Shoes
 

In the Iowa-Wisconsin game there's an official wearing a shoe with a white Nike swoosh on the side. Has their policy changed to allow a shoe that isn't all black? Or could something happened to his other shoes? Just curious.

One supervisor in Michigan sent a message out to his staff that shoes are to be all black in color. I do not know of any other changes.

All I know is Ed Hightower cannot make a call without it being very dramatic and calling it over and over. He is the official I notice the most who seems to want to make sure everyone knows he is "in the house." Hillary and Valentine will make the same call and not make themselves so noticable. Most officials will sometimes, but Ed does it MOST of the time. I wish he remember, it is not about us, it is about the game.

I've wondered the same thing as I have season tix to my alma mater (Big 12 school) and have seen the same official several time this year with the white swoosh...

Seemed quite odd and unprofessional to me, but that's JMO...

Hightower had a poor game...he had two calls on Wisconsin and ruled no shot, when both times the Iowa player had not only gathered his dribble, but took a step before contact...Ed needs to review continuation.

As for Teddy's shoes, they were likely these:

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y24...zebra/4c_1.jpg

I wear the same shoes.
 

I also have another Nike with silver stripe I wear. No complaints...:D

I love comments like this. I wish I had a bingo card whenever I see them so I could play along:

-- It's not about us
-- It's about the game
-- Think of the children
-- etc.

Hightower is an officiating legend. I find it amusing that people criticize him and speak down like they're watching some random JV HS game somewhere.

And saying Valentine doesn't get noticed means you haven't watched a lot of Teddy V over the years. This was as good a crew as you're going to get on a Big 10 game.

The nonsense about a stripe on the shoe should be on the bingo card, too. These guys are wearing whatever shoe is most comfortable and helps them hurt less after games. Period. Just cause some supervisor thinks it's important doesn't mean others do -- or even notice.

Rich, you are way off base with my comments. Ed is a very good official, but over the years, it seems as if he is getting more dramatic. Yes, Ted gets dramatic, but not as OFTEN as Ed. I just think he is overdramatic too often. On big calls, yes, sell it with authority, but they are not all that big.

I agree with you on the shoes, no biggy to have one stripe or swoosh.

I have seen plenty of Big 10 BB over the years and the only better crew, IMO, is to have Steve Welmer instead of Hightower.

You must be talking about his 4-hip-bang block call. I'm happy to see guys throw in a bit of individuality and fire.

The Steve Welmer drinking game requires one to drink every time Steve tugs on his pants.

I think he went with 5 today, on the block call against WI when Haluska was shooting in the paint. It was a bid odd, as the arena was pretty quiet at the time, no one hit the floor, and it wasn't a drive to the basket.

And I'm going to see what my partners say at my next pregame, when, in discussing the procedure for going for help on OB calls, it goes something like this:
Partner: "If I'm lead and need help on the baseline, I'll blow the whistle, raise my hand, and come find you - step out and make eye contact,"
Me, interrupting: "And I'll come running through the players from my outside position, all the way to the baseline, pointing the direction repeatedly and blowing my whistle repeatedly as I'm running down there. Sound good?":D

He's funny to watch. My wife was in the next room when that hip-banger call happened, and upon hearing him yell his "block" repeatedly, she yelled in, "Is that Hightower?" (She hadn't previously been paying attention to the game at all.) Funny stuff.

Helluvan official, to be sure. Just funny to watch sometimes. I'm still amazed at how his facial expression never ever changes, no matter what he's calling/doing. Seriously amazing. I have no idea how he does that.

That'd make for a quick night.

_____________________________________________

I like those shoes. I'd wear them.

And the "block! block! block! block! that followed each time he banged his hips.

Great observation of Welmer. :D

Great post HawkeyeCubP!!

I was working a boys varsity Christmas tourney in Illinois and I had one as the lead where A1 tried to drive baseline and B1 just didn't quite get there before A1 was airborne. Right in front of me and it was a helluva collision. I gave it a 3-hip-bang block (with the BLOCK! BLOCK! BLOCK!.....count it!) and it was out before I even realized what I was doing.

But 4 or 5? Now that's a SELL! :D

Done it myself in big games and big plays, and it does sell the call. Ed is just a little to much for my taste.

JMO, but I think they're fugly. I hate the bumpy texture on them.

As for Teddy's shoes, they were likely these:

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y24...zebra/4c_1.jpg[/QUOTE]


What are they called?

Hightower makes six figures officiating, and gets the games he get's year in and year out who are we to judge.

In years past, Ed Hightower didn't have hair. I guess when he became the Superintendent of schools in Edwardsville, IL, he had to have a full head of hair.
As for Welmer tugging on his pants drinking game.... If you drank a shot of beer everytime he tugged, then a case of beer, per person, would be gone before the 1st half ended.
Back to Hightower. I saw him come running from the baseline to call an "Over and Back", backcourt violation. Again htat was back when he was bald.

