Ref shoes

[Rudy R9]

What are the best ref shoes?

[Chubbywubby]

Saucony Spot-Bilt.

[BC_Ref]

Whatever works.

Seriously - it depends on where you ref. I have two sets - one a bladed shoe (narrow heels - Diadora's) for my normal mucky grass. I have a set of "turf" shoes for any gravel games. Black is best, but my Diadora's are a dull silver (comfortable, water resistant, and don't kill my feet - so don't care about the colour).

For the high level games, then your uniform becomes very important.

[Rudy R9]

I just use my gold vapors, mainly b/c there comfortable and light. Also some lottos, but have been looking to get some diadora ref shoes from eurosport, anybody have them?

[erictheking]

If you want to be a real ref then you have to be wearing Patrick's.

[Ref Flunkie]

Adidas has some turf shoes on their site for only $40. I was thinking of picking up a pair.

[ref47]

i have been happy with diadora turf shoes. using my second pair now. they run a little narrow. carry an alternate pair of turfs and cleats for needed occasions. and, for ussf matches, please dress appropriately and use all black shoes.

[Ref Flunkie]

i have been happy with diadora turf shoes. using my second pair now. they run a little narrow. carry an alternate pair of turfs and cleats for needed occasions. and, for ussf matches, please dress appropriately and use all black shoes.

An assessor told me that the adidas white stripes on the sides are ok, but any more then that needs to be shoe polished black. I'm just happy if I find something comfortable.

[Garkbit]

Official Sports.co.uk has been selling a very nice Asics Gel Revolution (http://www.officialsports.co.uk/productpages/footwear_revolution.htm) boot that's cut at the same height as a pair of trainers, with blades, that are designed specifically for rugby players and referees whose primary concerns are running, rather than kicking. I've never heard anything bad said about them. They're beginning to gain headway among the Select Group, too: I've seen at least Chris Foy and Neale Barry wearing them: apparently, they've cleared up some nagging injuries Barry used to suffer from. I'm getting a pair for my next birthday, in time for next season.

Yes, they are slightly colourful, but I'm pretty sure that if your assessors care that much they'll take paint or polish. Unforturnately, I can't find them on Official Sports.com, but you might try finding them via the Asics website.

[david58]

I had my adidas shoes stolen last summer, which turned out to be a favor. I purchased the Puma Liga Turf shoes, which are black with the puma emblem black as well. Comfortable, cushioned, and work well except when it is really sloppy.

On hard fields, when I center, I wear a pair of Asics. I black them before each weekend. The ventilation and cushioning is nice, but they are not my favorite for working as AR, because of the sidestepping. Since they have the fabric upper, they aren't as great for quick starts and stops, so I wear the pumas to do the AR bit.

[farside268]

Unforturnately, I can't find them on Official Sports.com, but you might try finding them via the Asics website.

It seems that Asics is not marketing them in North America.

[Caesar]

Official Sports.co.uk has been selling a very nice Asics Gel Revolution (http://www.officialsports.co.uk/productpages/footwear_revolution.htm) boot that's cut at the same height as a pair of trainers, with blades, that are designed specifically for rugby players and referees whose primary concerns are running, rather than kicking. I've never heard anything bad said about them. They're beginning to gain headway among the Select Group, too: I've seen at least Chris Foy and Neale Barry wearing them: apparently, they've cleared up some nagging injuries Barry used to suffer from. I'm getting a pair for my next birthday, in time for next season.

Yes, they are slightly colourful, but I'm pretty sure that if your assessors care that much they'll take paint or polish. Unforturnately, I can't find them on Official Sports.com, but you might try finding them via the Asics website.
Asics Gels are brilliant boots - all the serious referees here in Australia wear them, and they're recommended as the best boot on the market by every podiatrist I've spoken to. They also claim to be the only boots recommended by Sports Medicine Australia. I've been wearing them for several seasons, and have been mightily impressed - I've had a lot of trouble with my feet, and wear orthotics, but they've been a dream.

If you're buying them by mail, beware - they have a slightly narrow fit. However, I have narrow feet myself, which makes them perfect.

[Tsunami]

Earlier Shoe Thread Link (http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showthread.php?t=117186) that might help you out - although I'm sure some of the info is now outdated...

[njref]

New Balance makes a very comfortable all black running shoe that I use unless it is muddy. Durable and come in wide sizes.

[Law5]

I use black adidas running shoes (sorry I don't remember the product line name) when I am in the center on artificial turf. I usually wear adidas turf shoes when I am on the line, because they give me more lateral support than a running shoe. I rarely go with the long studs. In my humble experience, referees normally need one level less grip than players. (e.g. the referee can wear flats when the players wear turf shoes.)
As far as "blacking up" your shoes, the USSF uniform standard says black shoes with manufacturers logos are fine. If that's what the assessor has to talk about, you must have had a pretty fine game, because you didn't give him anything important to talk about.
And, of course, your mileage may vary! ;)

[Ajaxlawyer]

Adidas has some turf shoes on their site for only $40. I was thinking of picking up a pair.
I picked up a pair of the Adidas turf shoes last year as my 2d pair. It turmed out to be a big mistake. I wore them in bunch of matches during a tournament -- they have very flat soles and insets. I ended up with pronation of both knees which turned into a meniscus sprain in one. I now use only my Saucony Spot Bilts - basically an all black high quality running shoe. Available from Official Sports.

[MidwestRef]

If you have wide feet, Adidas shoes are not a good fit. They run very, very narrow. I can't wear my Kaiser metal-tipped cleats on wet fields anymore.

I'll get dinged on an assessment for this, but I have to wear black and white Nike baseball coaches shoes to combat my shinsplints. They are turf shoes that are made for running, not soccer. The problem with them is that they have a little bit of dark gray accent (impossible to notice from a distance) and a white outsole that's pretty noticeable. I would like to have shoes that are all black, but these Nikes are far and away the best shoes for my situation right now.

If Asics would market those gel shoes in the US, I'd take a good look at them.

[wcharriscpa]

I just use my gold vapors, mainly b/c there comfortable and light. Also some lottos, but have been looking to get some diadora ref shoes from eurosport, anybody have them?

I'm also considering purchasing the Diadora Referee TF from the new Eurosport catalog. I'd sure appreciate it if someone who owns a pair could comment on the shoe's comfort level. Many thanks.

[Claymore]

I used to swear by the adidas Beckenbauer turf shoes, but I tried the Puma King All-Around a few years ago, and haven't looked back.

[Statesman]

If arch support is a problem in finding adequate shoes I would recommend the moldable orthotics you can find at Foot Locker for about $10-$15. You boil them for a bit then shape them to the bottom of your foot, scissoring off the excess as needed. They have a 1 year warranty, so if you take them back to where you bought them after 9-11 months of use they will give you a new set free of charge.

As far as shoes, I have Adidas Kaiser but they are not the most comfortable. I've always been fond of Puma Kings.