Yet another officiating shoe question

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by NCAAREF

Just wondering how you polish a mesh shoe?

You don't. And unless the major shoe manufacturers make shoes that can be shined, then you are left with the current style. Many shoes do not work for everyone so you have to go with what works. At least in my recent experience, it appears that many officials are left with shoes that do not shine. I used to feel that a non-leather shoe was not acceptable, but you cannot find many shoes that are leather or some type of leather style all over the shoe.

Peace

[SC Official]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

I used to feel that a non-leather shoe was not acceptable, but you cannot find many shoes that are leather or some type of leather style all over the shoe.

I used to think this, too. When I first got into officiating I noticed almost everyone was wearing a leather or patent leather shoe, so that’s what I thought I had to go with. As I got more experience and moved up I realized that plenty of officials wear mesh shoes and that I had so many more options. And as long as your shoes are clean, hardly anyone cares or even notices how shiny or not they are except other officials.

[NCAAREF]

There are a wide variety of both leather and patent leather officiating shoes out there.....I was just being sarcastic.....but in my personal opinion you look 100% more professional with a polished pair of shoes. I guess I'm just old school...been doing HS and College for 31 years.

[BillyMac]

Back when I started officiating, over thirty-seven years ago, there were no "sneaker-like" basketball official's shoes, just black shoes with rubber soles. I had a pair of Spot-Bilts that took a spit shine that a Marine would be proud of. I actually had a shoemaker resole them several times until the uppers wore out. They weighed a ton, but offered great support, and took a shine that you could see your reflection in.

[SC Official]

Originally Posted by NCAAREF

There are a wide variety of both leather and patent leather officiating shoes out there.....I was just being sarcastic.....but in my personal opinion you look 100% more professional with a polished pair of shoes. I guess I'm just old school...been doing HS and College for 31 years.

Funny, because I see plenty of officials that work deep in into the NCAA Tournament and the NBA Playoffs (even high school playoffs) that wear mesh shoes, and no one’s ever batted an eye or said “Wow, the guy wearing the shiny Zigs looks so much more professional.” In fact I wouldn’t be surprised if more officials at the higher levels wear mesh shoes as opposed to leather/patent.

And I don’t know of any black running shoe (the type of shoe that many officials prefer to wear) that does not have a mesh upper.

[#olderthanilook]

I loved the patent leather Zigs and wore them for 2 or 3 years. I'm tired of them now.

Moved on to a sweet pair of mesh Under Armour all black shoes. Super light weight, breathe really well (Zigs were hotter than fire) and look great. Got them for like $50 at Academy Sports on a whim while buzzing through the store last summer looking at baseball equipment for the kids. I've done a lot of google searching, but can't find the exact pair I have.

Have worn 2006 Air Max before and will probably circle back to Nike when it's time to get another pair (Zigs are my back ups right now).

edit: I think this is them

[MechanicGuy]

I am very pleased with these



Nike Air Max 97 Ultra

Full-length air is a must.

[frezer11]

Originally Posted by #olderthanilook

I loved the patent leather Zigs and wore them for 2 or 3 years. I'm tired of them now.

Moved on to a sweet pair of mesh Under Armour all black shoes. Super light weight, breathe really well (Zigs were hotter than fire) and look great.

My only complaint about the Zigs were that they were hot and didn't breath. But they made the mesh version this year, and they're awesome.

[#olderthanilook]

Originally Posted by frezer11

My only complaint about the Zigs were that they were hot and didn't breath. But they made the mesh version this year, and they're awesome.

The mesh Zigs do look like they offer some temperature relief.

Do they still have a "high center of gravity", so to speak? Seems like my feet sit really high off the floor in comparison to the UAs I'm wearing now....like my ankle could roll right or left any time.

I didn't really notice it, or just got used to it when I first bought and wore them a few years ago. But now, when I wear them to do an odd youth tournament here or there, they feel really unstable by comparison.

meh....to each his own, right?

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by frezer11

My only complaint about the Zigs were that they were hot and didn't breath.

That's pretty much the definition of patent leather -- shouldn't be a surprise to anyone.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by NCAAREF

There are a wide variety of both leather and patent leather officiating shoes out there.....I was just being sarcastic.....but in my personal opinion you look 100% more professional with a polished pair of shoes. I guess I'm just old school...been doing HS and College for 31 years.

I did not complete disagree, but the problem is we only have so many choices. And the best shoes are not at all made of leather, let alone black leather. Heck, it is hard to find a shoe that is all black.

Peace

[RefsNCoaches]

I wear Nike Air Presto, all black. Really comfy shoe.

https://images.nike.com/is/image/Dot...resto-shoe.jpg

[Smitty]

Originally Posted by RefsNCoaches

I wear Nike Air Presto, all black. Really comfy shoe.

https://images.nike.com/is/image/Dot...resto-shoe.jpg

I agree that Presto's are incredibly comfortable - they are my favorite shoe Nike has ever made, but I would never ever wear them to ref in. There is no support whatsoever. I would twist an ankle several times per game in those shoes. I went looking for the shoes JRut mentioned but they aren't available in my size anywhere - I really like the look of them. Gotta get shoes as soon as you see them and get multiple pairs. They never last on the market.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by Smitty

I agree that Presto's are incredibly comfortable - they are my favorite shoe Nike has ever made, but I would never ever wear them to ref in. There is no support whatsoever. I would twist an ankle several times per game in those shoes. I went looking for the shoes JRut mentioned but they aren't available in my size anywhere - I really like the look of them. Gotta get shoes as soon as you see them and get multiple pairs. They never last on the market.

They were not available at one time and now they seem to be available again. But the dilemma is just like you stated because you kind find a great shoe and it is not available for long. Or you go weeks and months without being able to find that shoe. I bought 3 pairs of those shoe total this fall. It has been awhile since I have bought a newer shoe. I always go get a few pairs for the reason we stated.

Peace

[RefsNCoaches]

Originally Posted by Smitty

I agree that Presto's are incredibly comfortable - they are my favorite shoe Nike has ever made, but I would never ever wear them to ref in. There is no support whatsoever. I would twist an ankle several times per game in those shoes. I went looking for the shoes JRut mentioned but they aren't available in my size anywhere - I really like the look of them. Gotta get shoes as soon as you see them and get multiple pairs. They never last on the market.

I've not had any issue with that....yet!

Somebody mentioned the running shoe brand, Hoka...I was out at the mall this weekend and tried some on ....damn they were nice!