What is everybodys favorite shoes?
 

I just bought a pair of patent leather OC (officials choice) and they are very nice. Light, comfortable and very economic. Just wondering what everybody else wears, regular or patent?

I wear regular and shine the hell out of them.

Converse Whistle [no longer available to my knowledge] & Nike. One area really likes the patents & one does not, so I wear the appropriate footwear by region.

I like the OC patent leather shoes for comfort.

I like the look of the Converse Whistle patents better but they are no longer made.

The Reebok patents aren't bad either. I bought the Spotbilt patents this year and hated them. Not comfortable and not very well built either.

Why patents? Because I get so busy during the season that it's nice to not have to spend that extra 5 minutes shining my shoes.

Z

Adidas A3 are the best I've worn.

I'm glad I bought 4 pairs since you can't get them anymore.

I'm liking my Nike Air Monarchs. Well cushioned.

I wore the Reebok Refs this year, though I replaced the insole with a Sof Sole brand that was cushioned and had much better arch support. I strongly recommend looking at replacement insoles as even the best shoes can be improved. It can also make a good looking, but poor supporting shoe (like Nike) into something decent.

If I can find them to try them on, I am going to look at the New Balance 895 in black and have a shoemaker die the yellow on the logo (if it won't make a mess). I would rather work in a running shoe, something I wear virtually all the time otherwise.

This was my first year with the Reebox patent leather. I liked them very well, I thought they fit really well and were extremely comfortable.

I am a big fan of Addidas Superstars, but they quit making them in black last year. I tried some And 1 shoes last season, they were ok, but I haven't found anything I really like yet.

Zebra44 likes his Air Monarchs. I LOVE:D my Air Monarchs!!!!!!! Most comortable shoe I have ever worn!

I have a pair of patent leather shoes in the Converse All-Stars, Reebok and Spot-Bilt. I only do not like the Reebok as much. The Reebok shoes do not have enough angle support in my opinion and I do not feel comfortable changing direction in them. The Converse and Spot-Bilt shoes I love. Both of those shoes are very comfortable and look nice in my opinion. I have two pairs of the Converse and they have held up very well. I wore the Spot-Bilt all year and I love them.

I do only wear the patent leather shoes for HS games. I am looking for another shoe for college games that looks good and feels good. If anyone has any suggestions I would like to hear them.

Peace

I HATE my Reebok patent leathers! The only shoe I've ever regretted buying whether in "real life" or officiating. I found them to compress my feet, didn't absorb any shock which aggravated a healed shin splint injury and resulted in callouses!

I really like my OC patent leathers and I'm interested in seeing their new model this summer. I didn't particularly like the Converse patents because I found they wore out too quickly.

For non-patents, I found that the New Balance 620 model to be terrific. Unbelieveable cushioning! Unfortunately, I just don't think they look that good.

The air monarch is by far the most comfortable shoe out there. But, I don't wear them. I'm too much of a shoe head to put on something so regular looking. :)

I have worn New Balance walking shoes for the past few years and have found them to be the most comfortable shoe for me. I think the model number is 445. They also have flat laces which I prefer.

Coaches' favorites. ;)

Then polish them w/ Leather Luster

I have been wearing New Balance.
If you have a New Balance store near your area they give 10% off if you show them that you ref High School ect.

I alternate between nike shox & nike air down low.

How do you show them? Do you have a card that states you are a high school official?

Maybe you show them some of your mechanics and that impresses them enough to give you 10%. :p

Reebok is an old Afrikaans word that means "Sore Achilles Tendon", LOL.

I have wide feet, so the New Balance are one of my few options. Fortunately they are very comfortable.

I love the Air Monarchs, extremely comfortable. Also found the Air Max LTD in all black, just as comfortable and more durable. Have tried the Reebok Patent leather Ref, not breathable but bearable; had to change the insole on these.

