Shoes for refereeing basketball...
 

http://www.amazon.com/ASICS-Mens-GT-...7155755&sr=1-5

There are many that you can find. I've posted a link to what I have above. Just use a Sharpie marker over the gray.

I'm sure that others will post what they like.

Hang out at the nearest department store or outlet store and find three or four different kinds that are on sale for $25 or $30. When you figure out which you like the best, stick to those, whatever the price. Some of the big name styles that people like are New Balance 609 Nike Air.

There are also several different on-line shopping places for officials. They each have their own brand of shoes, in addition to varied other brands.

These are the best shoes I've ever worn.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y24...bra/7a0d_1.jpg

They are Nike Air Max Solas, here is how they look after a magic marker and polish.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y24...a/IMG_0735.jpg

How does the marker hold up? Do you have to do many touch ups?

I don't know if I mentioned this before, but.....about two weeks ago, I happened to be talking with a very high ranking Nike executive. I told him that if Nike made a shoe specifically for basketball (and other sport) referees, they could probably sell quite a few of them. He asked me if I would be willing to endorse them if they did. Obviously, he was kidding. I told him he might get Tim Donaghy for that, since he wasn't doing anything right now and probably needs the money. He thought that was also a great idea. Obviously, he was still kidding. http://www.runemasterstudios.com/gra...mages/wink.gif

He is probably thinking about him endorsing the new orange model.

I believe it would be the tan model, from what I understand from my prison guard friends.

I currently wear these Reeboks:
http://www.honigs.com/detail.asp?Cat=2&Sub=12&Item=870


Although they are very comfortable I was thinking about sporting New Balance next season, does anyone have feedback on this model:
http://www.honigs.com/detail.asp?Cat=2&Sub=12&Item=1093

Maybe his cell mates will be Neal and Ben Dover. :eek:

I liked the New Balances I had for several years, but they weren't this model. I quit wearing the ones I liked because I couldn't get them in wide sizes. No one around here carried them.

Basketball Shoes for Officiating
 

Personally, I prefer basketball shoes to running shoes, but I think that's largely a matter of personal preference. The trick to finding all black, is to ask around. Ask a sales person if they can special order them. Or shop at the officials' sites. Lots of folks wear shoes for only one or two seasons, so that's not so much a matter of the brand as the particular need. Oh, and didn't I just say that I liked the New Balance? Support and comfort, yes, when I could find the right size.

Running shoes don't have very good lateral support, though. So if you find yourself making a lot of quick lateral cuts (like we all do), you may turn an ankle more easily wearing running shoes.

Basketball Shoes for Officiating
 

And I don't think you'll have much luck finding running shoes in all black. Generally running shoes have lots of reflective fabrics and light colors to help be seen at night while running.

You can go to NikeID.com and have shoes made up in whatever colors you want, though.

Thanks Smitty,
 

Once this summer I filled in last minute for someone who didn't show up - I was early for my game and I didn't have time to change my shoes - I was wearing my running shoes. About 3 trips up and down the court, all I could think about was I couldn't wait for halftime so I could change into my basketball shoes. It puts a strain on your ankles because there's just no support. The comfort becomes a moot point because you move laterally so much it begins to be uncomfortable.

I'm no expert, but I would recommend basketball shoes. I'd ask you this - would you wear your running shoes to play a game of basketball?

Shoes are an extremely personal thing. What you wear is going to greatly be affected by your personal issues and preference. I have had some court shoes that were terrible and I currently am wearing a shoe that is primarily a running shoe. Also not all shoes work for all types of situations. If you are working 4 or 5 games in a row, you might consider another shoe as compared to if you are working games during the season and you are running around for one game.

Peace

When I need new shoes, the rule I use is to buy whatever's on sale. It's worked so far.

Of course, I make up my own rules. :p

referee shoes
 

I`ve always liked the 3/4 sneakers,official`s choice made the best shoe ever,now it`s discontinued. I`d say go with cross trainers, mainly due to the extra lateral support.

