Yet another officiating shoe question
 

I am looking at replacing one of my pairs of Reebok Zigs and was looking to try something different.

I have heard about the Nike Air Max - anybody wear these? If so, where did you find them. I googled them and there seem to be several different types of Nike Air Max shoes.

Any other suggestions for other brands/models of shoes that I can look into? Seems like most of the online referee shops are pushing Zigs, 3n2, or New Balance.

I did find one place selling Adidas Speed Runners. Anybody have experience with those (or using running shoes in general)? I like the idea of the mesh for breath ability, but was wondering if a running shoe would provide decent support.

I know shoes fit everybody differently - just looking for a staring point.

I rotate between the zigs and all black Brooks Adrenaline. The adrenaline are awesome because they're made for distance running so they are very supportive and hold up well.

The RefZigs were really the best shoe that I have worn in my career. They were comfortable and I never had any other major problems. But I did look for other shoes as the Zigs had changed a little and started looking at other brands.

I just bought the Nike Air VaporMax Flyknit. This shoe is very light and easy to run in. I love this shoe, but if you are stuck on just wearing a leather version, there is not one at this time. It is a mesh surface but is very comfortable. I have purchased the one with a little grey, but there are versions with some all-black in them as well. Love the shoe and used them near in preseason events.

Peace

It wouldn't be a bad idea to go to a running store and have them examine your stride and foot type.

If you want a running shoe, Brooks carries an all-black model designed for people that need support.

The most important thing is to not be cheap and change shoes when it's time. Shoes are the most important part of your uniform when it comes to taking care of your body.

This literally cannot be stressed enough.

I'm curious how you would figuratively stress it. Because only then would literally stressing it make any sense.

#TrendyButImproperlyUsedWords

Can that be metaphorically stressed enough?
:D

Just wondering how you polish a mesh shoe?

You don't. Is there some unwritten rule that we have to wear material that can be polished?

Brooks Adrenaline and Asics Gel Cumulus are the two I rotate.

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

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.

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.

Spot-Bilts ...
 

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

Mail-order mambo
 

Guys, have to ask: Aren't those running shoes a bit narrow and how can they be good against rolling ankles? Obviously, if so many of you are wearing them, they must be OK, but having used long-distance running shoes in younger days, I know they're a different construct and I'd be scared stiff that my oft-rolled ankles would go quickly the first time there's a couple of steals and I had to change directions quickly without thinking.

Second: I have an in between size -- 13 in some shoes, 14 in others, merely because of the cut/style. The first Zig offered a 13.5, which was great, but Reebok doesn't offer it in the newer iteration, I found out the hard way.

So how do you figure out what works with these mail-order joints? Could get expensive (and time-consuming) ordering shoes, sending them back, ordering a new size/style, etc. to get the right fit. It's not as if most of these all-black shoes are available at the corner store to walk in and try on.

I guess maybe I just have to bite the bullet and order a pair, see if they work and then figure it might cost me some return shipping a few times to get the right shoe/fit. Or am I seeing this wrong? Need to get some shoes soon and stop procrastinating!

For years I've always worn running shoes to ref in. I currently use a pair of Mizuno Wave Rider 19s (black, of course). I've also had Asics and Pumas in the past. However I found a pair of Nike Infuriate basketball shoes that looked nice, and had some good reviews on Amazon and elsewhere. Anybody here ever wear them?

BTW, I can't bring myself to spend $100+ on shoes to ref in. Perhaps I should, but until I can't find a good pair for under a hundred bucks then I'm cool.

Go to the mall to a Foot Locker or any athletic shoe store - even Dick's and try on a style you like for size, then leave without buying. Simple as that. Then you know your size. Try on different brands so you know your size in all major brands - you're likely to be the same size in a brand consistently, but not necessarily the same size in each brand.

Most of them have free shipping, including the return. So, you're at no risk of losing anything. You can even order 2-3 sizes to get it right the first time.

