Shoes

[blindzebra]

Originally Posted by MOofficial

From watching many College basketball games, where do the officials get there shoes. I am talking about the shoes like above, shoes that you would love to have for yourself, but you can never find any that are all black? Is there a certain site, or how do they go about getting shoes like that?

Very few shoes are all black.

Fewer still are designed for running.

What you need to do is find something that is comfortable that is nearly all black, and fix them yourself. I have done that with some Adidas A3, Nike Air Max Solas, and these Air Max 360. When I find something I like, I normally buy several pairs. Currently I have 1 pair of the A3, 2 pairs of the 360, and 3 of the Solas in the box unworn...there is a Nike outlet store 20 miles from me, and I keep an eye open on E-Bay.

[Scrapper1]

Originally Posted by refnrev

What are those shoes in my bag called? Oh yeah, Nike Air Monarchs.

No offense intended, rev. They just weren't for me. Lots of people here recommended them, though. So maybe I just have no taste.

[M&M Guy]

Originally Posted by Scrapper1

So maybe I just have no taste.

That was a given - you are a Ranger's fan, right?

Maybe I've just been lucky, but most shoes I wear seem to work for me. I still wear both the Spot-Built and Reebok patents, and they both feel comfortable. One thing I do is switch between pairs every couple of games to give them a chance to air out while I use the others.

[Jurassic Referee]

Originally Posted by M&M Guy

That was a given - you are a Ranger's fan, right?

On the plus side though, Scrappy is also tall and likes pizza and brownpop.

Unlike the AntiScrapper....

[refnrev]

Originally Posted by Scrapper1

No offense intended, rev. They just weren't for me. Lots of people here recommended them, though. So maybe I just have no taste.

_____________________________________

None taken. Just having fun with you Scrapper!

[Swanny]

I have been looking at these, guy in my association wears them and swears they are absolutely amazing.




AirMax 90's

[coach41]

It is getting hard to find all black shoes (of any type) in traditional sports stores (Sports Authority, Foot Locker, etc). You usually will find some that are all black except the swoosh. Or some will have some white stripes, etc, etc.

I saw a nice looking part if Nike Running shoes (all black, even the swoosh) BUT the sole was yellowish. I was so disappointed.

Cross-trainers are not my favorite shoes so I have gone with mainly black basketball shoes.

BTW - for those who wear running shoes, are they really as light as others have said? I didn't feel particular comfortable with them, probably because they are lowtop and I usually wear hightop shoes to ref and play ball.

[IamKip]

Originally Posted by coach41

It is getting hard to find all black shoes (of any type) in traditional sports stores (Sports Authority, Foot Locker, etc). You usually will find some that are all black except the swoosh. Or some will have some white stripes, etc, etc.

I saw a nice looking part if Nike Running shoes (all black, even the swoosh) BUT the sole was yellowish. I was so disappointed.

Cross-trainers are not my favorite shoes so I have gone with mainly black basketball shoes.

BTW - for those who wear running shoes, are they really as light as others have said? I didn't feel particular comfortable with them, probably because they are lowtop and I usually wear hightop shoes to ref and play ball.

I swear by them. Light and very comfortable....

[imaref]

Why is it that "none" of the shoes offered up by officating supply houses meet the needs of the "rank and file" of officials? (Honig's....Between the Lines....Official's Choice.....Parson's.....Gerry Davis.....POS.....etc).

With the exception of OC....I believe most of these places carry the current models designed for the type of running we do. About two years ago, I got the opportunity to "beta" test a pair of OC Patent Leather shoes. These shoes were 'specially 'designed by officials for officials'. I used to wear Converse....but since wear testing the OC model....will tell you that these are the best and most comfortable shoes I have owned. I now own two pair, which I alternate from game-to-game. OC apparently isn't marketing the shoe anymore.....for whatever reason. They were in the process of adding some additional improvements to the model I currently wear....but no word about when they will be available. Sure hope they come up with a replacement similar to my OC's.....I'd like to place an order sooner than later.

Seems like too many people watch TV and feel they need what the "pros" are seen in. "Running billboards." IMHO....I prefer fit, comfort, support, protection and durability over "looks" and what's "trendy".

I guess the point I'm trying to make is, it appears the officiating supply companies tend to monitor the biz.....and I got to believe it's in their best interest to handle those products that best meet the needs of their primary market! Also....with the exception of a couple of brands/models of shoes carried by these companies.....most seem to be "all black".

[dahoopref]

Since we're on the topic of shoes, I used to work for Roadrunner Sports (a running shoe catalog company) and I'd like to give some friendly advice to my fellow officials.

If you are a referee 200 lbs or more, you need to wear a stable shoe. That means most likely a heavier shoe like a crosstrainer. These shoes will give you more support for your ankle and take more shock absorbtion for your knees. A light/soft shoe might feel comfy and light, but will not be able to take the pounding up and down the court you'll put on them. The midsole will not take the shock with the weight you put on the shoes. You will eventually feel pain in your foot and knees.

Running shoes have their bottom sole made of carbon. This material is designed for the street/pavement and not for the court. A carbon sole will leave a black mark on the court. This especially happens when a heavier referee uses them on the court.

If you referee more than 5 times a week, the idea of rotating two pairs of shoes is good. It allows the midsole of the shoe to regenerate to their original shape. In the long run, you'll be able to put more games in both shoes than if you bought 4 different shoes without rotating.

I use the Nike Air Max 5 Tool Trainer and these are very good.

[cmathews]

I really like the OC shoe as well...They did seem to break down fairly quickly though...I could feel when I stopped and changed directions, my foot seemed to "roll" out over the edge of the sole....and believe me this is not from and fantastic amount of speed I subject them too....but there are some forces at work LOL...

[Old School]

Originally Posted by imaref

With the exception of OC....I believe most of these places carry the current models designed for the type of running we do. About two years ago, I got the opportunity to "beta" test a pair of OC Patent Leather shoes. These shoes were 'specially 'designed by officials for officials'. I used to wear Converse....but since wear testing the OC model....will tell you that these are the best and most comfortable shoes I have owned. I now own two pair, which I alternate from game-to-game. OC apparently isn't marketing the shoe anymore.....for whatever reason. They were in the process of adding some additional improvements to the model I currently wear....but no word about when they will be available. Sure hope they come up with a replacement similar to my OC's.....I'd like to place an order sooner than later.

Ditto that! This was the shoe I was talking about too in another thread. This shoe is fantastic and I only break them out on my big games, on TV, etc. This shoe was made for officials, it doesn't have a lot of unnecessary crap on it either, just the trademark OC and that's in black. I was deeply disappointed they stop making this shoe because I would definitely get another pair. I think they are missing the boat but I understand the market is so niche. The medium to high cut offers additional support for the ankle. If you played the game, you understand the high top is a must.

I also like the advise of the next poster about using multple shoes during the week. I still have my Converses (patent leather) which is great on my feet too. My converse shoe is my work horse shoe and they are over 5 years old. Another shoe that's not being made anymore. If you hear that OC comes out with a newer model, please let me know.

[psujaye]

I love the new NBs. I feel the same way about the converse patents. Converse used to make a nice ref shoe with the same finish as the new NBs about 7-8 years back but they don't anymore. its too bad.

[Ref54]

Obviously these shoes were Nike but does anyone know the exact style?

[dblref]

I only break them out on my big games, on TV, etc.

Then this means you have never worn them.