Shoes....
 

What shoes are you guys lacing up this year?

I'm trying to find some Nike Air Max 180s but getting them in all black is tricky....

Nb 888

spotbilt patent leathers....love the patent leathers and i was able to find these in wide which is key for me...

In NY, it seems like all the officials working the pre-season tournaments were wearing patent leather.

Obviously a sign of the Apocalypse.

You mean like these?

http://images.jupiterimages.com/comm...4/23105436.jpg

Buy some Starburys in all black only $14.99 at Steve and Berrys...lol j/k:eek:

Why you playing? I actually have a pair and they are comfortable. I wanted to try them out. So far so good.;)

The Ref - Patent Leather by Reebok. Got a new pair that should last me hopefully two season then I'm probably switching to NB.

Hey so do I. I purchased the Starburys last year and wore them. And last week I purchased the new ones, I think it called Starbury 2 or something like that.

Anyone tried the Pentagon shoes that are out for officials?

I ordered a pair of Nike ID Shox.... you design them, patent leather, add initials, short name and such. They look good; now I will see how they wear.

Oh, come on. It's not like he's going to war.

I thought about doing this with the Air Max...I tried Shox and just not sure I like them as well as the Max....Like all of us...I need some pillows on my feet...I've got tendonitis in both knees and at least I can keep my dawgs comfy! :o :D

I feel your pain Dogg..:) I think they offer at least three types now that you can modify "your" way. Again I have no idea how they will do after a season. For now I really like the feel and I only wear them on the court.

NB 621...old reliables...tried the new NB 8810 reffing shoe didnt care for them and switched back to the 621"s

Hey what kind shoes from Nike did you design. Can you give me some ideas.

Tommy

Design my be stretching it, but you go to Nike ID website http://nikeid.nike.com/nikeid/index....d=7229630#home Choose mens... pick which Nike Platform you want to start with and it will walk you thru the process. You can view the shoe as you build it. I think they created these for teams to have matching shoes. I made all of the colors black, with patent leather, added my initials on the side and Splute on the strap. I chose the Shox Elite.....

nb.. somthing... dont know the num...

I went to NikeId to design some shoes, chose the Shox R4's. Whenit was all said and done they wanted $170.00. Changed my mind. Went on Ebay and found some R4's All black for alot cheaper. I like them so far, authentic off the shelf all black shoes with only a little white reflective on the toe and heels (easily covered by marker). I hope they last the year I am concerned about the shox blowing out.

Pentagon
 

You mean the "Chrysler's":D ? Just bought a pair, but haven't broken them in yet.

Do you guys prefer natural or patent leather style shoes? Some refs think patent leather is drawing attention to yourself and others think it looks more professional. Don't know if any coach, assignor, or AD has ever commented on shoes.

When I was trying to get involved in officiating I had no idea what was needed. The info I read said "shiny solid black shoes", thus I bought Patent leather. I have gotten a lot of positive comments by other officials. Even my children wanted a pair.:) So by accident I have patent and they are growing on me. I always thought Patent leather was for women's shoes.... :)

I've got NB something, can't remember the number. I don't go for the patent leather stuff, as I had an official tell me they don't really breathe very well, and my feet need breathing.

this is not nike air max, but


http://www.honigs.com/detail.asp?Cat=2&Sub=24&Item=1120

I was thinking about picking up a pair of these, but do you all think the white around the swoosh & in the arch is non-compliant (all black).

Nike Air Monarch 3. Very soft and a lot of cushioning, but I don't like the way the 3's fit at the ankles like the 2's did. When these wear out I'm going to NB.

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If you need something that feels like pillows try onthe Air Monarch 3's. Not real stylish but "very pillowy."

New Balance 610s here.

PF Flyers here. If they're good enough for Jonny Quest, they're good enough for me. Plus - I got a free magic ring!!! I use it to muffle coaches. :D

http://www.classicjq.com/artifacts/m...es/JQring2.jpg

shoes
 

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".

Just for the record, my podiatrist, who specializes in runners (and has trained some olympic runners), says that Nike shoes are designed for the mass market, and if you put in the orthotics that you need for your own feet, they are very good running shoes. He says there's no way a mass market company is going to make a shoe for every single foot. But they're well designed to be used with individual adjustments as necessary . He also sells the orthotics :). So who's in it for the money?

You've been dealing with plantar fasciitis for 10 years? You're not seeing the right podiatrist, or specialist. I got rid of it in one season, without missing a single game.

Juulie is very right here. Just because they're not a perfect fit fit for you (tomegun) or any number of people doesn't necessarily lead to them being a poor shoe for running. For the foot they're designed to fit, they may be the absolute best.

I've tried many different shoes. For my feet: Nikes fit the best. NB's (tried after the many raves I've seen on here) were horrible...I couldn't stand the way they fit my foot. Reeboks are OK. Converse a little less so, but not bad.

