Shoes for refereeing basketball...

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by blindzebra1

I think you got it backwards, wearing patent leather IS so you can follow what more successful officials do, by spending less time doing mudane things like shining my shoes.And patent leather has come a long way,it`s looks good.If patent leather is good enough for us on the force and in the military,it`s good enough to ref some games in. And yes I shop very well.

I do not completely agree with this. It is true that the military and several police forces might use patent leather shoes, but I do not agree that you have to be a successful official based on the shoes you wear. Actually I do not see very many officials at the highest of levels wear patent leather shoes. Actually patent leather shoes seem to be more of a HS thing and a fading fad.

That is why I will continue to say that what you wear on your feet is very personal. You are not going to convince people that believe in what they do to change. Ultimately shoes should fit and be comfortable for whatever level you do. If they look good that is a plus.

Peace

[blindzebra1]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

I do not completely agree with this. It is true that the military and several police forces might use patent leather shoes, but I do not agree that you have to be a successful official based on the shoes you wear. Actually I do not see very many officials at the highest of levels wear patent leather shoes. Actually patent leather shoes seem to be more of a HS thing and a fading fad.

That is why I will continue to say that what you wear on your feet is very personal. You are not going to convince people that believe in what they do to change. Ultimately shoes should fit and be comfortable for whatever level you do. If they look good that is a plus.

Peace

Tru dat,tru dat, but here in the new york area they are a growing trend, for players,I mean,you`ll see.

[Smitty]

I've never understood the whole shiny shoes thing for referees. I am guessing it's something that probably started a very long time ago when the shoes refs wore probably were not really athletic shoes. I think it's outdated and it looks awful. I will never shine my sneakers unless my assignor tells me I need to.

I am always looking at people's shoes, and I don't notice many people wearing shiny shoes in our association. Thank goodness.

I wholeheartedly agree with JRut - comfort is priority #1. If you can find a pair that looks good and feels good and are all black, consider yourself very fortunate.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by Smitty

I've never understood the whole shiny shoes thing for referees. I am guessing it's something that probably started a very long time ago when the shoes refs wore probably were not really athletic shoes. I think it's outdated and it looks awful. I will never shine my sneakers unless my assignor tells me I need to.

I disagree with you there. A shined pair of shoes looks good no matter what kind of shoes they are. This the very reason why there still are shoe shin stands in airports. Also if your shoes shine it just looks a lot better than dull, bland shoes. We even shine our shoes in football and baseball and the minute you walk onto the field they are not shined anymore. But it just looks like you care about your appearance and care about other things going on during the game. Since a large part of what we do is presentation, you do not go to a presentation looking like you just rolled out of bed with hair not combed and taking a shower. You put your best foot forward (no pun intended) and look like you take this seriously. The same goes for having your pants pressed or making sure your shirt does not have frayed edges.

Peace

[Smitty]

We do disagree on that point then. I keep my shoes in their own bag and only wear them inside of the gym. They are always in perfect shape. I don't think shining sneakers makes them look any better at all - quite the opposite. I believe I look as professional on the court as anyone else.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by Smitty

We do disagree on that point then. I keep my shoes in their own bag and only wear them inside of the gym. They are always in perfect shape. I don't think shining sneakers makes them look any better at all - quite the opposite. I believe I look as professional on the court as anyone else.

I do not know how they stay "perfect." I only wear my shoes on the court and they stay in the bag all the time as well other than when I am wearing them, and I pick up dust and some grime all the time. Or they get scuffed up by being stepped on. Also shining your shoes takes away a lot of the wear and tear look. It fills in the nature cracks and crevices in your shoes. So a pair I have had for several years look a lot newer. That is really the very reason people shine their shoes in the first place is to preserve their original look longer.

Peace

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by blindzebra1

Tru dat,tru dat, but here in the new york area they are a growing trend, for players,I mean,you`ll see.

The best patented leather shoe was the Converse All-Star. Converse went under and Nike bought company (I think) and there have been imitations but not a decent match. I do like the Spot-Bilt Patent Leather shoe, but it is not as stylish as the All-Star. Around here, ever since the All-Stars were not made anymore, the wearing of those shoes has diminished greatly. And it seems like no one is making those kinds of shoes nearly as much as they did about 3 years ago.

Peace

[JoeTheRef]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

The best patented leather shoe was the Converse All-Star. Converse went under and Nike bought company (I think) and there have been imitations but not a decent match. I do like the Spot-Bilt Patent Leather shoe, but it is not as stylish as the All-Star. Around here, ever since the All-Stars were not made anymore, the wearing of those shoes has diminished greatly. And it seems like no one is making those kinds of shoes nearly as much as they did about 3 years ago.

Peace

I totally agree. I've noticed that more officials are going away from the patent leather shoes. The only pair I own have been relegated to my rec leagues.

[Jurassic Referee]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

Actually patent leather shoes seem to be more of a HS thing and a fading fad.

That's my take also. And they're fading fast also.