These are not the shoes. The swoosh is 50 times bigger and a bright white. Seems like overkill to me and it is definitely an attention getter. I think this is stretching the bounds of official wear. The shoes should be solid black, no white, no silver. I tell you what. All things being equal, officials that wear all kinds of silver/white in their shoes, should not get key assignments over another official who doesn't. If it comes down to you wanting to wear what's most comfortable. Either find a pair of shoes that are comfortable and all black or don't work. My thing is this, if we are going to make players tuck in their shirts, no different colors of head bands, arm bands, etc. Officials should keep it all black with the shoes, imho.

I would be willing to bet that if you ask a fan that was at the game what kind of shoes the ref wore that you could count the number that knew on one hand. Only another ref would pay attention to that. I don't think that they wear them to draw attention themselves....and I don't think that the shoes make the official good or bad....obviously they are much better officials than alot of us on this forum or they would be commenting on the shoes that you or I wear.

I don't know, is it me or has ever since Teddy V took off all the weight, has he become less dramatic? It seems that every game, he is fairly quiet most of the game and then there is a three minute stretch where it seems he has it all on his plate.

As for shows---Teddy I believe wears the New Balance with the White Logo. Hell if we all call the games they can call...I don't care if they wear bear slippers with white sox....(well maybe the white sox).

If you got that big white stripe on, it's about you. Don't give me that crap about it's more comfortable. It's more comfortable because of that big white swoosh and nobody else has it. I agree that the shoe don't make the official. The thing about it is where do you draw the line. If we're going to let that go, than why don't we just let the players wear their shirt tails out? Pants below the hips, etc.

So they have a white stripe on them...big friggin' deal....now if they were all white I might have to agree with you.

Hey Rocky, I vote we start with this one.

Go ahead...you know what to do. It'll make you stronger.

_________________________________

Don't go there. I worked with a guy who had on white shoes once and it wasn't in volleyball! He was about as good as you would expect a guy wearing white shoes to be! (No he wasn't, I was trying to be polite!)

Let's get Joan and Melissa Rivers to officiate the B.O.A.(Basketball Officials Attire) awards. Let's get some real pro's on this!

____________________________
I don't know Scrappy, they look pretty comfortable. I'm an all black guy, but one of the finest officiated games I ever saw was by a guy in his early 30's who had on black addidas with three white stripes. I noticed, but all refs would notice. I'll bet the AD, coaches, players, and fans like him better than a lousy guy with slick black shoes. What do you wear Scrappy? I'm betting Patents.

I don't think the shoes make the ref. I have absolutely no comment on whoever was wearing those shoes in a game. I'm only making an aesthetic judgment; which is that I don't like the bumpy texture. I'm not even commenting on the stripes. I wore the Nike Air Monarchs last year (based on what I read on the forum here). They have that same bumpy texture. And I absolutely hated how they looked. I ditched them after only a year, despite the fact that there were actually pretty comfortable.

Nope, I hate the patents, too. They just look fake. This year I'm wearing the New Balance 610's. They're awesome. Nice and wide for my fat feet. They have a shine to them, but they're not patent. Let me see if I can find a link. . .

http://www.newbalance.com/cms-servic...mage?id=339845

Well, I thought that would give you a picture, but it's just a link.

My question to you would be, do you like David Hall?

I almost fell out of the chair! MJT, you know very little about officiating! Very little!

I don't know if this is a dig at Welmer, but I like Welmer, Hightower, Higgins, Valentine, Hillary, Burr, etc. over most of the guys I can't recognize.

I guess my opinion sucks! :mad: You must be the expert. :eek: Welmer must be doing something right besides pulling up his pants often. :D

When my favorite team is playing, and I want the best Big 10 officials, IMO, I want Welmer working that game. But then again, what do I know. Apparently nothing!

Both of those guys are two of the best in the country. JMO, but if your working the Big 10 your shiznit is certainly wired pretty tight. Working D1 is one thing. If your a regular in a power conference that's another. However, at the end of the day these guys are human. There are two groups of people who are the hardest on officials; ourselves and other officials. Even when we watch our favorite teams play we are seeing it form an entirely different perspective. I would imagine that is what drives most of us.

Does anybody know where you can get these shoes?

Google Nike Air Max 360...the silver covers very easily with a magic marker, so they get to all black, with just a little bit of work.

I had a pair a few years ago when they first come out, and that's exactly what I did. No problem covering up the silver swoosh at all. Comfortable shoes too.

I did not read any comment that specifically addressed your question. But the bottom line at the NCAA level, there are no rules that prohibit any white on the shoes. Shoes must be black, but they do not have to be entirely black. It is really up to each assignor to decide what is acceptable. Even in the NF there is no rule that I know of that says you cannot have any white on the shoes. Also what an official wears is up to each area and local association to determine. I know officials in our state do wear shoes with some white on them. It is really a personal decision to what is acceptable.

Peace

the officials manual
 

The officials manual says all black with black laces.....damnit now those hot pink laces have to come out....wish I hadn't read that....LOL :D

Not sure what manual you are reading. To be specific the CCA Men's Manual says black socks, black shoes and black shoe strings. It does not use the word "entirely black." There is also a passage about shoes can be approved by a conference. So it is clear that a conference can allow some different styles within the guidelines.

