plate shoes... not lookin to spend a bunch, but lookin for a quality pair that i can get relatively cheap.
thanks

As comfortable as any plate umpire shoes can be, cheaper and more flexible.
Buy steel toe oxfords or tennis shoes and add padded throat guards over the laces.
Can be worn on and off the field for added value.

The following link is a steel toe shoe made by a company owned by New Balance.
Amazon.com: Men's Dunham® Steel Toe Athletics Black: Shoes

All black throat guards, similar to one of these.
Riddell Goalie Throat Protector : Target
Diamond Baseball Umpires 6" & 4" Throat Guards FM (RMP) - Baseball Equipment and Gear

Edited to add: The steel toe shoes alone with metatarsal protection from quality leg guards would be acceptable.

Kevin Finnerty Wed Dec 24, 2008 07:47pm

I feel like an idiot, buying NB 450s, instead of those Earth shoe-looking Dunhams. And I already have the throat guards!

Things like that are why I'm not a millionaire from umpiring.

SethPDX Wed Dec 24, 2008 08:30pm

Instead of a shoe made by a company New Balance owns, you could buy a shoe that is made by New Balance, and made just for working the plate.

As for a quality shoe at a good price, I don't think you can do better than the NB 450.

bob jenkins Thu Dec 25, 2008 09:15am

Quote:

Originally Posted by SAump (Post 561503)
As comfortable as any plate umpire shoes can be, cheaper and more flexible.
Buy steel toe oxfords or tennis shoes and add padded throat guards over the laces.
Can be worn on and off the field for added value.

Frankly, I'm surprised you didn't just suggest putting the lacrosse helmet on your feet.

SAump Fri Dec 26, 2008 12:16am

$70 affordable?
 
Quote:

... not lookin to spend a bunch, but lookin for a quality pair that i can get relatively cheap.
thanks
At $70 plus shipping, its a cheaper alternative to those NB plate shoes with that big WHITE letter on the side of both shoes. YMMV.
Plate : Discount Umpire Gear
The Protector Hi-top leather plate shoe - $69.90 : Discount Umpire Gear
The Protector Hi-top leather plate shoe : Discount Umpire Gear
Doesen't beat $30-$40 steel toe shoes with metatarsal protection from quality leg guards.

Edited to add:
Wearing combo plate/base shoes wasn't "a bad" idea for saving money.
"Them boys sure do look purdee in their high-dollar uniforms." ;)

kylejt Fri Dec 26, 2008 01:35am

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...dL._AA280_.jpg

I went this route during my rookie season. Got 'em from Sears, and actually put throat protectors on them.

Then I fell on my @ss, because the slippery soles weren't designed to deal with wet turf. An additional bonus was those throat protectors clacking like castenettes when I ran. I looked like the rookie dork I was. But I didn't know any better, and had no one to steer me in the right direction. But you no longer have this excuse.

Buy pro gear. You'll never, ever regret it.

Plus, looking good is half the battle. Well, not really half, but it really does make a difference.

p.s. Some guys are rookie dorks year after year. It's a shame no one tells them.

Kevin Finnerty Fri Dec 26, 2008 09:45am

Oh, wow. It wasn't a joke.

Rich Fri Dec 26, 2008 11:12am

Quote:

Originally Posted by SAump (Post 561713)
At $70 plus shipping, its a cheaper alternative to those NB plate shoes with that big WHITE letter on the side of both shoes. YMMV.
Plate : Discount Umpire Gear
The Protector Hi-top leather plate shoe - $69.90 : Discount Umpire Gear
The Protector Hi-top leather plate shoe : Discount Umpire Gear
Doesen't beat $30-$40 steel toe shoes with metatarsal protection from quality leg guards.

You know, we get PAID to umpire. Some of that money should be used to buy quality stuff. The leg guards and steel toe will not provide proper protection to the top of the foot no matter how many times you say it.

I wouldn't step out onto any field without proper plate shoes. My current ones are the NB450. My first and best were the +POS shoes which I had to abandon after 6 years when I broke my ankle -- the shoes were just too heavy to lug around while I was rehabbing my ankle.

kylejt Fri Dec 26, 2008 12:39pm

Here's a good story about buying pro gear.

