Shoe advice

[riverfalls57]

What did you think of them?

[zm1283]

I like them. A partner a couple of weeks ago had a new pair and they look good from a distance. I thought the air pockets might look silly but they don't. I tried on size 12 and they were squeezing my toes together in the front, so I went with a 13. I have to wear two pair of socks with the 13.

[Archie Lib]

I've tried the 3N2 and did not like them. They came with a package deal from Smitteez. I wore them once and that was it. They are not well made, as the price would suggest. They're basically plastic patent leather shells with styrofoam bottoms. They now rest in my garage.

I've run distance and done Crossfit for the last several years in minimalist shoes, so that is what I am used to. I am not a fan of the heavily cushioned running shoes like the Zigs or NB. I found the minimalist style avoids chronic impact problems in knees and the lower back by eliminating heel strike running, and has the added advantage of strengthening the ankle and the arch. But it is tough to find all-black minimalist shoes for officiating work.

I ended up on Nike's main website and customized a pair of their Flyknit 4.0s to all black. I believe Reebok has the same kind of option with some of their running shoes. There is no "patent leather" shine to any of them, but in flat black they look sharp and are very comfortable. Many times I've worked 3 games in an evening with zero complaints. A couple of my co-workers (including my association supervisor/assignor) ended up getting a pair for D-1 games.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by Archie Lib

But it is tough to find all-black minimalist shoes for officiating work.

[Archie Lib]

Nice. But I'm thinking my assignor might actually shart if I showed up in 'em.

[wjc3]

The 3n2 patent leather referee shoes are a good buy. They are comfortable and durable. They are a good buy for the money and I have purchased three pairs over the years. I hear the zigs are a great shoe, but I can't get past the look of the wavy sole.

wjc3

[Mark Padgett]

These work really well, especially if you want something to eat at halftime.

[MechanicGuy]

These obviously aren't "official" official shoes, but they are incredibly comfortable. Can't go wrong with Max Air.

Plus, they are currently at Nike Outlets for $69.99.



Nike Air Max TR 365

[jeremy341a]

http://www.converse.com.au/chuck-tay...hi-black-13310

[Lcubed48]

But back in the day, us really cool guys wore our low cut black "connies" for play and for dates. http://www.converse.com.au/chuck-tay...ow-black-19166

[SperlingPE]

ZIGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I bought some NuBalance shoes this year to wear occaisionaly.
HATE them - not made for running up and down a floor.
Not sure what they are made for.

[SperlingPE]

Originally Posted by LRZ

My Spot-Bilts were comfortable, as was a pair of Converse, if I recall correctly. Although it was a long time ago and my memory has faded, I don't think either was as supportive as modern shoes.

The old mid-hi Converse runnin refs were the best shoe I ever had until I started using the ZIGS.

I waited a few years to try the Zigs to see how they worked out. I wish I hadn't.

[constable]

If Asics made a Nimbus shoe in black patent leather that'd be the shoe.

Until that time, the Zigs are the best referee shoe on the market. Just keep in mind they fit small.

[Lcubed48]

Originally Posted by constable

If Asics made a Nimbus shoe in black patent leather that'd be the shoe.

I was just checking that out yesterday since the gel-nimbus is my running shoe. I'd love to give it a try. But, alas they do not.

[jeremy341a]

Originally Posted by SperlingPE

ZIGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I bought some NuBalance shoes this year to wear occaisionaly.
HATE them - not made for running up and down a floor.
Not sure what they are made for.

What size nubalance? I have some zigs I'd trade. My flat feet don't get along with my new zigs.