Black/Red
 

Thanks for all the suggestions. I might just go ahead and purchase separate shoes. I really have no idea where I might get a start but I probably meant "lower-level" to indicate middle school. I might get a chance real soon to do some camp games (with evaluaters) involving high school girls. Should be great experience.

One more thing a little off the shoe topic. I wear glasses for night driving and distance. I can see well within the confines of a b-ball court without them but the scoreboard is a little hazy sometimes, I guess I'd rather have them on than not. However, I notice the "image" thing these days is to work with contacts/no glasses at all. What's the feeling these days about that? I'm sure my sight will only get worse and I hate the thought of wearing contacts.

Re: Black/Red
 

The image thing is not to wear glasses, although I know successful officials who wear glasses at HS level, it leaves you open to potshots from the fans.

I personally wear contacts, I wear them all the time so its not an issue. But if you hate the thought of wearing contacts why don't you wear them just for basketball. I know of an official who wears glasses all the time except for when he's on the court.

Re: Black/Red
 

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I only wear glasses for reading and night driving, too, but a whole lot of people I officiate with wear them. I'd rather wear glasses than squint to see the scoreboard. Time will tell whether you see better with them or not. If you need them you need them. I don't think it's that big of a deal.

Today I finally decided to order shoes for the upcoming season. I went with the Reebok Patent Leather. They should be here on Friday.

BTW: I believe it's been said a few times on the site, but I ordered them from Between The Lines Official Gear (http://www.btlofficialsgear.com), I've order several times from this company with very good results! If you are looking to dump a company (hmmmm the OC :)), I would highly recommend BTL.

Let me know how they look and feel. I need a new pair (or two) because my current Converse patents are due to be retired. I was looking at both the Reeboks and the (ohmygosh!) OC patents. I've always ordered from Honigs, and have had great luck with their service, but I like the way the OC patents look, as well as the added benefit of the 3/4 style. After reading all the comments here, I've been scared to order from OC, for fear I might only get one shoe, or just both soles and not the uppers.

I found a Tiger Asics cross trainer. They are GREAT!!!

Jim Bob,
I saw those at an officiating supply web site, but I don't remember which one. When I called, the girl in customer service said they didn't sell nearly as many of them as they did the Reebok "The Refs." Have you worn them very long? If so, what do you like abou tthem and how have they held up? Inquiring minds want to know.

[Edited by refnrev on Jul 20th, 2005 at 11:49 PM]

I have worn them for the past two years. They have held up great. I have two pairs and I alternate throughout the season. IMO they are the best shoes I have worn since I started reffing 15 years ago.

And if I remember correctly, aren't they very reasonably priced?

They were very reasonably priced, I think thathtey were about $ 60, that's why I got two pairs.

How do they polish up?

I haven't got my shoes yet... not sure where they are, hopefully not lost!

They polish up nicely. I put a good polish them every couple of weeks. Game days, I usually just buff them. They look pretty good.

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I'll bet they were kidnapped by an represntative from OC and you'll get them a little bit at a time! Or maybe, since they were patents, some John Travolta fan who watches every rerun of Saturday Night Fever stole them! Are you mising any lesiure suits, Tanner?

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I'll bet they were kidnapped by a representative from OC and you'll get them a little bit at a time! Or maybe, since they were patents, some John Travolta fan who watches every rerun of Saturday Night Fever stole them! Are you missing any lesiure suits, Tanner?