Amazon Prime and Zappos come to mind. Both do free returns if they don't fit.

I was finally able to find the Nike Vapormax Flyknit in the all black "Triple Noir" color last month and really love them. I have worn them less than a dozen times and last night for the first time ever in Nike shoes had a blowout in the heel airbag in the second quarter of an intense boys V game. Was the weirdest feeling having no heel support in one shoe while trying to run full speed. Luckily I keep an extra pair of shoes (Kobe 11's) in my bag and switched out at halftime.

I was really depressed because I knew they no longer had my size but also knew that Nike would take the shoes back no questions asked. When I called customer support this morning, I was shocked to find out they have a new supply of Vapormax Flyknit in most sizes, including mine. So I ordered a new pair and when they process my claim, I will just end up even for it. Life is good. As long as the new pair doesn't blowout, too.

I believe Ump-Attire has the same policy, at least with some minimum $ order, which a pair of shoes is likely to satisfy. And the customer service cannot be beat--matched, perhaps, but not beat.

It seems like they are making enough to sell out soon and making them available later. I have heard of Nike shoes having a blowout on the bottom. This is not something that has happened to me, fortunately. But I love the shoe for the most part. I like the fact most of all that they are very light.

Peace

This season I replaced my beloved Nike Air Max 2014's (I had stock piled a few pairs) with the Leather Bondi from Hoka One One. I got them from Zappo's after trying them on at a local shoe store. I'm a bit of a Clydesdale at 6'4" 255, and these are like running on pillows. Being all black leather I could also shine them up if I had a mind to. A bit pricey, but I've found they've been worth it. YMMV.

I love Air Maxes. My all time favorite shoe is the 2009 Air Max, which is the last one I could find in all leather. I bought 2 pair in 2010, wore one pair out over 2 seasons, and have worn the other pair sparingly since. Its still in great condition but unfortunately something happened to the air bubble when wearing them the other week and it bulges out slightly right in the ball of my feet.

I have been wearing the matte leather Zigs mostly this season but looking to get the Nike Air Max More if I can find them in my size.

I have a preference for leather, not patent, but its almost impossible to find these days.

I like the Zigs but if I could find a good leather Air Max I'd buy 3 or 4 pair of them.

I've been using these and they come in leather: Air Max Invigor

https://images.sportsdirect.com/imag...12115903_l.jpg

That doesn't look like leather - it looks like rubber or some composite material. The piece in the back looks like leather.

Well, I've shined them up with Leather Luster; been solid with no cracks all season (knock on wood).

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
https://assets.academy.com/mgen/11/10829111.jpg

I am very pleased with these

https://sneakernews.com/wp-content/u...356-002-01.jpg

Nike Air Max 97 Ultra

Full-length air is a must.

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?

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

Asics GEL-Quantom 360's

I have had these now for several games and are really liking them. Light and breathable. I had Patent Zigs before these and my feet were sweating big time so I had to switch to get more air to my feet.

[IMG]http://i64.tinypic.com/qnmykz.jpg[/IMG]

I have been reffing in patent leather zigs for 3 years (the same pair-- yikes!). I just ordered these, and they are supposed to be here this afternoon. Tonight will be my first game in them, hopefully they are okay. They're the Nike Men's Revolution 3 Running Shoe, got 'em on Amazon for $75.
https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon....PL._UX575_.jpg

That Nike Revolution 3 looks nice!

Switched from the Patent Zigs to the Asics GEL-Quantum 360's as well. Took a little getting used to, but they are light and comfortable. Also had a 40% off code which brought them down to about $96.

Yep I used the same code. It's a great shoe.

Like others said looks more composite material than leather but thanks for the suggestion.

I like these. The original Air Max 95's, which these are an update on, were perhaps my favorite shoes in high school.

The Air Max More's I mentioned earlier are exclusive to Finish Line and have limited sizes available. I may go with these and they can be ordered directly from Nike.