Not sure if that was for me or Nevada, but, it depends on how you run and make the transition change of direction.

I tend to have a little bit of heel and toe scuffs on mine from crossing over, so about once a week I'll look for any areas that need the marker...this is pretty rare...and then go over them with Kiwi liquid. Takes about 2 or 3 minutes.

Thanks Smitty,
 

Something I do is if I'm doing several games I never do more than 2 games in the same shoes. I always have 2 pairs with me, find a couple of pairs you like, put them both in your bag and change shoes and socks every couple of games...your feet will thank you.;)

Has anyone tried these? New Balance BB610BP


http://www.newbalance.com/products/BB610BP/

Thanks, Jay. I have loved every pair of New Balance I have ever owned. But they quit making my current shoe. I will be trying this one!

BITS, I'm not promoting the shoe. It's just I'm looking for shoes for next season and I was wondering if anyone had comments about these new NB.

Seems kind of wasteful to spend $40-$60 for a pair of shoes, wear them twice and then chuck them.;)

It would be, but when you are as good as me Nike gives you a shoe deal.;)

Two seasons is all you'll get out of any shoe (allowing for some variance in the number of games and the level worked). Replace the insoles more frequently than that.

Best basketball shoe I've ever worn, hands down.

Best Shoes I've ever worn.

Well worth the price

You put your hands in your shoes?

You're wierd, Skippy.

It must be a volleyball thing.

What do you expect from somebody who doesn't know his libero from a hole in the ground?:rolleyes:

New Balance
 

I will not wear the shinny shoes. They kill my feet. I have had the same pair of New Balance shoe for over 4 yrs. They hold up well, but you have to polish often. I do not know the style. I don't think you can go wrong with New Balance no matter the model.

Good idea. You should wear shinny shoes only when shinnying up something. ;)

I heard they help with shin splints. :D

4 yrs???
 

sounds like great shoes, but a new pair wouldn`t hurt, really,seriously,no really.:confused:

New Balance also has another ref shoe, the BB888BP, which lists for $80 but can be bought online for $72 at OnlineShoes.com

I like that the New Balances come in wide widths. With some other shoes, you have to go up a size and you end up stopping short and getting turf toe. The NBs come in 2E and 4E.

http://www.onlineshoes.com/images/86446lg.jpg

As I have stated many times, I've used Air Monarchs for years, but I must admit that when this pair is done I'm probably going to go to New Balance. Every ref has different needs and tastes in a shoe. Get the one that works the best... but I have some real concerns about runners giving enough overall support when cutting and changing courts quickly... especially to us guys over 200lbs. Whatever you do, don't go with a walking shoe.

tried 888`s
 

:cool: I tried the NB`s 888 ,I didn`t like them, they were(are) very stiff,I mean very stiff,very boot like,you can see them at honig`s.com Honig's Whistle Stop Online Store - Products And guys, stop the madness, buy one pair of standard sneaks,and one pair of patent leather, and don`t be cheap,(you can deduct whatever you buy off your taxes) Use the patent leather for you big crowd games,or hotly contested weekend tournaments. And use the standard sneaks for you rec leagues,and little kid games,etc.:cool:

Found these, but they might be coaching shoes.
http://www.halloweenexpress.com/images/HA01.jpg

Don't tell them about the dogs.

google.com....where else?

Only if you like patent leather.

Some people do not like the feel or the fit of the patent leather shoes (that are currently available). I know I do not like the Reebok patent leather shoes and I have a pair of them and wore them only a handful of times. I am sure some people are not allowed to wear them in certain situations.

The issue is not whether or not you have a pair of patented leather shoes. The issue is if you have a pair of shoes that you like and are comfortable for what you are using them for. I agree that you should have a pair of shoes for the regular season games. I just bought a pair of NB 888 this summer that was the high tops style and I do not like the way they feel on my ankles. But I know people that swear by them.