If you are referring to the NF Official's Manual (which I do not have in front of me right now) it must be noted that each state can choose what is approved for their officials. There are states that allow the "gray shirts" to be worn. My state has outlawed the "side panel shirts" even though there is no reference from the NF that outlaws the side panel shirts. So where you live and who you work for will dictate what you can and cannot wear or do.

Peace

That's what I was wondering. What the Big Ten policy was. Sounds like it must be acceptable.

it is the NFHS manual...and yeah I agree states have some latitude in some areas...

Why don't you just "dye" or "blacken" the white or silver logos black to match the shoe? Unless you are getting, or giving a shoe endorsement....why not all black? :cool:

A black marker does not look very good with all logos. Some logos are plastic in nature and do not just go entirely black if written on. They might look gray. I would rather leave them alone. I used to do this long time ago, now I just leave the logo on or find a shoe that is entirely black.

Peace

Not from my experience...and you just don't marker them, you cover the entire shoe with whatever polishing liguid you choose...I've covered fabric and plastic. Colors ranging from white to silver, even a combo of white and bright yellow. And all have gone to a deep, perfect black.

[QUOTE=Scrapper1] I'm only making an aesthetic judgment; which is that I don't like the bumpy texture. I'm not even commenting on the stripes. I wore the Nike Air Monarchs last year (based on what I read on the forum here). They have that same bumpy texture. And I absolutely hated how they looked. I ditched them after only a year, despite the fact that there were actually pretty comfortable.
_____________

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

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.

No offense intended, rev. They just weren't for me. Lots of people here recommended them, though. 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.

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

Unlike the AntiScrapper....:eek:

_____________________________________

None taken. Just having fun with you Scrapper!;)

Shoes
 

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

http://a712.g.akamai.net/7/712/225/v...13775001_z.jpg


AirMax 90's

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.

Love my running shoes Nike Cog Shox
 

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

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". :cool:

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.

http://di1.shopping.com/images/di/6f...00x100-0-0.jpg

really like the OC shoe
 

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...

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.

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.

Style of Shoes
 

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

Then this means you have never worn them.

:D <i></i>

Jordan Team Strong
 

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. :eek:

Shoes
 

Thanks Mark, I think.:rolleyes:

Ted Valentine Shoes
 

I am still wanting to know what kind of shoes Valentine is wearing with the big white Nike Swoosh. Anyone know what Nike "model" these are?

I believe he wears the Nike Men's Air Max Azulikeit Leather

Why does anyone care? They look completely silly.

[IMG]<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y245/blindzebra/IMG_0330.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>[/IMG]


My latest pair.

What I wore last season.

[IMG]<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y245/blindzebra/IMG_0333_1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>[/IMG]

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. :D 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.:D

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.

Blindzebra air max 360? Did you marker in the bottoms as well as the nike strip?

Yes, here is what the shoes I wore last season look like before the marker.[IMG]<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y245/blindzebra/200671225931.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>[/IMG]

you must be a quiet a marksman with a magic marker:D

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...ayphotohosting


close

Have a pair of those too...I don't like the texture for real games, so I use them for rec ball.

Are they authentic though? The fake ones feel like normal shoes where the real 360s are much more comfortable.

Stick with the ones who are power sellers, shipping from the US.

Also, it is tough to tell sometimes from the pictures what material the shoe has on it's uppers. Some have a suede-like material that looks okay but you can't shine them.

I've had good luck so far, and the one time I had a problem...they sent a shoe that wasn't in the auction...I received a full refund.

Photo of Ted's Shoes
 

In this case, being a power seller doesn't matter and at first look they will be the same shoe - but they aren't. Think about it, where would an Ebay power seller get a unique color that you can't get in a store. Like I said, the fake shoes are comfortable, they just aren't as comfortable as real 360s.
I speak from personal experience.

:eek: <!verbage>

Tommy I'm gonna blame you for being a jinx...I blew the sole out of my rec 360s tonight. The bubbles that stick out from the hard plastic popped.

Hey, I just want to tell people what I know - because I lived it. I would be curious to see what the shoes looked like. If you don't mind, can you take some pictures of the shoes up close? If you get a picture of the writing on the inside of the tongue, the tongue on the outside, the back (part that will come in contact with the ankle) and the bottom we can do some comparison. After my ordeal, I'm afraid there might be someone making some knockoffs and selling them in all these colors. I still find it dubious that there are some color combinations that can't be purchased anyplace except ebay.

Where I noticed the difference is under the sole support.

Actual Nikes have a white, spongy, soft bottom inside the shoe is that your experience as well?

Of course, there are knockoffs. all you have to do to know that is read some of the threads that get posted here(and constantly deleted here) from the "ship-direct-to-you-from-China" bunch. You know, the ones that offer you a gen-u-wine Rolex also for an extra 50 bucks. :)

1. The pattern on the bottom is identical at first glance. Keep looking and there is a very small difference.
2. The tongue is a different shape at the top.
3. The writing on the tongue is different.
4. The back of the shoe is more narrow where it touches the ankle
5. The fake shoes aren't nearly as comfortable.

Someone emailed me a 30% off coupon for Footlocker, Champs and Footaction this weekend. I guess it is my duty to go out and buy me another pair of 360s!