Shoe Recommendations
 

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!

New Balance 610's

I concur. First year wearing them and very light and comfortable. I would add that they come kind of snug or thin.

+1 to New Balance.

While I don't have 610's, I do use 409's, which are great. I have another pair as well. I forget the model number, but they're good as well.

I wear the Spot Bilt patent leathers.

They are an awesome shoe, much better than the New Balance which I have worn previously. I wear the same model cleat in football and have loved that as well.

I prefer the spot bilts as they are extremely light, yet they seem to break down faster and as a result, I'm nursing shin splints right now. Have gone back to my New Balance's for the rest of the season.

You used your first ever post for that!!

I agree though - balance 610s are best shoes I've had in a while.

Welcome to the Forum Hamp

The insoles will wear out first. Replace them after 30-50 games.

Replace the shoes after 80-100 games.

If you can have two pairs and rotate them every game, that will give the shoes time to "recover" and they will last longer and feel better.

Amen to that! I gotta let mine "air out" after a long day on the court......and switch shoes if I have back to back days.

PS - I use New Balance too (can't recall model).

You probably want to steer clear of the New Balance 888's. I've been a NB guy for years, and really liked them. But I don't like these. They're too big, too flat, not cushiony enough. I'll try a different model next year.

I would suggest that if you spend money on good shoes rather than looking for the least expensive option. The issue is quality, not what cost less. If you do not have good shoes, then that might lead to other problems that will cost you more money (pain medicine, surgery, missed games).

I also think that what one person likes may not apply to you. I love the New Balance 888 shoes and they feel just fine to me. I mostly wear the running shoe Adidas A3 Microride Leather which they do not make anymore. These are the lightest shoe I have ever had and give plenty of support. I also do not wear them for all my games and rotate with other shoes for the similar reasons Bob suggested. The bottom line what works for me might not work for you. This might be a trial and error situation before you find the right shoe that works.

Peace

If I were you, regardless of what shoe you end up with, I'd go to a running shoe store and have them tell me what type of foot and pronation factor you have. Generally speaking, there are low arch and high arches, and either could over pronate (roll inward when running), remain neutral (pretty much straight) or supinate (me -- roll outward slightly). In running shoes, the overpronator needs stability shoes -- which most cross trainers do a decent job of. The neutral and supinators -- the vast minority -- need cushioning shoes when running, which most cross trainers don't do a good job of. I would say if you are neutral or supinate, you might want to look for cushioned running shoes, which is what I wear. I've worn a pair of NB the last 2 years, the 890, I think. I just ordered a pair of Saucony running shoes but haven't worn them.

Brooks makes a hell of a running shoe, what I wear when just out running. They have a black shoe that looks nice and its made for the moderate over-pronator, which describes most people. I think its the Adreneline model. Go to Zappos and check on Brooks running and search for black. You'll find it there. Its not right for me, but I'd like to see more guys wear black running shoes so the shoe makers will make more models in black.

Wanted to break myself in easy. And thank you very much for the welcome.:D

I've got the Nike 360s and I'm using em till the soles fall off. I've seen alot of D1 officials with these. They're awesome!

http://www.eastbay.com/catalog/produ...92002/node--0/

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

Nb 888
 

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.

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.

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.

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. :D

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.

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.

Thanks for all the input, fellas. I decided to take the advice of a number of you here and bought a second pair so that on back-to-back days I can rotate them with my Reeboks and allow them to air out completely.

FWIW, I went with the New Balance BB610's...found them on the web for $64.95 & free shipping.

Thanks again for all of your feedback.

For those of you that wear the Nike 360's:
1. How do you shine them up?
2. Isn't that band of material around the base rubber?
3. Do you color in the clear parts around the side of the air soles?

I was contemplating making them my next shoes, but I need to feel good about their aesthetics before I make the purchase, and no one I know personally wears them.

Magic marker and Kiwi Brilliant Shine liquid.

Yes I colored in the clear spots.[IMG]<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y245/blindzebra/?action=view&current=IMG_0330.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y245/blindzebra/IMG_0330.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>[/IMG]


Here are the Solas.

[IMG]<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y245/blindzebra/?action=view&current=IMG_0735.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y245/blindzebra/IMG_0735.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>[/IMG]

Here are the Nike TLs.

