Shoes

[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.

[Jurassic Referee]

Originally Posted by Old School

This shoe is fantastic and I only break them out on my big games, on TV, etc.

[NoFear]

Can anyone hepl me find size 13 Jordan Team Strong. Black/Silver?
Thanks!

[Mark Padgett]

Originally Posted by NoFear

Can anyone hepl me find size 13 Jordan Team Strong. Black/Silver?
Thanks!

I hepled a guy once. He didn't like it very much, though. Plus - it tickled.

[NoFear]

Thanks Mark, I think.

[blindzebra]

[IMG][/IMG]


My latest pair.

[blindzebra]

What I wore last season.

[IMG][/IMG]

[tomegun]

Blindzebra, where did you get those shoes? For those who don't know, those shoes are Air Max 360s and while they are VERY expensive, IMO they are the most comfortable shoe in the world. However, when straying from the normal nike colors, which all black is not, there are imitations out there. I unfortunately know about this first hand - but I got my money back. I have two pairs right now and these are probably the only shoe where I would buy some right now if I found some authentic ones in a color I like.

[blindzebra]

Originally Posted by tomegun

Blindzebra, where did you get those shoes? For those who don't know, those shoes are Air Max 360s and while they are VERY expensive, IMO they are the most comfortable shoe in the world. However, when straying from the normal nike colors, which all black is not, there are imitations out there. I unfortunately know about this first hand - but I got my money back. I have two pairs right now and these are probably the only shoe where I would buy some right now if I found some authentic ones in a color I like.

Both pairs on E-bay.

You bid, so prices vary, but with shipping both were under $90...not bad for $160 shoes.

They require touching up with a magic marker, but do so easily, and both shine very well with the bottled liquid polish...for me 5-10 minutes a week is a small price to pay for comfort.