I'm trying to get my gear together (I'm new to officiating). I went to the place recommended by my chapter's cadet trainer, and asked for wrestling sneakers (black) as per the trainer's instructions. When I told the salesperson that I am training to be a wrestling official, they brought out a pair of black sneakers -- more like a shoe, really -- but definitely not WRESTLING sneakers. At that point, I didn't know what to do -- I thought the wrestling officials were to wear the same wrestling sneakers that the actual wrestlers wore. Can someone please clear that up for me?

Thanks.

NFHS rules state that an offical must wear black shoes with no colored highlights. The shoes should be soft-soled gym type. man yofficials liek walking shoes, others have different preferences.
Wrestlers must wear a lightweight heelless shoe that fastens above the ankle, commonly called wrestling shoes.
These shoes offer no support but generally a better grip on the mat.
Brand names would be Asics, Nike, Reebok, Adidas.