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

[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.

[IceGator8]

Originally Posted by Warrenkicker

I seem to remember seeing an NFL umpire on the cover of Referee magazine a few years ago who was wearing some sort of plate shoes. They might have had steel toes as well. Looks like November 2002.

Otherwise I just stay away from the middle of the field.

My bro who works the umpire position swears he's seen an NFL umpire with plate shoes. I actually think wearing them would be a pretty good idea. Umpires usually do not need to be super mobile anyway.

[BktBallRef]

Mobile, yes. You have to keep moving. But it's not like you have to sprint between the hashes.

[Theisey]

An Umpire (now retired) I've worked with wore steel toed shoes and in addition, soccer like shin guards under his socks. I started to wonder if at our next game together he was going to bring a flack jacket to wear under his strips. He never did!

[BktBallRef]

Originally Posted by Theisey

An Umpire (now retired) I've worked with wore steel toed shoes and in addition, soccer like shin guards under his socks. I started to wonder if at our next game together he was going to bring a flack jacket to wear under his strips. He never did!

I ended up purchasing the Tanel 360 plate shoes. I think they'll work.

I don't think I'll be needing that other equipment.