Yes I show them my IHSA Officials card (Illinois)
and then I show the mechanics for the team control foul followed by by the player control foul, when they get up off of the floor they give me 10%

I like and wear Addidas. I have a pair of lows that are similar to their superstars but have patent leather on the back half. I also have a pair of mostly patent mids, but Chuck says they're ugly (see other shoe thread). I might go with the Reeboks next season. My crew is after me to conform and get the same shoes as them.

I tried this technique at Foot Locker (I demonstrated a hand check call) and they charged me double.

Then they told me to "let them play" followed by the second most intelligent comment of "someone is going to get hurt out there if you don't start blowing your whistle." I reminded them that they were the only ones in the store wearing stripes but that only resulted in a "you're horrible" comment that sounded like Bill Walton.

Then I took a chance and told them that we now wear the gray shirts which are much more stylish but they said "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" and then complained that they worried that some of the clerks would wear stripes while others wore gray which would be too confusing. :)

Z

I've never tried that at Footlocker, but I did have a fan once tell me to go back to Footlocker. Maybe you should have tried filling out an application.

I honestly find polished shoes to look terrible, so I just stick with my patents. Unless you're a pretty solid polisher or spend a lot of hours, I don't think it's worth the effort.

Looking at people's shoes at different camps, you can tell who polishes because most of them look blotchy. Since I'm assuming you're definitely doing your best to polish your shoes properly at camp, I just don't feel you can get a good look out of them.

Just my personal opinion and I know that many people believe otherwise! (I know a couple military guys whose shoes look perfect! I'm definitely not that good...I don't have time to do 100 push-ups everytime my shoes look bad to drill into me how to polish a shoe properly!) :D

I have wide feet too, so New Balance is my best option. I wear the 609s, which I really like. But after a couple of years, they polish up pretty blotchy. So when I catch somebody checking out my shoes, I stare at their pants and puke on their shoes. Nobody's said anything about the blotches since I started doing this :D

Puke is a terrific add-on to polisher! The HCl from the stomach removes previously applied layers, so you're back to the original pleather...

So, in reality, I'm doing them a favor. :)

The key is real leather.

My A3's look almost as shiny as patents and it takes like 2 minutes once a week with the 99 cent Brown's polish. Touch up with a marker, polish with the wand, buff with a sponge.

If I were not going to use the Air Monarchs, I'd use the New Balance. Anything 600 or above. I've had great luck with everyday wear with New Balance. Used to be a big Reebok fan, but the last two pairs, one DMX dura max walkers and the other a pair of DMX runners both have proven to be a big disappointment. :mad:

What type of shox do you wear?

I usually have a few pairs of black kicks that I referee in. One of my favorite pairs is the Jordan XI Spacejam. Although not completely black, it is still my favorite choice of sneakers when it comes to reffing. It has patent leather and very shinny. The shoes look great and is extrememly comfortable. I've never gotten any comments by other officials regarding to the bottom white part of the shoes (maybe they just don't want to criticize). In fact, a few scorekeepers and players actually "gave me props" for wearing "dope/ill" kicks.


[IMG]http://img386.imageshack.us/img386/8275/d512zk.th.jpg[/IMG]

In looking at them, I have to agree with the dope/ill part. They look dopey enough to make me ill. :rolleyes:

Z

I have to say that I think those shoes are "HORRENDOUS". I don't know where you work but those would not fly with the assignors around here, much less your partners.

amen.........

how about these? [IMG]http://img520.imageshack.us/img520/4...001a0uj.th.jpg[/IMG]

Will this be more appropriate?

True, can't fly just by wearing Jordans. You have to be Jordan to fly!!!!!

thanks for the comment. I'll keep that in mind. Perhaps we shouldn't ask our elders for fashion tips!

More appropriate? Somewhat. But not for a regular season game without some blackout applied to the striping.

But still ugly.

