Camron,

I'm curious. which NB shoes did you try? I've been a big fan of almost every NB shoe I've ever tried. I even buy NB for my non-officiating gym shoes, usually the same make/style, just in white. However, I got the 888's a couple years ago (as I recall because the stopped making my beloved 609's). I hated them. Still do. The fit, sizing, feel, everything about them is completely different from my previous experience with them.

Sadly I'm too cheap to just chuck them out. So I learned to make due (I added Spenco inserts and wear 2-3 pairs of sock with them). I figured I'd replace them as soon as they showed signs of age. But they still haven.t They are maddeningly sturdy and show no signs of needing replaced. Even after 2 seasons as my only pair of officiating shoes.

I don't have a point. Just whining a bit, while putting on my second pair of socks. Off to do a couple AAU games. :)

I just bought a pair of 888's for this season. I haven't worked a game in them yet but they didn't feel that great when I tried them on (bought them online). Every other pair of NB I have worn were great, very comfortable. I tried a pair of Nike's one year and they made my toes numb. Everybody's feet are different, but NB have always been great for me. I guess I'll have to see how the 888's feel after a few games this year.

If you go on-line to new balance, you can see some of the specs of the variosu shoes. My guess is that the 888s are made from a different last, etc. than the 609s.

If you have a pair you like, check out other models with similar design.

I gotta get a new pair of reffing shoes on Monday at our rules clinic. I"ll have to give NB a try and see how they feel.

I had a pair of NB 608s my first year and hated them. Just didn't feel right at all. I now have the Reebok "Refs" in patent leather and they're decent. My favorites are my Nike Air Max 97s. Very comfortable and easy to run in. I have had a lot of Nike Shox and I don't know how guys referee in them.

It's a personal choice!
 

Like grunewar & others have said - try several kinds and use what works for you. It's the 610's for me.

I bought mine online too. That may be the last pair of shoes I buy that way.

My first pair were Nike, because my (now ex) son-in-law worked there, and got them for me very cheap. They were too narrow, caused problems and I ended up at a podiatrist who recommended something much wider. Used New Balance for a couple of years, and like them, but I'm a complete convert to the Official Footwear (Camron, that's Tom's company right?), as Camron recommends. The wide size is VERY good for me, and they all come with a footbed that is much more supportive, especially for my pronation problems. With the NB, I had to buy special insoles, but the built in one in the OF is just right. I like that in a shoe!

Concur, especially with a new variety of shoes!

At our state rules clinic last year, a vendor was showing off several different varieties, makes, and models and even then I couldn't find one that felt good or fit properly. No way I by them just by looking at them on-line... pain in the butt sending things back.

With my running shoes, after many yrs of trial and error I finally settled on a variety of Asics (made especially for my size, kind of feet, pronation, etc.). Now that I have settled on a model/size, I can order them on-line every six months or so.

Happy hunting....there are a great many options and hopefully you'll find something to your liking.

It was the 609's. I still have them. I used them for a few games several years ago and quickly retired them to casual use. I still wear them on occasion (maybe 1-2 times a month) if I don't expect to do much walking (sitting at my desk)...I added a heel cup to snug up the heel a bit so it doesn't flop around so badly.

Yes.

I had a pair of 609's go via the five finger discount recently :mad:. Saddle, do a google search for them, are still out there. the 620's are also supposedly the new replacement for them, and are very close to the 609's to my eye.

Thanks, I'll have to do that. I'll even check eBay. Who knows, your pair may be there. :)

I have the New Balance 609 and the 620. No difference. I also have the 888...not even close. It looks good...but does not feel comfortable. I can wear it for a single game...but not for several games.

Last year I bought the Official Footwear patent leather model. It is a fine shoe, but does not come in a wide width. It is built wider than a regular width, but the NB 609 or 620 remain my shoe of choice for my wider foot.

The current New Balance model is the MX622. Zappos.com is selling them for $65 (http://www.zappos.com/n/p/p/7402619/c/3.html)

I got a pair of NB 855's right before last season. Pretty darn light. Has rollbar support. Probably could use a new insert for the upcoming season, but everything else is holding up real well.