[IMG]<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y245/blindzebra/?action=view&current=IMG_0741.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y245/blindzebra/IMG_0741.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>[/IMG]

New Balance 610 is the only shoe I will consider. I have a rather wide foot and am built more like an NFL linebacker than your your typical basketball official. This shoe has allowed my to work without the back and knee pain I suffered with other shoes. I work an average of nearly 100 games a season, so I give my shoes a beating. They have great cushion and arch support. Futhermore, I have yet to get even a hot spot, much less a blister. You can find them for about $65 a pair if you shop.

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. :D

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

Here are the Solas bare.

[IMG]<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y245/blindzebra/?action=view&current=7a0d_1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y245/blindzebra/7a0d_1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>[/IMG]

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

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.

[img] http://re3.mm-a11.yimg.com/image/152994556[/img]

Computer Illiterate ???
 

I tried, but I can't do it.

How do ou post an actual image, not an image link, on the Forum ???

It looks like you managed it just above. But surround the link with "[img]" and "[/img]" tags (minus the quotes)

I'm really not sure what evolution has to do with two different technologies and product lines. Your thinking is that two product lines are the same with the same technology. I provided you links that clearly show the two are different.

The Solas are air heal to toe, but they are not 360s. All Air Max shoes do not have Air Max throughout the entire shoes thus the term "Total Air." Similarly, Air Max 180s do not have the same sole as Air Max 360s; if they did there would be no reason to have the two names. Additionally, it isn't just a matter of what you can see. There is also Zoom Air to consider which has a totally different feel. I don't even think you realize what 360s are.

"Air Max 360 features a full-length Air-Sole unit that has no foam, just pure Nike Air cushioning to provide the softest, smoothest, and most durable experience created in an Air Max shoe to date. Runners will be able to run directly on Nike Air for the first time when the shoe hits retail stores Saturday, January 21..."

360s are also considerably lighter than other Nikes which you should know since you own the Solas - I've owned these too - and TLs. When all else fails, Total Air (Max) and Air Max 360 soles look different.

Do you still think the Solas are 360s or do we need Phil Knight to settle this? :D

Please Help ....
 

Thanks, but I still can't do it. I feel like a real idiot. When I use the "Insert Image" icon, the gray mountains, with the yellow background, the [IMG] and [/IMG] tags are automatically added, but all I get is a link on my post, not a real image. What am I doing wrong?

http://re3.mm-a3.yimg.com/image/2542066177

The shoe deal has really evolved over the past few years. When I started high school ball about 13 years ago, everyone wore Converse Run 'n Refs. Personally, I thought they killed my feet, but other guys really liked them.

I switched over to the Nike Lowpost - or whatever it's called - that Honigs sold. Air in the heal, leather shoe. I've really liked them, but they are beginning to come apart, so I am in the market for a new pair for next season.

My son plays D3 basketball. I have seen every kind of shoe imaginable the past two seasons at that level. Air & no air. Suede, mesh, all leather, or combinations. Big white swooshes, small swooshes, white NB logos, etc. Seems to me like the college guys have figured out to go to the most comfortable shoe they can find.

At this point, I think I will go with the 360. It's a good looking shoe, the only drawback is that I'll have to order it online.

Yer just messin' wit me, aren'tcha? :p

I'm Sooooo Confused ???
 

Maybe I'm not making myself clear. Up until a few weeks ago, I thought that the only way to post a photo on the Forum was to post the link to the photo, Forum members would click on the link, and only then would see the actual photo.

A few weeks ago, I believe it was also a thread about shoes, I noted that an actual photo, like Blindzebra's above, appeared in a post, not the link to the photo, but the actual photo. How did Blindzebra accomplish this, and if it's so easy to do, why are almost all Forum members still posting links to photos, instead of the actual photos?

Also, I don't remember the thread or post, but it contained a link to a funny photo of a referee sign at a room door, with the Braille version under it. I believe that the poster actually took the digital photo himself. How does one post a link to a photo, or an actual photo, taken by the poster?

I haven't been this confused since taking high school calculus. Since I was a senior, my compassionate teacher gave me a "gift" D for the year.