A couple years ago, I injured both of my feet...had a lot of arch pain and could hardly walk after working a game....it would partially clear until I ran again. Over several months (I procrastinate going to the doctor), I tried a bunch of things...different shoes (Nike, NB, Reebok), inserts, etc. No shoe made any difference. Only once I inserted a set of "Superfeet" (OTC orthodic) in every shoe I wore (on and off the court) did they get better. For the first two or three days, my feet actualy hurt more, but in a different way. The Superfeet were putting pressure on the point of injury...providing more arch support than any shoe I had ever worn but creating a little "pressure point" pain. Then they started getting better quickly It took about 2-3 weeks for my feet to feel back to normal. Now, I've largely weaned my feet off the superfeet except for my court shoes (Nike).

Interesting!! Superfeet is what I was sold by my podiatrist,and it was like a miracle cure. I also got rid of one particular shoes that we decided had caused the probelm.

One pair of shoes? Or a left shoe or a right shoe?:D

I agree, Smitty. Nike does make a great shoe. What they don't do very well, however, is annex. :rolleyes:

That's a local reference. If you don't live around here, you won't have any idea what that means.

Marketing = fashion. Anybody who tells you otherwise, is marketing ;)

I'm a New Balance guy. I just ordered a pair of 888's this week, after running my last pair of NB's into the ground (2 1/2 seasons with them). The 4E width is the clincher for me.

First of all, are you kidding me? You will have an email from me within a week! I will have no problem finding a pair of Nikes I like - I like so many. I think what people aren't reading is that other than running, I'm sure I have 5x more Nike stuff than the average person.

Smitty, before I forget. What do you think of the difference between the 2006 and 2007 360 running shoes? I think the 2006s feel better, but I like the colors of the 2007s better.

Juulie, maybe my foot situation is different from what you had. I have been to many doctors and had multiple shots - very painful. You are blessed to be able to get rid of it so quickly. Maybe it is the boots everyday that don't help.

I don't wear my orthodics when I ref. I wear Superfeet and they are very good.

Putting orthodics into Nikes makes the shoe heavier. Buying a shoe that allows your foot to strike in the correct way and is lighter seems to be a better solution to me. If I had a normal foot, I wouldn't even have ever tried anything else so I would only have Nike. Add in the fact that while most orthodics are good for walking, many are not that good for running. Also, I don't think I said they are a poor shoe for running, I just said they aren't the best and I gave references to back my claim up. If a doctor says there is no way a mass marketing company cannot make a shoe for every foot, but companies who specialize in running shoes can, well you should question that doctor's logic. Who has more resources to make a good range of cushioning, stability and motion control shoes? Nike, Saucony, Mizuno, Asics, Brooks or New Balance?

Don't be so caught up in taking a side in the discussion - not talking to you Smitty - and think logically. Here is a company that is by far the best athletic company in the world and their are publications that rank them below many others in a specific sport. Oh, that company was built on that sport too which means they should by far be the best at it. Does that make sense or does it make more sense to just say they are a mass marketing company and they can't appeal to everyone?

Smitty, that email will be on the way. Thank you.

I sent you an email Smitty! :D

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bigdog,
I hope those DMXs weren't walkers. They're black and nice and soft... but walkers will not give you the support you need. I'm the voice of experience. I'm real lucky I didn't end up in real trouble from using DMX walkers.

David - just curious. Are you one of the three David Smiths in PBOA? If so, you are the only one I don't know. :)

You don't know how lucky you are.

Can you elaborate on this a minute, or point me to some resources? I'm curious about what "overpronate" means.

Also, what steps have you taken to make the combat boots more comfortable? As of now, I'm only wearing them a few days a month, but there's a very high probability that could change soon, so I'm trying to think ahead.

What do you think of the ABUs?

Yup! Me too.

When I was growing up, I bought into the Nike marketing a few times. Ya, I "fit in" because I had Nikes. Now, I wear NB and I'm 1000% thankful for their quality shoes. NB are, imho, better shoes.

I also volunteer for Special Olympics every April and although we do not get paid, some corporation do ante up gift cards for the volunteers. Every year I get $200 in NB GCs. Life around March Madness is very nice for me. :)

That's someone who uses too many pronouns. ;)

I am. I understand one of the other ones is the infamous "Dave", although I find it hard to believe. I've worked with him a few times and I've never really seen him be funny. Maybe it's just me. Or maybe he's not really "Dave"?

Maybe he's only funny around me. Remember, I only work rec games with him, so I'm sure his attitude then is quite different.

Overpronate means that you roll toward the arches of your feet when you run or walk. It tends to happen to people who have flat feet and no arch in their foot. This type of foot movement is not normal and can affect your knees because they end up rolling inward also.

The best way to combat overpronation is to wear an orthodic or have a shoe that is built for motion control. I do not recommend the Nike Shox because they tend to not have enough motion control. The Nike Force line of shoes are built for big guys and thus have better motion control.

