Non compliant. Manual 1.5.1.D: "Entirely black with black laces."

Close enough for government work :)

I hate Nikes.

New Balance and Reebok much much better shoes.

I happened to stop in SportsAuthority last night. I have no idea whether this is a sale only at the store I happened to be at, or is throughout the chain, or is available on-line, .... but I got NB MX620ABs for $20 each (that's $40 a pair).

bob, please see my e-mail

Has anyone had better luck using 1 type of black magic marker (over another)to cover non-black spots? how about shoe/leather paint?

I bought Reebok DMX's on Ebay for $15. Size 14...all black. I LOVE the shoes at this point. Great find/buy.

There's a good chance that any shoes sold on Ebay are counterfeit. There was a recent bust of a counterfeiting ring that specialized in selling knockoffs from China and Korea on Ebay. You might need to re-order from the factory in Shanghai.

They were mostly Nike's but other brands were counterfeited as well.

http://www.pumatalk.com/blog/?p=64

I agree and disagree.

A large portion of Nikes are fashion athletic shoes whereas other companies make more performance shoes. New Balance is about performance and that is one of the reasons their shoes have numbers and will continue on for more than one year with little/no changes. Another indicator is the fact that New Balance comes in widths and has easily removeable insoles so the user can replace them with something better/different.
Nikes will have catchy names and the model may die after one year. Running shoes, as an example, from Nikes are mainly about fashion. One of the exceptions is the Bower line - I think that is what it is called.

Reeboks are junk IMO. But I would encourage anyone to wear anything that allows foot comfort.

Having said all of that, we ref basketball and although we aren't playing I prefer basketball shoes instead of running shoes. This is of course for one college game or two high schook games (I only do two because that is the way we do things in Mississippi). If I were to do three rec games, which is my rec game mental limit, I would want something that is more of a running shoe. I think basketball shoes are better because the foot sits down "inside" the shoe more and the foot sits more on top of the shoe with running shoes.

I have one pair of New Balance (I don't know the number) and Kobe Bryant's latest shoe from Nike ID. The first time out, the New Balance seemed to be OK and didn't have the comfort I expected. The Kobe's felt great! I was going to ask my buddy what he thought of the looks because they felt good enough for me to have to live with the looks. Before I could ask him, he told me he liked them and asked me where I got them from.

No matter what I, or any other official, wears everyone should try to get something that is comfortable for them. The season is too long to have your feet hurting all the time.

I purchased some fake Nike 360s from Ebay. The way they felt was a dead giveaway. I looked at them VERY closely and realized they were not the same as the authentic pair I had. I emailed the seller and told him I would leave feedback telling everyone he was selling fakes unless he gave me my money back. Needless to say I got my money back.

That's a felony here in Oregon. BTW - Nike is so pervasive here, maybe this is what we'll all look like soon.

http://culturejam.files.wordpress.co...wooshsmile.jpg

Nike Air Max Elite (from last year)

I am searching for a new pair for this year. Looking to go with either a pair of NB 888 or another Nike. Still deciding...

I actually kind of like your passion. You can think what you want and I will think what I want. I don't know if you work for Nike or what, but what I'm saying does not diminish my love for Nike. I have had foot problems, and after going to several running shoe stores I have learned what some of the differences are with shoes.

Let me ask you this. If all sport specific shoes from Nike are about performance first 1) why do the shoes change names on a yearly basis when other companies update the same shoe to make improvements 2) why doesn't Nike make a line of motion control shoes that do not require orthodics for people who would otherwise wear them? My answers are:

1. They are very concerned with fashion. If a company makes a widget one year, would they scrap that design the following year and come out with a gadget or improve the widget and produce the 2007 widget? Don't get me wrong, the Nike 360 is the most comfortable shoe I've ever worn, but I wouldn't and really can't run in them.
2. Performance shoe companies make motion control shoes with built-in orthodics because they know runners need that support without the added weight of their orthodics. Another factor is that design limits the amount of users who will buy them, but that specific group is their target in the first place. Many running shoe models only come in one or two color combinations. Not Nike, they have many colors to go with whatever outfit (fashion) you are wearing.

The funny thing about this whole debate is, I love Nike so much. I mean I really LOOOOOOVE the swoosh. When my wife got into stocks I told her it was mandatory that she get at least on share of Nike just because the way I feel about Nike.

I will still say that when it comes to running shoes Nike doesn't work on performance as much as other companies. Don't just single out New Balance, think about Mizuno, Brooks, Asics, etc.
I have foot problems that have bothered me since before I started officiating. I'm in the Air Force and I wear boots everyday. Additionally, I used to be one of those guys that was at the gym playing ball all the time. The position I'm coming from is someone who must get the best shoes for running. My opinion has been formed by various doctors and employees at running shoe stores. BTW, those stores are way more than just a Foot Locker type of store. They allow you to run in their shoes and they evaluate how your foot is striking the ground. They have Nikes at those stores and it wouldn't be too far of a stretch to say they are collecting dust.

I know Nike was founded on running. I did some research on the company. Did I mention how much I love Nike? :D

I agree with you about marketing. Besides Microsoft, Nike probably has one of the best marketing departments ever. When I say fashion shoes I mean I wear Nike running shoes when I'm out and about, but I do not run in them. They work great for a lot of people and I wish my feet would allow me to be one of them, but I don't think they are the best by any means.

If we were to talk about any activity besides running, I would agree with you. I just don't really consider another brand. The New Balance I got for officiating was just to see what they were about and I'm not impressed so far.

You should tell running publications that shoe styles change every year then maybe they would deduct points from other companies for not changing their styles.

I think the core names you speak of are probably Shox, Air, Air Max, 360, Zoom, etc. The specific shoe names is what changes. That isn't always the case with other brands. My sister works for Saucony's parent company and I was in their company store looking at the 2008 model line. The same shoe I have is carrying over to the new line. That is what I was talking about. Nike doesn't always change the shoe names, but they do it a lot.

How can you speak about running shoes and not know what motion control is? Different foot types require different types of shoes. Motion control is a type of shoe that helps runners who overpronate. These shoes basically have a built-in orthodic.

Look at this article http://www.mensjournal.com/toolsToys...ningshoes.html Nike wins in the cushioning category with the 360 of course. That is the only Nike mentioned. Look at this http://www.rateitall.com/t-559-running-shoes.aspx Only 3 out of 27 ratings are Nikes.

After the advice of doctors, running shoe store specialists and dealing with plantar faciitis for over 10 years, do you really think I'm guessing? The alternative is to listen solely to someone who is making their living from Nike. It is safe to say you are a little biased.

Say hi to "Agent Orange" for me. :) If you don't know who that is, his initials are "HS".