Shoe Recommendations

[fullor30]

Originally Posted by kblehman

Been officiating for a couple of years now, and when I started I bought a pair of Reebok shoes. Nothing special, moderately priced. A few weeks ago I did a weekend tournament and noticed my lower back getting sore, so I bought some inserts to give me a bit more heel cushion. That took care of the sore back, but the inserts seem to have taken some balance off my arch, so now my feet get a little tired and sore after just a few games.

All that to ask the veterans here which shoes you've found to be the most comfortable for you? (Keep in mind that I'm not Bill Gates, so budget is important.) FWIW, I'm a normal sized zebra; 5'-10" and 180lbs.

Your shoe insights will be appreciated!

My first year, I had no clue and bought some cheap shoe that I discarded after my second game. I'm with JR, spend the extra bucks and get the right shoe for you. While you're at it, look sharp in your uni, pants pressed,not too short or long, slight break, shirt tucked in, sized right, jacket with no wrinkles, compression shorts, a wicking type black shirt. Hair neat, clean shaven.

Good shoes with inserts are heaven to me.


If I can't ref a lick, I at least want to look like one

[HoopsRefJunior]

I disagree with BITS about the 888s. I've enjoyed mine.

[MOFFICIAL]

Originally Posted by HoopsRefJunior

I disagree with BITS about the 888s. I've enjoyed mine.

I haven't had a decent shoe since the converse runnin' ref was discontinued.

[JS 20]

Had nike shox last year and hated them. Went to the NB 888's this year and LOVE them. But i have a wide foot and i think that's why i like them so much better. I hit them w/ one of those shoe polish touch up sponges right before the game and it puts a nice shine on them.

[blindzebra]

Nike Air Max Solas for me. They don't make them anymore I've tracked down 6 pairs on Ebay and I keep an eye out every couple of days.

[tomegun]

I have the NB 888s and they are OK. I also wear all black Kobe2s that I got from Nike ID.
I don't do 3 or 4 rec games at a time and for me wearing basketball shoes work best. I also use inserts. However, if I was going to wear running shoes and the inserts weren't a problem the black Nike 360s would be my choice. If you've never tried on a pair of 360s for officiating or otherwise you owe it to your feet! The price of admission is high, but you will love the ride.

[blindzebra]

Originally Posted by tomegun

I have the NB 888s and they are OK. I also wear all black Kobe2s that I got from Nike ID.
I don't do 3 or 4 rec games at a time and for me wearing basketball shoes work best. I also use inserts. However, if I was going to wear running shoes and the inserts weren't a problem the black Nike 360s would be my choice. If you've never tried on a pair of 360s for officiating or otherwise you owe it to your feet! The price of admission is high, but you will love the ride.

I've tried the 360s but the heal is too cushie. The Solas and TL are 360 air too, but more uniform. Anyone that runs and is a bit of a heal striker in the 360s will kill your feet.

[Rizzo21]

Originally Posted by JS 20

Had nike shox last year and hated them. Went to the NB 888's this year and LOVE them. But i have a wide foot and i think that's why i like them so much better. I hit them w/ one of those shoe polish touch up sponges right before the game and it puts a nice shine on them.

I have wide as well but there are only two widths with the 888, D and 4E. I get 2E with my Asics running shoe but 4E is too wide. What width do you use?

[JS 20]

Originally Posted by Rizzo21

I have wide as well but there are only two widths with the 888, D and 4E. I get 2E with my Asics running shoe but 4E is too wide. What width do you use?

I use the 4E. No idea how wide my foot is. I don't feel like my foot moves around b/c they're too wide or anything though. They've held up really well too. Probably worked 60 or so games and they look brand new. Little to no wear on the bottom.

[blindzebra]

Here are the Nike TLs.

[IMG][/IMG]

[tomegun]

BZ, the solas and TLs are not 360s. They are Air Max shoes.

Have you asked every "runner" that tried the 360s and are a bit of a heal striker if the 360 "killed" their feet? I know what you mean though.

[blindzebra]

Originally Posted by tomegun

BZ, the solas and TLs are not 360s. They are Air Max shoes.

Have you asked every "runner" that tried the 360s and are a bit of a heal striker if the 360 "killed" their feet? I know what you mean though.

The Solas and TL have 360 air, they began the 360 style for Nike.

Here are the Solas bare.

[IMG][/IMG]

They have the air chambers heal to toe, the TLs have the same sole.

[tomegun]

BZ, those shoes you are talking about are Air Max shoes and not Air Max 360. Google Nike Solas and see what you get. For running, there have been Air Max 360s and Air Max 360 IIs - they also have a Air Max 95 hybrid. Why is that? Because they have had two Air Max 360 shoes. Air Max has been out for quite some time while 360s were introduced in 2006. Look at the following articles:

http://www.nicekicks.com/nike-air-max/nike-air-max-360/
http://newsblaze.com/story/200601181.../topstory.html

Also look at this Wiki which has more information.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nike_Air_Max

Basically, the Solas and TLs are Air Max or Total Air.

[blindzebra]

Originally Posted by tomegun

BZ, those shoes you are talking about are Air Max shoes and not Air Max 360. Google Nike Solas and see what you get. For running, there have been Air Max 360s and Air Max 360 IIs - they also have a Air Max 95 hybrid. Why is that? Because they have had two Air Max 360 shoes. Air Max has been out for quite some time while 360s were introduced in 2006. Look at the following articles:

http://www.nicekicks.com/nike-air-max/nike-air-max-360/
http://newsblaze.com/story/200601181.../topstory.html

Also look at this Wiki which has more information.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nike_Air_Max

Basically, the Solas and TLs are Air Max or Total Air.

It's called evolution...Air Max went from closed soles, to visable air in the heal, to visable air in the ball and heal, to sole to heal visable air, to the current 360s.

The Solas are air heal to toe, just like the 360s, shoes with only the visable air in the heal are 180s.