The best shoe for overpronation is one that is straight lasted and you usually only find those in running shoes; running shoes are made with a carbon bottom sole (not rubber) and can make unwanted mark ups the basketball court really good.

Pronation is the inward (medial) roll of the foot and in particular the heel and arch which occurs naturally at the heel strike as a cushioning mechanism.
Overpronation is when the feet roll inward too much.


I wear some flat insoles with my orthodics on top of them in my boots. Boots are boots, but this makes them a little better.


I think the situation with the ABUs is ignorant. For one, they didn't have enough of them to bring them out. Currently I need pants and a hat. I don't know how long it will take to get them. As far as the design goes, I don't like what they came up with. They are basically our current uniform, with a different color and a arm and leg pocket. They are freaking out already about people ironing them and sewing the pockets down.

Just wait till I get my Dieblers!!:eek:

[QUOTE=dahoopref]Overpronate means that you roll toward the arches of your feet when you run or walk. It tends to happen to people who have flat feet and no arch in their foot. This type of foot movement is not normal and can affect your knees because they end up rolling inward also.

The best way to combat overpronation is to wear an orthodic or have a shoe that is built for motion control. I do not recommend the Nike Shox because they tend to not have enough motion control. The Nike Force line of shoes are built for big guys and thus have better motion control.

The best shoe for overpronation is one that is straight lasted and you usually only find those in running shoes; running shoes are made with a carbon bottom sole (not rubber) and can make unwanted mark ups the basketball court really good.[/QUOTE
______________________

If you ever order running shoes from East Bat you will notice they will be listed as lightweight, cushioned, or cushioned support. Each one is built for your type of pronation. Always helped me get the right shoes!

There's also underpronating, and ironically, often the same inserts can "cure" both, at least according to my podiatrist. They aren't made to correct one problem, but rather to stabilize the foot and spread the stress and distribute the work to all the muscles. According to my podiatrist. The ones he recommends, and they worked wonders for me, are Superfeet.

I find it easier to buy running shoes than referee shoes. Running shoes are made by what type of feet you have - weather you over or under pronate, how much you weigh, how far you run, types of surface, etc.

Referee shoes - I have less idea and just went with 2 x NB for their comfort and so I can swap em out if my feet hurt......or they start to smell really bad!

Referee shoes are just running shoes marketed to referees, right? What you're buying are high end running shoes that are customized for small groups -- these shoes for people who overpronate and run on cinder track, those shoes for people who underpronate and run in the forest, and so on.

I buy cheap, generic all-black running shoes and put in the inserts I need for my feet, use Sharpie on the silver logo stuff. THen I call them custom referee shoes -- since they are custom designed just for me! :)

Depends on who you ask. My referee shoes are not running shoes. I get shoes for basketball because of the support they provide. Just today in a scrimmage, I had to stop and change direction. I thought about it at the time and realized running shoes would have made that move way more difficult.

Juulie, if your doctor "prescribed" Superfeet, you are blessed. I was past needing Superfeet by the time I made it to the doctor - I don't even know if they had them back then. I don't have to wear my custom orthodics nearly as much as I used to. I had my third steroid shot within the last year. Talk about something painful. The last time the doctor basically burned me with the cold spray he used to numb my foot. Way to go Doc!

Nope. Most are court or tennis type shoes. The rest are mostly cross trainer types.

I wear running shoes. It is a tall order to find them in black or mostly black, but it can be done.

Just be mindful that the outsole of running shoes are made of carbon. Carbon outsoles tend to leave scuff marks on the wood floor. I've seen this happen on many games.

There is a reason that basketball shoes' outsoles are made of rubber. They give better traction and are better for wood floors.

Update: 6 games in so far this season and I can't be happier with these Shox R4's. I usually end up with some knee pain after working a weekend of games, club ball 2-3 games a day. So far not even a hint of pain and the shoes are very comfortable.

I got those new all black nike shocks. Looks like a cross trainer. Suede and that regular shoe material. I must say they are comfortbale to run in. I'm shox guy and I would recommend that shoe. If you have weak ankles brace up. Mine are weak so I will wear my braces with them. They are very comfortable.

New balance 381...

I wanted nikes... I love nike.. but couldn't find an all black. :(

Cloverdale,

When I do a search on NB website for 8810's, it can't find them???

Do you have picture or something?

Mulk

Got my new NB 888's from Honigs on Monday. I've been wearing them ever since. Very comfortable. Very roomy (I ordered the 4E width). I'm going to like these, I think.

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If you like the 381, let me suggest a 600 or higher level next time. You will really feel a difference in padding, etc. Higher the number the higher the quality has been my experience.

Yep, I have NB 300 or so and ouch, not much padding. I have cheap orthotic inserts, which help, but my dogs are usually howling by the end of the game. That's when I start hanging out at mid-court anyways. Just kiddin', of course.