Black Shoes
 

Just wanted to get some opinions on shoes. All black no matter what? I have a pair Nike Air Max+ 2010. All black except a thin grey trim around shoe above clear air pocket. Very comfortable. I don't Varsity if that matters.

Depends on whether the powers that be in your area care...

It is hard to find and all black shoe that fits everyone's needs. Many of those sold with the popular officiating outlets do not work for many people. This is an area issue. Some care, others do not.

Peace

It was stressed in our NCAA D3 meeting a couple years ago that it was all-black, no matter what. There was a lot of whispering and giggling because a couple of the very big-time refs had been on TV in pre-season tournaments wearing shoes that had very clear white or gray markings on them. It was assumed that the reminder about all-black shoes was aimed directly at those guys.

Will a black sharpie work on the grey trim? Definitely check with the local powers that be.

Tried a black sharpie. Once it dries I don't like the way it looks. Just took some alcohol and rubbed it off. For those that need all black, you can customize shoes at Nike.com Not terribly expensive. Depending on the shoe, between $140-$190. I was going to go that route but I really like mine. Could have gone with Customized 2011 Nike Air Max but liked 2010 design better which has more shiny black areas on it. Nike doesn't sell 2010 anymore so I couldn't design them. Found at FootLocker for $120. I've seen guys in our association with some grey or white on shoes and nothing is ever said. But I don't know if I've ever seen it at the Varsity level in our area.

Thanks for your thoughts

...buy New Balances ;)

For a lot less than $140-$190.

I'm trying out my new Reebok Zig Refs (~$95 w/ S&H) on Sunday for two games. I'm looking forward to it.

Hardly any white on them requiring adjustments.

For me best are those Jordan old school, I bought one more pair last week for only $99.

Like that 'old school Jordan' model made by nike, because are easy to play and easy to walk,at least for me.

Let us know what your feet and legs think of your new shoes!

I certainly will!
 

I have tried a great many shoes over the yrs - some are better for my feet than others (I have flat feet and over-pronate and use Asics when I run). My most recent pair of Basketball Shoe was Officials Choice - ok for me, but not great.

The Reebok's are not made for my feet, but are patent leather and light weight and I hope with my insoles they will work well.

Film at 11:00.

I don't care for New Balance or the style. Reebok don't fit me very well. I go for comfort and style. I like the shape and style of Nike. My motto in any sport whether I am playing or officiating is you gotta look good to play good. I have gotten several complimants from fellow officials on my shoe choices over the years.

I wear Nikes when I play or jog. Don't like them when I officiate.

I look good always no matter what's on my feet. :D (channeling my inner-JRut. )

How's about posting a picture of yourself in uniform and let's take a poll! :D

Best shoes out there! They are patent leather, look great and feel like the best shoe ever on your foot! Used to be an Air Max guy, but these are by far the best running/officials shoe out.

Testor's model paint
 

Go to a craft store or toy store where they sell Testor's paint and the little brushes. High gloss black is perfect. May have to touch up once or twice a season. You're right the permanent marker looks bad. I wear the Nike Air Max too and the paint did the trick.

Thanks. Maybe I will try that.

I've been wearing Official Footwear patent leather for the llast three years. For me, comfortable, good support (and I've suffered from plantar fasciitis in the past) and I like the look too. To each his own.


Ultimate Patent Leather Basketball Referee Shoes: Ump Attire

Most assignors do not care what shoes you wear if you can take care of a game. If you cannot take care of a game wear all black. All the big dogs in college have some white on their shoes. Not really a big deal.

Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy ...
 

And, it's also "not really a big deal" to wear all black shoes, if that's what's expected of you in "Rome". I've been officiating for over thirty years, in an association that wants us to wear all back shoes. Finding all back shoes has never been a problem for me. Early in my career I had to "paint over" a small white "Spot Bilt" logo on the back of my shoes. Still "not really a big deal".

For some people it might be difficult to get a block charge, travel, or out of bounds, correct all the time. For others it might be difficult maintain proper game management all the time. It should be real easy to wear all black shoes, if your are requested to do so, all the time.

Exactly
 

Well said, BillyMac!

No they don't. Some do, some don't.

Well, when you and John Adams were sitting around drinking did he mention those bulletins he put out about too much white showing on some officials' shoes?

I agree it is not a big deal, but all shoes are not comfortable. So when you buy a shoe with some white or grey on them, not all of them are easily able to be simply "painted over." I would not wear Spot Bilts if you bought the shoes as they are not made very well or comfortable for many people's feet. Until companies start making shoes that are all black in all kinds of styles (and do not cost almost $200 to customize), then I think you would see more shoes officials wear with all black.

Peace

I agree. My feet and their comfort is paramount. If I can't find a shoe that's all black that works for me, I'll wear one that's mostly black. I've never bothered coloring in anything, either. I prefer all black because using black shoe polish works best when the shoe is black to begin with.

Contemplating trying a pair of the Zigs, though.

I just bought a pair of reezigs and love them.

Just purchased a pair of Asics Gel-TRX. They are all black and all leather. Asics is one of the most comfortable and arch supportive shoes I have ever worn. The shoe is not as "sexy" as some of the others, but it is in my opinion the best officials shoe out there. Bought mine for $65 @ zappos.com. If you have never shopped zappos you owe it to yourself to try them. OUTSTANDING customer service and free shipping on EVERYTHING! THEY STRIVE FOR 100% CUSTOMER SATISFACTION. YOU WILL HAVE YOUR SHOES IN LESS THAN 4 DAYS AND THEY TAKE BACK ANYTHING WITH FREE SHIPPING IF YOU ARE NOT SATISFIED, NO QUESTIONS ASKED! GIVE 'EM A TRY!

Ich auch!

If your assignor cares, do what he tells you to do. If he does not care wear what you want to. It is not a big deal unless the assignor requires all black shoes. In many of the summer camps the shoe companys give out their products for the refs to wear. If one wears this on TV then it will trickle down and push sales?

I would have posted the exact same thing!

<---Reformed Nike Air Max guy...:cool:

Dodie Stevens 1959 ...