OK, it's opinion time. It's almost time to retire my beloved referee shoes (Reebok DMXs)after years of faithful service and get new ones before this season is over. What kind do you like best and why? Thanks!
Rev

Now this is just preference, go with patent leather. I love my converse whistle patent leather shoes, but they don't make them anymore. I'd say the comparable model is the Officials Choice shoe.

9 more ;)

I've heard from some guys that OC is really hard to deal with? Had any problems with them?

oc shoes have been great for me...

I have heard most complaits come from the people that have to buy IAABO stuff. I dealt with them a couple of times and I had no problems. I guess it just depends on who you are and your experiences.

BTW, I ordered twice of the Reebok All-Star Patent Leather shoes from Officials Choice. Both times I ordered more than 5 pairs of shoes (for other people). I received the shoes the time they said I would get them and I had to have an order sent to another location other than where I live. I was nothing but satisfied with their service and product.

Peace

insoles?
 

I'm thinking I have to replace the insoles of my shoes..

Do you guys have a favorite brand?

Go see your doctor, and get orthodics. They work wonders.

If you don't want to do that, then I think they're called Spenco insoles the Polysorb ones. I used to use them and they were comfortable.


7 to go!!!

New "Zapatos"?
 

I have worn the Converse Running Ref Patent Leathers for the past three years. They do not manufacture them anymore, but most recently purchased a pair of the OfficialsChoice patent leathers. I really like the OC's better. Padding in the right spots. Good heel cushioning and a fairly stable shoe. The higher profile provides good support for ankle and achilles. There seems to be a bit more support in the arches than my Converses.

Most important is fit & comfort over style and glitz! :) Get what works for you! I'm lucky the OC's fit well and are comfortable. Tip: If you go the patent leather route....be sure your partners wear 'em too. They do draw attention, and it's better the crew is all on the same page or odd guy gets the ribbing. I keep a standard leather pair of Converse Running Refs when working with crews that just dress their shoes with a good polish job. Collonil liquid shoe polish (Honig's) does a nice job on these.

Good Luck... and protect your feet!

wl


[Edited by imaref on Jan 2nd, 2005 at 11:23 AM]

I've checked around and can't find anyplace that has the Reebok patent leather ref shoe in stock. Anyone know if they're available anywhere (in a size other than 14!)

"The Ref" by Rebok
 

Did you check out Honig's and Gerry Davis?

Might want to check out The Official's Choice and their OC Patent Leather model. I really like mine! However, several people have indicacted having service problems with OC. Can't say that I have experienced any problems with them... and I've done business with them the past year.

Good luck!

wl

Re:
 

Honigs was out in size 11 like a month ago.

Try these places
http://www.pluspos.com
http://www.refandsport.com
I've never dealt with pluspos but Felmings was very good, I ordered a pair of referee cletes that were sold out everywhere else from three. That's where I would try first.

Good luck! ;)

PS I will never order from OC again.

I have found New Balance to be more comfortable than two styles of Converse I used in the past. The New Balance required no break-in time.

How did the NB shine up? They seem pretty dull when they are new.

The pair I used to have didn't shine up that well.

Yes.
I have a very high gloss qith KIWI Ultra Black liquid. 8 coats, 12 coats, ...whatever. Fast dry.

Similar to Bush Ref, I waited and waited for my shirt. Several calls and emails with empty promises. I said I was a new ref and needed my shirt by a specific date to find out it was back ordered. I was able to get them to send a larger shirt at no charge next day and it did arrive. That said, it took too long and had to fight to get it.

Go with the Nike Shox. Best shoe I have ever worn. I have worn the Run'N'ref's, patent leathers, and all others. I wore the Nike Shox and will never wear another shoe as long as I referee.

I wore Running Refs & Whistles by COnverse for years. That is until a buddy recommended New Balance 609's. They are the lightest and most comfortable shoe I've worn. As for the shine-up, they aren't the easiest to shine up but with a little work, you can get them there.

Which Shox did you go with and how did they shine up?

Honigs and Gerry Davis should have them. If Honigs is sold out, it doesn't take them long to get something back in stock! Last time I looked, Gerry Davis was a little cheaper than Honigs. :)

refaholic,
I've had several players tell me that they slip alot and have trouble with the shox. You had any trouble?

Anyone besides me ever use the Reebok DMX walkers? They quit making them for awhile, but started again this past Fall. The feel good and polish up very well!

My Christmas Present just arrived!

I have the Converse Patent Leathers from OC two years ago. Been having a problem with my pants getting stuck in the back part of the shoe. Started to become self conscious of it when calling, continually checking the damn things.

Anyway, my wife bought me the OC 3/4 Patent Leathers for Christmas. Look GREAT! Hopefully they are as comfortable as they look and they help with my pants problem.

I've seen some refs hem their pants well above their ankle. Please don't resort to that.

OOOOH NOOOOOO!LOL

I just ordered the Reebok "The Finisher" court shoes from Honigs. Anyone tried those?

you'd better buy enough pairs then to last your career because they will eventually change the style on you. You know how it's hard to leave well-enough alone.

Yes, ChrisSportsFan.
"Never and "Always" are, indeed, very long times. :)
mick

i was looking at the nike shox elevates. but they are like black leather and swaude two toned, I seen no way to shine the swaude on these shoes. how are you keeping yous clean?