I know we all have comfort as one thing we are looking for in shoes, but some of these posts make me giggle. How in the expletive can someone say that last pair of shoes are ugly but people praise the Nike Monarch, Reebok and any patent leather shoe? If I'm not mistaken, that shoe is one of the latest team Jordan shoes and is available with most of the shoe, except the stitching which can be painted, black. It looks way more athletic than the Nike Monarch or any patent leather shoe!
:D :D

By the way, does anyone wear the Nike Air Max LTD TR? I think I might get some to see how they feel.

Thanks!!!! The thing is, I really do wear those two pairs of shoes when I ref. I understand that under the official mechanic book, it says "shoes should be entirely black, with black laces.” And those two pairs of Jordans aren't completely black. But to describe them as "HORRENDOUS"??? I cannot agree with that. Hate it or love it, I will never see anyone wait camp in line for a pair of Nike Monarch or a pair of Reebok. The point I am trying to get across is, they might not be NFHS approved, but they are definitely not UGLY!!!!! I’m sure some of you officials out there want to look good on the court too, right?

I am not here to argue with anyone or try to defend myself, but there are tons of experienced officials out there who don’t wear all black shoes. If I post a comment regarding to the sneakers that I wear, I am open to hear any comments/feedbacks (including criticism). But please try to show a little respect - thanks.

Once again, the price of being a young official!!! :)

Doesn't your association have a written dress code? That will tell you if you should be wearing those or not.

Btw, being "elderly" or "fashionable" has got absolutely nothing to do with a written dress code. Your shoes do not meet our association's dress code and you would not be allowed to wear them. If you did wear them, you would be fined. If you persisted, you wouldn't be assigned any more games until you complied. Other dress codes may certainly be different. Personally, I don't think that your shoes are appropriate for an official anyway, but that's jmo.

For once I actually agree with JurRef. When I started working games, at the age of 21, I was one of the most particular about my dress and adhering to proper attire as anyone, so age or elder status in the criticism has nothing to do with it. Like everything else, its either right or wrong, and in your case, the shoes are wrong (in virtually every dress code I've seen). Sorry, but that's the way it is.

You might be able to get away with that look in baseball, though. Try that forum.

Yes. Ugly. Looks more like a something you'd find on a wrestler or rock climber than on a basketball court. Of course, I don't think any of the other shoes you mention are all to sharp either...especially most of the "I gotta be shinier than the other guys so they'll think I can ref" shoes.

__________________________________________________ _________

You may have never gotten any comments, but your partners sure had thoughts about those shoes. I worked my one young middle school game of the year one night with a guy who showed up wearing a pair of white Nikes with a black swish. I never said anything. It's his choice, not mine. I'm not the AD or his supervisor. But the AD talked to me after the game and stated it well, "No one is ever going to take him seriously when he shows up in those shoes. I'll never use him for anything but 6th grade games." As for your shoes, they look like a good shoe to play in -- but not officiate. Your reference to your black "kicks" make me think that you are probably young. As for the props from scorekeepers, were they students?

If my partner(s) came wearing shoes like that I'd definitely mention something to him/her. i.e. it's almost always someone younger and/or new to officiating who doesn't have a correct perception of professionalism and proper dress attire.

Odd thing -- the guy I was working with that night was a lawyer. He ought to know how to dress professionally.

what is everybody favorite shoes
 

It's funny I have had some mis-fortune with those exact shoes(OC's). I love them becuase they are light in weight, very comfortable, but I have owned three pair and they have ripped half way during the season on the back inner lining by the ankle. This is the only shoe this has happened to. I own a pair of reebok and I have changed now to all black Nike shox. they seem to be my favorite now.

They meet the requiremnt for me. comfortable, light, good arch and high enough for good ankle support. Works well for those long days doing AAU.

Nike Air Max LTD TR
 

http://a712.g.akamai.net/7/712/225/v...11846002_l.jpg

What do you guys think of this shoe?

Looks like it would be comfortable.

what is everybody favorite shoes
 

I have found as long as it meets the association you work for requirement's it's all a personal taste. I stated earlier, for me it has to meet, comfort, high arch, light in weight and support around the ankle. Other than that's is personal taste.