My first real plate shoes were +POS, that got for $45 off of eBay. They were used, but in great shape. I wore them for five years, and they were built like a Checker cab. When I got my Gerry Davis patent leather shoes, I sold my 5+ year old +POS shoes on eBay for $65.

Even if I broke even on the deal, I wore professional level gear, that looked good and protected me well, for five YEARS, and it cost me nothing. ZERO! I paid $90 for my NB450s, and could sell them for $60 easily. So, I could wear these pro level shoes for three years, and it would cost me $10 per year to do so.

So how good of a deal are those steel toed athletic shoes sounding now?

Oh, and feel free to print this out to justify the expense to the War Department. She'll now understand that it's an investment in your protection, and not just some new toys.

Kevin Finnerty Fri Dec 26, 2008 02:45pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by kylejt (Post 561773)
Oh, and feel free to print this out to justify the expense to the War Department. She'll now understand that it's an investment in your protection, and not just some new toys.

Tell her how hard it is to do home repair and store errands with a shattered instep.

DonInKansas Sat Dec 27, 2008 08:53am

Shoebuy.com is running a 20% off sale with the checkout code BLOWOUT and free shipping.

I got a pair of NB 450's for 79.56 delivered. Stores got a long and successful track record although I hadn't heard of them before.

Less than 80 bucks is a steal for these!

JR12 Sat Dec 27, 2008 09:29am

Quote:

Originally Posted by kylejt (Post 561773)
Here's a good story about buying pro gear.

My first real plate shoes were +POS, that got for $45 off of eBay. They were used, but in great shape. I wore them for five years, and they were built like a Checker cab. When I got my Gerry Davis patent leather shoes, I sold my 5+ year old +POS shoes on eBay for $65.

Even if I broke even on the deal, I wore professional level gear, that looked good and protected me well, for five YEARS, and it cost me nothing. ZERO! I paid $90 for my NB450s, and could sell them for $60 easily. So, I could wear these pro level shoes for three years, and it would cost me $10 per year to do so.

So how good of a deal are those steel toed athletic shoes sounding now?

Oh, and feel free to print this out to justify the expense to the War Department. She'll now understand that it's an investment in your protection, and not just some new toys.

The +pos would last forever!

kylejt Sat Dec 27, 2008 11:52am

Quote:

Originally Posted by JR12 (Post 561954)
The +pos would last forever!

Agreed. One of my Junior umpires has a pair of hand-me-down +POS that are about to expire though. They've got to 12 years old, and been through many wars. Stout boots, those. I'm going to replace them for him with 450s.

But the NB are FAR more comfortable. It's not even close.

Aging_Arbiter Sat Jan 10, 2009 10:12am

Plate Shoes
 
If you are looking for $ deals, there was a company who hadd a special last year for a Pair of plate shoes and pair of base shoes for $100. I think he's up by about $5 a pr this year. Not that I would deviate from my Gerry Davis shoes, but you asked.............

Official Call - Baseball/Softball

Durham Mon Jan 12, 2009 01:02pm

I recently also purchased the new reebok plate shoes in the low top version. I don't really care for the look or that of the new balance either, but didn't see NB in a low version. The shoes seem a little narrow. I am hoping that they will break in nicely, but only time will tell, will probably wear them around the house, inside the house that is, and see if they lossen up a little, as they are just a hair snug.

Kevin Finnerty Mon Jan 12, 2009 01:33pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Durham (Post 567658)
I recently also purchased the new reebok plate shoes in the low top version. I don't really care for the look or that of the new balance either, but didn't see NB in a low version. The shoes seem a little narrow. I am hoping that they will break in nicely, but only time will tell, will probably wear them around the house, inside the house that is, and see if they lossen up a little, as they are just a hair snug.

Man, if you got them from NB, you could have exchanged them for a wider size, or a half a size bigger or both and they would have paid for the shipping.

kylejt Mon Jan 12, 2009 01:38pm

I wasn't down with the NB look when they came out. I don't care for the look of high tops either. That held true until I tried on a pair of the 450s. Heaven. The big cutout in the back takes out the hightop feel, so you can get out of the box quickly.

