Anyone Tried These Shoes?

[Texas Aggie]

They are mesh, that's a big no-no.

Says who? I wear mesh, and know others that wear it, and no one I work for has told me (or the others) not to.

[blindzebra]

Originally Posted by Texas Aggie

Says who? I wear mesh, and know others that wear it, and no one I work for has told me (or the others) not to.

Says anyone who wants to look professional.

[Texas Aggie]

Says anyone who wants to look professional.

I look as or more professional than anyone (especially now that I've got my wrinkled pants problems solved!!). This myth that your shoes have to be shiny is ridiculous. Clean and well kept = professional.

Oh, and avoiding injury due to wearing poor shoes just because others wear them is a sign of professionalism as well.

[blindzebra]

Originally Posted by Texas Aggie

I look as or more professional than anyone (especially now that I've got my wrinkled pants problems solved!!). This myth that your shoes have to be shiny is ridiculous. Clean and well kept = professional.

Oh, and avoiding injury due to wearing poor shoes just because others wear them is a sign of professionalism as well.

It's not a myth, it's called professionalism.

Like it or not, officiating is about perception and if one ref has leather, shiny shoes and one has mesh dull ones mesh ref starts the game with one strike.

[fiasco]

Originally Posted by blindzebra

It's not a myth, it's called professionalism.

Like it or not, officiating is about perception and if one ref has leather, shiny shoes and one has mesh dull ones mesh ref starts the game with one strike.

Um...okay.

My assignor is a 13-year veteran varsity official and has been doing D-1 for seven years as well. He wears mesh.

So, obviously, someone "professional" disagrees with you.

[Refneck]

Originally Posted by blindzebra

It's not a myth, it's called professionalism.

Like it or not, officiating is about perception and if one ref has leather, shiny shoes and one has mesh dull ones mesh ref starts the game with one strike.

Opinions vary

[deecee]

Originally Posted by blindzebra

It's not a myth, it's called professionalism.

Like it or not, officiating is about perception and if one ref has leather, shiny shoes and one has mesh dull ones mesh ref starts the game with one strike.

Thats fine -- but no amount of spit shine on your shoes will be able to cover up the fact that you cant ref a game worth @#$ (not you personally just a statement). I would extend substance over style. I have never worn shiny shoes and I never will. Why, simply because the styles available are uncomfortable to me and I dont really care to much for them. I think the fake leather, black, shiny look, looks funny with our overall outfit. I mean some guys feet glow and that just looks distracting.

[refaz]

Originally Posted by blindzebra

Says anyone who wants to look professional.

Are you suggesting that being a short egg-shaped official with non-mesh shoes means you're professional?

[pizanno]

I've been wearing mesh for the past two seasons. Nobody, including my assignors and observers, have said anything about them.

However, I believe having polished shoes is one of the 100 or so criteria that NCAA observers use to evaluate potential tourney officials, so it matters to someone...unless those criteria is behind-the-times (which are-a-changin).

Here's a thought, is it better to look professional or athletic?

Also, my favorite tip regarding shoes: instead of coloring stripes and trim with a Sharpie or other markers, use black nail polish. You'll be much happier with the results.

[Mark Padgett]

Originally Posted by pizanno

Also, my favorite tip regarding shoes: instead of coloring stripes and trim with a Sharpie or other markers, use black nail polish.

Yeah, I'll borrow some from my "Civil Union Partner". Not that there's anything wrong with that.