The shoe looks comfortable.

I know it is personal taste; I was just wondering. I have a shoe buying demon. :D

I actually threw out a lot of shoes (officiating and otherwise) yesterday because the day I was saving them for to use never came. :) That means I have room for some new shoes!

Uh oh. Is Imelda Marcos channeling herself through you?

How do the Nike's shine up? Have you tried to put Leather Luster on them?

I have had various pairs of patents over the last several seasons just because I'm lazy and don't want to spend any time polishing shoes. But the ones I really liked, they don't make any more (Converse). I had a problem with the OC's - the lace holder loops kinda pulled away from the inside of the shoe, but they are still useable and comfortable. I've also used a pair of the Spot Builts, but somehow they don't seem quite as comfortable. As I get older, it seems like things don't fit and work like they used to. :eek:

what is everybody favorite shoes
 

the Nike's shine real well with that high gloss shoe polish with the squeeze sponge applicator.

I don't know how the Nikes pictured shine. I don't have them...yet! :D

You have the link to the actual shoe? I like those.

The link is http://www.footlocker.com/footlocker...&sellable=true

I have a question/request. Living in Vegas had me spoiled; we have a guy there named Abe who could really make shoes shine. When I went home recently, all the fellas had their shoes on point and I was trailing behind. Can someone give detailed instructions on what they do to make their shoes shine? I don't want to use Leather Luster and I would prefer a process that involves dying the shoe black (this makes a difference). I have just been using several coats of Griffin and I want more now. I don't even know what kind or where to get spray dye. Like I said, I was spoiled with a good shoe man in Vegas.

Best thing I have found is called "Shape-Up"...only place I can find it is in military/law enforcement catalogs and websites. It a "paint-on" polish...here's what I do -1)After buying the shoes, strip them with rubbing alcohol and a rag to get the waxy stuff off of them...2)Apply a couple coats of Shape-Up and let each coat dry before putting on the next coat...3)rub them good with a buffing cloth (buy an actual buffing cloth, don't use an old towel)...

And those shoes you showed are "sick" - at least I think that's the word Manwr used...

Isn't this essentially the same process as Leather Luster? If not, what's the difference?

I do know the way to get the perfect shine:

Patent leather. :p

I do want to know what the difference between shape up and Leather Luster is. For me, patent leather isn't the perfect shine; it is something my sisters used to wear to church on Easter! :p

What a coincidence - so did I!

Does the clear plastic section have those little impact lights?

Just finished my 3rd season with the Converse Whistle Shoe. I only used them about 60% of the time this year as I was breaking in a backup pair. I never took a chance on the OC shoes that 'replaced' the Converse. A real comfortable shoe. Too bad they only had size 4 available last season [2004-05] or I would have gotten a 2nd pair.

It looks a lot like Monarchs with a fancier heel. As I have said ad nauseum, I'm not a Nike fan in most shoes, but the Monarchs are the most comfortable I've worn. I think I'd like this one. I'd have to give it two thumbs up as a definite shoe to consider. How much does it cost?

It is on sale right now for $70 ($69.99). It came out to $80 with shipping. This shoe does NOT look like the Monarch. It first caught my eye to wear off the court (in white). I wouldn't consider the Monarchs like that. :D

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y24...11135011_l.jpg

I just got these last night, wore them for 3 games and liked them a lot. Very cushioned and they bounce you back off the floor, unlike the heavily cushioned New Balance.

Got home and was able to magic marker over the swoosh and clear plastic on the soles and they shined very nicely with the 99 cent Griffins.

They are $89 bucks at Champs Sports here in Phoenix, and $99 on their website.

I worked with a guy who wore those a few weeks ago. Can you take and post a picture of them since you fixed them up?

Sorry for the delay in responding!
 

I wear Nike Shox Cognescenti. They are comfortable to me.

