I'm tired of big, stupid linebackers...

[HLin NC]

Problem is Ref, I don't think a plate umpires shoe would work real well. I can see it really cutting into your mobility and I don't think they have much of a cleated sole from what I can recall.

You might try a police supply like Gall's. Won't be cleated but might find something with an "agressive sole".

Hey check these out:
http://www.galls.com/style.html?asso...SP773&cat=2807

[IceGator8]

I use them for baseball and can move around pretty good. I'd wager football umpire could move around easy enough in them. I use the regular version (350) of the same shoe for football. The tread pattern works well in slippery conditions.

Honigs has the shoe:

http://www.honigs.com/detail.asp?Cat=2&Sub=10&Item=1057

[BktBallRef]

Originally Posted by IceGator8

I use them for baseball and can move around pretty good. I'd wager football umpire could move around easy enough in them. I use the regular version (350) of the same shoe for football. The tread pattern works well in slippery conditions.

Honigs has the shoe:

http://www.honigs.com/detail.asp?Cat=2&Sub=10&Item=1057

Gator, do you where the flap in football?

[JasonTX]

I tried working a 7th grade game at Umpire once. The heck with steel toe shoes. I needed full playing equipment. Busted elbow and scraped shin. That's the last time I worked Umpire and will never try that again.

[Rick KY]

No Snickers for you JasonTX!!

[Bob M.]

Originally Posted by JasonTX

I tried working a 7th grade game at Umpire once. The heck with steel toe shoes. I needed full playing equipment. Busted elbow and scraped shin. That's the last time I worked Umpire and will never try that again.

REPLY I once showed up at a college game expecting to be the BJ in a 7-man crew. Due to an emergency, only six showed up and yours truly was the only one 'experienced' (read 'stupid) enough to volunteer to go into the middle. When I saw the size and speed of those guys, I called my insurance agent to make sure my premiums were paid up.

[BktBallRef]

Originally Posted by Bob M.

REPLY I once showed up at a college game expecting to be the BJ in a 7-man crew. Due to an emergency, only six showed up and yours truly was the only one 'experienced' (read 'stupid) enough to volunteer to go into the middle. When I saw the size and speed of those guys, I called my insurance agent to make sure my premiums were paid up.

I don't think there's an official in any other sport as close to the action as the U. If there is, I can't think who it is.

[rdfox]

About 20 years ago, one of the shoe companies that makes both football and plate shoes was willing, for a $10 customization charge, to add the steel toe from their plate shoe to their football shoe for me. As I recall, the local sporting goods store had to put me in touch with the manufacturer's salesperson who was able to get me the customization.

I have used these shoes on and off for many years. I do not recall the brand and you can't see their name from inside the shoe anymore. I highly recommend this for umpires - I can't tell you the number of times it saved some bruises. Obviously, they are a bit heavier, but the U isn't running all that much anyway.

[IceGator8]

Originally Posted by BktBallRef

Gator, do you where the flap in football?

I'm a line judge so I just wear the regular NB shoes. I think you could easily wear the flap though. I can move around great in the NB plate shoe.