Durham Mon Jan 12, 2009 01:41pm

I got em from Honig's and I did get half a size bigger. I tried on like 8 different pair at the clinic in San Diego, and they shipped em to me. It was the closest low top that I could get to my old school plate shoes with the goodyear sole on em, which finally after 6 years blew out in July. And Honig's takes care of their customers like that, at least that has been my experience.

Kevin Finnerty Mon Jan 12, 2009 03:04pm

Gotcha.

DonInKansas Mon Jan 12, 2009 06:55pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by kylejt (Post 567679)
I wasn't down with the NB look when they came out. I don't care for the look of high tops either. That held true until I tried on a pair of the 450s. Heaven. The big cutout in the back takes out the hightop feel, so you can get out of the box quickly.

I just got mine about a week ago from shoebuy. I tried them on and couldn't believe I was in plate shoes. I wore them about an hour around the house to start breaking them in; they feel like tennis shoes.

I can't wait to get them on the field........

MajorDave Mon Jan 12, 2009 07:16pm

The first pair of NB 450's I got...
 
felt so good on my initial wearing/try on that I went out and worked a game in them that very day, within minutes of trying them on. They felt great immediately. I Never looked back. Sold my Gerry Davis high tops the next week.

Kevin Finnerty Tue Jan 13, 2009 08:03am

Quote:

Originally Posted by DonInKansas (Post 567808)
I just got mine about a week ago from shoebuy. I tried them on and couldn't believe I was in plate shoes. I wore them about an hour around the house to start breaking them in; they feel like tennis shoes.

I can't wait to get them on the field........

... Yeah, I remember my first time ... that I put on a pair of 450s.

Umpmazza Tue Jan 13, 2009 09:58am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kevin Finnerty (Post 567908)
... Yeah, I remember my first time ... that I put on a pair of 450s.

I got my NB450's about 2 days before a college game... I thought crap I beter not wear these..shoot I out them on in the house and thought holy cow... SO i took them to the game and work with them after a while I did not feel like plate shoes..

Kevin Finnerty Tue Jan 13, 2009 12:30pm

The reflective silver N logo comes in very handy when you're jogging at night in your plate shoes.

Umpmazza Tue Jan 13, 2009 12:50pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kevin Finnerty (Post 567990)
The reflective silver N logo comes in very handy when you're jogging at night in your plate shoes.

some guys dont like the white/silver N but I do.. or it does not bother me.

Kevin Finnerty Tue Jan 13, 2009 02:20pm

I polished over it on my original pair and I left it alone on my back-ups. (If you rotate between two pairs of shoes, they both last twice as long. Don't ask me why. But once I settle on a good pair of shoes, I immediately buy a second pair.)

mbyron Tue Jan 13, 2009 03:57pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kevin Finnerty (Post 568048)
I polished over it on my original pair and I left it alone on my back-ups. (If you rotate between two pairs of shoes, they both last twice as long. Don't ask me why. But once I settle on a good pair of shoes, I immediately buy a second pair.)

I was aware that Americans had become innumerate, but it sometimes astonishes me just how bad the situation has become. :rolleyes:

UmpJM Tue Jan 13, 2009 04:04pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by mbyron (Post 568090)
I was aware that Americans had become innumerate, but it sometimes astonishes me just how bad the situation has become. :rolleyes:

Michael,

You know the old saying, "To both his own." :)

JM

Kevin Finnerty Tue Jan 13, 2009 04:56pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by mbyron (Post 568090)
I was aware that Americans had become innumerate, but it sometimes astonishes me just how bad the situation has become. :rolleyes:

My Italian uncle (the sweet, adorable kind), who owned the shoe store on Main Street back home told me that when I visited the old home town as a lad. Who am I to argue with Uncle Nick?

And damnit, it's kinda true! They last longer. At least sneakers do.

MrUmpire Tue Jan 13, 2009 05:05pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kevin Finnerty (Post 568133)
My Italian uncle (the sweet, adorable kind), who owned the shoe store on Main Street back home told me that when I visited the old home town as a lad. Who am I to argue with Uncle Nick?

And damnit, it's kinda true! They last longer. At least sneakers do.

heh, heh.

Maybe this will help:

innumerate: Adjective having no understanding of mathematics or science

Kevin Finnerty Tue Jan 13, 2009 05:20pm

Oh!

I'm really glad that I read this forum on a regular basis; I learn so many new words.


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