All of us have different issues when we wear shoes. I like a pair I wear during my varsity games. I have a pair I wear for college games. I have a pair I wear for lower levels. And I even bought a different pair I used almost only for summer ball (different surfaces).

Peace

shoes
 

Two reasons really. Many people think that patent leather shoes look like cheap plastic. The other is that shining your shoes says something about you. It may mean that you care about your appearance and are willing to work at looking professional, or it may mean that you're a narcissist.

But what does wearing patent leather say about you? That you can shop? That you can't be bothered shining your shoes? Or that you allocate your time wisely?

That's for others to decide.

If I were in a situation where my success relied on how someone else was rating me, I'd be more concerned about what the more successful officials do and follow their lead.

You must have gone to Denton, you probably saw me, I wan the incredibly good looking guy that worked 20 friggin' games!!!!! :eek:

CLH

That's because they are plastic (although not always cheap).

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.:cool:

Oh? Have you got any proof that more successful officials actually do that? If so, please provide it. Or are you just saying that to bolster your own, personal opinion?

shoes
 

[quote=Jurassic Referee]Oh? Have you got any proof that more successful officials actually do that? If so, please provide it. Or are you just saying that to bolster your own, personal opinion?[/quote







Help me lord!

No, I`m saying, One of the reasons patent leather shoes are used, is to save time.Shining/polishing boots/shoes/sneaks.etc is very time consuming,it once,years ago was a sign of diligence,well it still is, somewhat, I give you that, but the point I`m trying to make is. IT is no longer required.You can buy your boots/shoes/sneaks,already shined,and get too doin`.

`Kay Pumpkin?:)

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

patent leather is because someone likes it, not because it's inherently better. When my assignor tells me I"ll get better games if I wear shinier shoes, I'll invest. Meantime, my not really very shiny all black real leather shoes work just fine, and don't take a lot of time.

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

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.

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

Well, next time say that instead of putting down nonsense about "more successful officials". You gave <b>your</b> opinion only. Don't intimate that "more successful officials" agree with you unless you can actually offer proof of that. That's an old trick that ain't gonna fly here. Btw, fwiw I completely disagree with your opinion anyway. That's <b>my</b> opinion.

Successful officials aren't measured by their shoes.

"Kay Pumpkin?

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

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

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

These sure look pretty shiney and it takes about 2 minutes once a week to keep them that way...and unlike the patents they are shiney all the way to the floor, they look uniform and don't go from mirror to asphalt like the patent leather ones do.

And most important...they feel great.

As usual you completely miss the point:confused:

The point is that ultra-shiny patent looking or actual patent shoes are a matter of taste, read opinion. Some people like them, so they wear them, then others decide they like them too, and it becomes popular. Shoes can look neat and cared for without being as shiny as patent leather. But if they are important to your assignor, yea, ya gotta do it. Otherwise, I think it's just what you like and what you don't. Jurassic doesn't like them. I don't either. You do. Oh, well.

As usual?

I put that in the exact same category as your "successful officials" statement. What basis are you using to say that is usual for me?

shoes
 

My basis is that in each and every thread, no matter what sport, you seem to find a arguement with someone, it`s friday, you will have had at least four arguements by monday night.Any who,I never said wearing patent leather or not had anything to do with being successful,I merely stated the less time spent on mudane(shining shoes,etc) things gives you more time for more important things, like learning. got it sugar?

Yup, I've got you figured out perfectly.

WOBW, sugar.

shoes
 

so you think

You said,

"wearing patent leather IS so you can follow what more successful officials do,"

and Jurassic asked you to show that more successful officials wear patent leather. He is questioning whether patent leather is really a necessary item for a "successful" ref. He wasn't arguing, just asking on what you base your statement. It's not an arguement, it's a discussion. Surely you know the difference.

