Shoes

[azatcher]

For the last 3 years I have worn the Reebok "the ref's" patent leather shoes. Late last season I started to have shin and heel pain after games so I have switched to a NIKE running shoe for this season. We will see how it goes. I went with the NIKE AIR MAX DREAM.
http://www.finishline.com/store/prod...tId=prod634606 These are by far the most comfortable shoes I have ever worn. I like to say they are like "sex for your feet"

[Back In The Saddle]

Originally Posted by azatcher

For the last 3 years I have worn the Reebok "the ref's" patent leather shoes. Late last season I started to have shin and heel pain after games so I have switched to a NIKE running shoe for this season. We will see how it goes. I went with the NIKE AIR MAX DREAM.
Nike Men's Air Max Dream + Running Shoe*Black/Silver*| FinishLine.com These are by far the most comfortable shoes I have ever worn. I like to say they are like "sex for your feet"

Any shoe you run in is going to have a life expectancy. A common sign that the shoe has "expired" is the appearance of shin splints and other pains.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by Back In The Saddle

Any shoe you run in is going to have a life expectancy. A common sign that the shoe has "expired" is the appearance of shin splints and other pains.

Not necessarily true. These companies have many shoes they retire because they do not sell very well or they are not a big market for them. And when it comes to shoes that we like as officials, not many shoes are going to be all black and all leather. It is not uncommon for those shoes to be taken off the market for reasons that have nothing to do with problems with that shoe.

Peace

[refnrev]

Lets face it ... we are a strange breed. A lot of people just don't want to buy an all black shoe... so if the aren't selling them, they won't be on the market long.

I was thinking about picking up the Nike Air Max Solas '09... anybody have a pair? Your feedback on the shoe would be appreciated.

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

Not necessarily true. These companies have many shoes they retire because they do not sell very well or they are not a big market for them. And when it comes to shoes that we like as officials, not many shoes are going to be all black and all leather. It is not uncommon for those shoes to be taken off the market for reasons that have nothing to do with problems with that shoe.

Peace

That's not what he's talking about, Jeff. He's talking about the life expectancy of a specific pair of shoes being worn -- not the product life span of a particular model. THe midsole gives out well before (usually) the upper or outersole, and the shoes won't be as comfortable and can lead to the problems identified.

[refnrev]

Bob is right. If you wear bad or worn out shoes you're gonna feel it in the knees, hips, feet, and shins... especially when you have knees like mine!

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

That's not what he's talking about, Jeff. He's talking about the life expectancy of a specific pair of shoes being worn -- not the product life span of a particular model. THe midsole gives out well before (usually) the upper or outersole, and the shoes won't be as comfortable and can lead to the problems identified.

Originally Posted by refnrev

Bob is right. If you wear bad or worn out shoes you're gonna feel it in the knees, hips, feet, and shins... especially when you have knees like mine!

That can be true. But you can have a shoe that "fits" well and does not give you the support you need. I know, I had to buy some orthotics to take care of my issues with an arch. And I was having problems with shoes that seem to fit well, but did not give me what I needed and they were new. That is why shoes are such a personal thing and even the NCAA suggested that shoes should be replaced often and in many cases we should have shoes professionally fit to see how we run. Because apparently how you run and how your foot comes down has a lot to do with lower leg problems.

Peace

[Back In The Saddle]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

That can be true. But you can have a shoe that "fits" well and does not give you the support you need. I know, I had to buy some orthotics to take care of my issues with an arch. And I was having problems with shoes that seem to fit well, but did not give me what I needed and they were new. That is why shoes are such a personal thing and even the NCAA suggested that shoes should be replaced often and in many cases we should have shoes professionally fit to see how we run. Because apparently how you run and how your foot comes down has a lot to do with lower leg problems.

Peace

Too true. A trip to a good running shoe store can pay dividends here. They can determine if you're an under-pronator, over-pronator, or neutral. That information can help you identify characteristics of a shoe that will give you the required support, not just a comfortable fit.

But, as I alluded to earlier, over time the materials the shoe is constructed from begin to break down. Those support characteristics can change, and that can lead to discomfort, pain, even injury.

The onset of shin splints, when you're not normally prone to them, is one somewhat common sign that the shoe has broken down enough that it should be replaced.

But, there are other factors that can induce shin splints: tight calf muscles, a sudden increase in activity level, rapid increase in body weight, a change in running surface, etc. The sudden realization that the season is only x weeks away, and the resulting panicked attempt to get into shape, can subject a body to many of those conditions...all at once. So don't take shin splints as an absolute indicator that the shoes need to be replaced.