Shoes
 

I have the zigs, they are starting to break down, what do you all wear? (With picture)

At "Kicking Coaches In The A** R Us". :rolleyes:

Uh oh, how so?

I just got my first pair and have worn them for about 10 games (only using them for HS assignments). I have the patent leather and have already noticed the stitching on the front separating slightly (after about 2 games).

Others have shown me how the little snap-in "brackets" on the treads either pop off or fall out entirely, while still others have shown me gaping holes that develop on the tops of the insoles.

That said, they are super comfortable and I feel like I'm running on a trampoline. I'm just scared it's going to be a waste of $100.

I have the non-patent leather ones and they are on their third season and look fine. I always pull out the insoles and insert a pair of Spencos. They make the shoes feel better yet.

I'm on my 3rd pair of zigs... the first two pairs (patent leather) lasted about 120ish games before i replaced them.. In fact I still wear the second pair as my "every day work shoes" in the office. The only problem with 'em is that the second-to-last set of eyelets eventually wore out... but that happens to me on most of my athletic shoes after enough time goes by.

My 3rd pair is non-patent leather, and they've held up great for the 40ish games I've done so far this season.

If the "snap in brackets" come loose... a little super glue will take care of that.

My understanding is, the Virginia/Maryland officials are wearing these hot numbers...

http://www.ecouterre.com/wp-content/...-1-537x402.jpg

Wrong!
 

The Northern Virginia officials aren't working games at all. School's closed all week. STUPID SNOW! :mad:

It's gonna be a mad, dash to the finish line over the next two weeks!

I retired my last pair of Zigs. Bought a pair of 2014 Nike AirMax.

Loved them so much I custom ordered a pair of 2016. Due to arrive tomorrow.

New Zigs.

The 2016 have much better cushion and better shoe with the flywire. You will like them. I have a shoe problem. If they are black I have them or have tried them on. 2016s better than 2014 or 15s.

Can't Wait Until The 17's Come Out ...
 

Of course. They have that new shoe smell.

I just wish the shoes each person likes could just be all black. I really don't like sharpie work. I guess folks can't tell (and prob don't know that shoes are to be all black) but I don't like the way it looks.

Or maybe some of the states could get rid of their fetish with "all black" shoes. Even the NFHS manual now only says "predominately black."

The swoosh on my 2014s is silver. I wouldn't dream of ruining it with a Sharpie.

Shoes are such a personal choice - the fit and comfort for you is what's important. I like the Zigs. I used to be a Nike only guy (I worked there) and then they stopped making all black shoes for a while - they couldn't care less about ref shoes - it's all about style. Now they have a lot of all black options again, so you should be able to find some if you look hard enough. Plus you can always customize yourself some all black shoes if you don't mind paying the premium.

Exactly!!! I've got saucony running shoes that have silver accents and white treads. Too much color but would look terrible with sharpie work.

Back in 2011 I bought two pairs of the 2009 AirMax in leather. Wore one pair for most of the 11-12 and 12-13 season. Switched to the patent leather zigs for most of the 13-14 and 14-15 seasons and am now mostly wearing my 2nd pair of 09' AirMax's this year.

I love that shoe. I have liked many of the more recent models including the 2016 but cannot find it anywhere in leather, which is what I would strongly prefer.

I just ordered these today.... talked to friend last night that wears these and he said that they are the most comfortable shoe that he's worn for officiating.

ASICS® GEL-Quantum 360 - Men's - Running - Shoes - Black/Jet/Black

These are what I currently wear...just got them before the season began. They are very comfortable...much more so than my Zigs.

Nike Air Max TR180 - Men's - Training - Shoes - Black/Black

I get this same model every year. They hold up well and are very comfortable.

GT-1000 4 | Mens Running Footwear | ASICS America

I've seen a few officials at lower levels wearing such shoes and that just looks bad anyway you go. A "little" accent color is fine with me, but too much is a distraction. You have black slacks on, the shoes shouldn't have enough non-black content to catch someone's attention. White treads stick out like a sore thumb.

Yep. I know, which is why those are running shoes and not ref shoes. I would love to wear them but I'm trying to move up so last thing I'm doing is something our assn bylaws spell out pretty clearly. They want all black shoes=I wear all black shoes.