Need Shoe Advice
 

Need new shoes. Has anyone tried the Spot-bilt "Grid XT"'s. I am not a Nike fan and have had terrible luck with Rebok.

Annual Shoe Discussion
 

We seem to have this chat annually. This is all personal preference and depends on many factors - your size, weight, foot type (arch vs flat foot), etc., and can really only be figured out by personal trial and error.

I too am not a Nike fan (I run in Asics) and have found, per recommendation of Forum members, the New Balance 610's and 888's are best for me personally. I also rotate my shoes so as not to do two days in a row in the same shoe. Depending on the number of games assigned, my shoes may last a season or just a bit longer. Of course, this is JMO.

Good luck. Hope you find something to your liking.

I will be getting 3 pairs so that I can rotate them as you do. In our association - everyone wears the patent and that also limits somewhat as not all styles/makes are available in patent.

I'm not a Nike fan either, as I have very wide feet. I really love the New Balance 601 (or maybe it's 610?). It's a low-cut high gloss shoe, but not patent leather. Rarely needs a shine. And the NB's come in 4E widths. Ahhhhhhh. :)

Why and who decided that everyone needs to wear patent?

Just curious.

I don't think he said that........just that everyone wears patent.

To be honest - I don't know. It was that way when I joined the association. I like the weight of the patents so just before the GREAT Converse shoes were bought out by Nike, there was a sale on the Converse patents - buy one pair - get a pair. In my size they had 8 pair so I bought 4 and got 4. Haven't bought shoes in a long time. I really loved those shoes. Last year tried a pair of Rebok and had major problems with them. I want my Converse back!!!!

I prefer the Reebok patent leathers myself, but you either like them or you hate them it seems. Reebok did come out with a new model they're selling on Honig's. I believe it's called the "Breezy"? Some officials I know just bought those and they swear they are better than any shoe they've ever tried. But in the end, it all comes down to preference.

If you don't mind shining your shoes regularly, check out Eastbay.com. They have a huge selection of shoes that aren't necessarily officials shoes, but would work if you just shine them up.

I know, that is why I asked. Why?

Because basketball officiating fashion is most often a game of follow the leaders? ;)

I bought some New Balance 608's last year then bought the Reebok "Ref" patents midway through the season. There is no comparison....the Reeboks feel like heaven compared to the NB's.

I plan on getting the new Reeboks from Honigs later in the season. Maybe a Christmas present to myself. :D

For those who are interested, here's a link to where you can get the Reebok "Ref" shoes for 30 bucks plus shipping. They are not the patent's, but it's the only place I have found official shoes that are this good for this price.

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/cb.aspx?a=465621

<strike>Please note that you have to be a club member to get them for $30. It costs another $30 to be a member.</strike>

:confused:

<table cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td colspan="2" style="background-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); width: 100%;" align="left" valign="bottom">KX8KW-146609 Men's Reebok® "The Ref" Athletic Shoes, Black </td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="2" style="background-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); width: 100%;" align="right" valign="bottom">
</td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="2" style="background-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); width: 100%;" align="right" valign="bottom">
</td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="2" style="background-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); width: 100%;" align="right" valign="bottom"> $29.97 </td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="2" style="background-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); width: 100%;" align="right" valign="bottom">
</td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="2" style="background-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); width: 40%; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 2px;" align="right" valign="top"> Compare at $69.99 Club Price $26.97</td></tr></tbody></table>

Oops... my fault. I scrolled down and just saw the club price... my fault. Thanks, LDUB.