Tommy,

These shoes are extra comfortable!!! I think we have the same demon, because I bought a pair of these, and I have two pair of the Air Monarch II. Have you tried the Air Monarch III yet? Saw them at Niketown here in Chi, they are running @ $60. I haven't shined mine up yet, waiting until end of May when I start 'camping'.

Clear plastic on the soles? Help me out here, because I looked at these, but the gold was too much. What kind of clear plastic?

Uhmmm...what's Leather Luster?? The process could be the same, I just don't know what LL is...never heard of it. But I'm feeling awfully healthy today!

Leather Luster involves lots of rubbing...and rubbing...and rubbing...

Oh. Where was I?

Anyway, it's this stuff that puts on an almost patent-like shine on shoes, but it always takes a lot of work. It comes in small box with two different bottles, a cleaning solution and the polish. No different than painting a house - the surface preparation is what takes all the time and work. You take the alcohol-based cleaner and rub off all the waxes and polishes, down to the bare, black leather. Then you apply the LL, let it dry, and apply second and third coats as appropriate. Some people have also found it necessary to do the drying in direct sunlight, or at a low temp. setting in the oven. The last pair I had done I actually sent to a person on the east coast who was associated with the product, and for $10 they did it for me. It was money well spent imo because it took a couple of hours of work to do it properly. I also found out that different brands of shoes took different amounts of time. For example, Converse shoes took longer because they had more layers of polish already on them, where Nike's did not have as much.

Still looking at the same e-mail, obviously......

I know.

The heck with life expectancy, right?

It's not just an e-mail anymore...it's a life-size poster hanging on the wall now. I'm gonna live longer than Methuselah!

And that Leather Luster stuff sounds like a pain in the butt...the Shape-Up is very simple - even I could use it with no problems.All I did was strip the wax with normal rubbing alchohol and then "paint" the stuff on...dries in about 15-20 miinutes the first time, shorter times after that...very simple and quick and looks great.

I don't care if I do die....do die...do die....:D

Sounds like essentially the same process; maybe Shape-Up is an improvement? It could be because I was using it on Converse shoes, and they were known to be difficult because of the layers of wax they put on. I may need to look into it again since Converse doesn't seem to make all-black referee shoes anymore.

Life-size poster, eh? How do you keep the top half of the poster from pulling off the wall?

Were those ladies in the Camptown Races?

If we're gonna go, it's always better to go with a smile on our face, right? ;)

I made mine wallpaper on my 'puter screen. Lasted right up to the time that I heard my wife say <font color = red><b>WHATINTHEHELLISTHAT?</b></font>.

Wimmen.....

So THAT'S the reason you're only typing with one hand today - she broke your good arm!

I was starting to wonder about you, you old goat.

I prefer Adidas. They are well-designed and comfortable..and it's the most important thing ;-)

Kobe Bryant - because they're so great
 

This guy has succes in the sneakers industry too!I just bought some cool shoes..especially made for Kobe Bryant..and he has more..what do you think?I say..nice design!

http://www.hoopsvibe.com/nba_blog/ko...s-ar31385.html

What, the picture or the article?

On the side of the soles it has clear plastic that shows the air cushioning, that and the Nike swoosh covered up easily with a magic marker...I'm sure both will require touch-ups, but the shoe is REALLY comfortable.

Tomegun, I don't have a digital camera or a camera on my cell phone...I use it to make and receive calls, how original is that?

But, everything covered up, so they are all black and very shiny. Not quite as shiny as my all leather Adidas...because the Nikes have a pebbly surface...but they definitely won't get you dinged, even by the most anal of evaluators.

OOOOHHHHH!!! I thought you had found something similar to the 'Fountain of Youth'!!!

Most assignors here don't mind the clear air bubbles. I might have to sacrifice to gt a pair and see if I can screw 'em up. :p

Thanks.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y24...irMaxSolas.jpg

Just a little photo shop on the Solas pic to give you a better idea.

I saw those shoes in an East Bay sale catalog today.:D