From my experience and observation here in Portland, Oregon, I would question whether shining non-patent leather shoes is really much of a hindrance to learning. I mean, seriously, how much time does it take to whisk up your shoes once or twice a week? You could shine your shoes while you're studying your game tapes, or you could have your spouse read you test questions from last year's test, or you could listen to a tape of a lecture from camp. If you are really that concerned about the shoe-shining interfering with your learning.

BTW, where is Strong Island, NY?

Strong Island, NY???

Not to worry, it's certainly a joke.

No one in their right mind living on Long Island would call it Strong Island.

Where is M&M guy when you need him?

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.

6 pages on shoes? Wow. Pass the popcorn.

Shoes
 

THIS IS WHAT I WAS REFERING TO, I WAS AGREEING WITH JIMGOLF,AND MERELY,ADDED THAT ALL THIS TALK ABOUT SHINING SHOES WAS NOT NEEDED,THAT THEIR ARE SHINY SHOES AVAILABLE,FORGIVE ME BUT AFTER TWENTY YEARS IN CORRECTIONS, WE AND A LOT OF COPS I KNOW DON`T DO THE SHOE SHINE BIT ANY MORE, PATENT LEATHER HAS BECOME THE NORM, OF COURSE SOME STILL WEAR LEATHER, BUT LIKE I SAID, PAGE AFTER PAGE ON SHOES AND SHINING SHOES SEEMED A BIT CRAZY,SO I JUST OFFERED A ALTERNATIVE.ALSO, HERE IN NEW YORK AND STRONG ISLAND PATENT LEATHER IS A POPULAR STYLE.

IN ANSWER TO YOUR QUESTION, STRONG ISLAND IS CLOSE TO THE "BOOGIE DOWN BRONX",WHICH IS NEXT TO "CROOKLYN",:cool:

thank-you:cool:

I have the NB 888. It is a comfortable shoe. The leather takes a very nice shine.

______________________

I wouldn't recomend anything below the 600 level. IMHO they don't give enough support or comfort.

________________________

Just wait until we get started on pants!:D

This guy started already.

http://www.lafayetteanimalaid.org/im...ting%20dog.jpg

How does the Sharpie marker hold up on the non-black parts of shoes? Would you guys recommend a shoe polish as well? I'm not into the "shiny" shoes and would like to buy a basketball shoe to ref in...but as you all know, it's REALLY hard to find an ALL black shoe. I have the added problem of having size 14 feet!

shoes
 

Modell's - Footwear: Men's Footwear: Cross Training: New Balance 621 Cross Traini Nike.com Honig's Whistle Stop Online Store - Productsng Shoe Mens

Purchase Officials Supplies NorthEast :: Basketball :: Shoes
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This should keep you busy for a day or two:cool:

Not to bring this thread back to life, but I recently bought a pair of those New Balance BB610BPs and whoever said it's the best pair they've ever worn, I concur... Thanks!!

Two seasons ago, I went with a Nike shoe. Within a couple of weeks worth of games my achilles were hurting up a storm. I barely made it to the end of the season. That has taught me two things - 1) Make sure that I stretch on a regular basis, and 2) Always wear NB's. The past two season have been a breeze on my achilles despite working in a ever increasing number of game on a year round basis. So I completely agree with JoeTheRef. I have two pair of the 610's. As a matter of fact, I exchanged my pair of Nikes for my second pair of NB's and received a store discount for it.

You're welcome! (That was me way back in post #32 of the thread.) Now I gotta get me a new pair.

I have those. Not my favorite but they do shine nice. They feel heavy to me. Also they run narrow.

Mregor

I used to work in sporting goods . . . NB comes in widths still don't they?:confused:

Wouldn't that make it difficult to move around? :confused:

Hey I thought I read somewhere that the Nike Shox was a good shoe. What does everyone think? Has anyone tried them for officiating?

Mregor, give them another try. They come in 4E widths, which I really need. I have very fat feet, but they are soooo comfortable.

Don't feel bad. Mick has left-handed balls.

I never forget, Mick.

So he's a south paw? :rolleyes: