Shoe advice

[Luis]

I've worn a pair of 623 patent for a couple seasons and they are absolutely comfy on my feet. Didn't wear the 623 leather though. Heard a bunch of goods on Zigs but didn't wear that yet either.

[jeremy341a]

Disclaimer: i have flat feet

I had one pair of zigs that were good but the second pair I had hurt my feet due to their arches. I have New Balance before and just picked up a new pair of New Balance and too my feet they are like heaven. I will never mail order shoes again as I have a brand new pair of zigs that I hate. I am stuck with them bc I cut the insoles up at halftime to make it through the night. I did have to order the zigs 1/2 size bigger as well. I had to go with 10 1/2 vs my normal 10.

[zm1283]

Just got these Reebok Zjet's last weekend and used them last night. On sale for $79.99 at Finish Line right now.

[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.

[riverfalls57]

Originally Posted by zm1283

Just got these Reebok Zjet's last weekend and used them last night. On sale for $79.99 at Finish Line right now.

I bought a pair and used them last night, I really liked them, even better than my Zigs.

[zm1283]

Originally Posted by riverfalls57

I bought a pair and used them last night, I really liked them, even better than my Zigs.

They're a different feel than the Zigs, but I like them. They look good too.

Do any of you guys put the slits in the bottoms of your pant legs like the two NBA officials pictured above? I have a huge pet peeve with my pant legs catching on the back of my shoes and it seems that would help, but I don't see many guys that I work with that do it.

[riverfalls57]

Originally Posted by zm1283

They're a different feel than the Zigs, but I like them. They look good too.

Do any of you guys put the slits in the bottoms of your pant legs like the two NBA officials pictured above? I have a huge pet peeve with my pant legs catching on the back of my shoes and it seems that would help, but I don't see many guys that I work with that do it.

I have it done to my pants when I get them hemmed, I don't think I get charged extra for having it done.

[Raymond]

Originally Posted by zm1283

They're a different feel than the Zigs, but I like them. They look good too.

Do any of you guys put the slits in the bottoms of your pant legs like the two NBA officials pictured above? I have a huge pet peeve with my pant legs catching on the back of my shoes and it seems that would help, but I don't see many guys that I work with that do it.

I've had it done, but the seamstress who did it has closed down shop. Need to find someone else to do it now.

[#olderthanilook]

I was all set to buy a pair of Air Max, now that I'm sick and tired of my patent leather Zigs. These z Jets are sweet, though. And, cheaper than the AirMax.

[ODog]

Originally Posted by zm1283

Do any of you guys put the slits in the bottoms of your pant legs like the two NBA officials pictured above?

I'm a high school official and I have them, FWIW. A college official on my board recommended it.

[rockyroad]

So the Zjet and the GT-1000 show up as running shoes...how do they do for traction on the court???