So after being away from officiating for 10 years, I'm seriously considering returning to do games (having a son who plays in tournaments means there are some chances to offset the travel expenses!). If I do decide to do this, new shoes will likely be on the Christmas list. I know there are some old threads about shoes, but what are you wearing now? 10 years ago, I wore Nike baseball trainers or Spot-Bilts (RIP to those shoes!) and then some pretty basic black and white soccer cleats for muddy fields. I just don't see that many shoes that would work well for the running that soccer officials require. New Balance makes shoes that MLB umpires wear, but I don't know if those would work. I also don't see that many trail-running shoes that are all black or black with white logos. Any photos, links, etc. would be helpful.
A lot of games are on turf now so you'll see Nike and Adidas are most popular. They seen to be regular black tennis shoes with white swoosh or stripes. Nothing too fancy and not really turf shoes anyway. Grass fields same thing unless it gets wet to muddy then it's basically same brands in regular cleats, nothing fancy like ankle sock cleats just basic
I've been going with New Balance running shoes on turf and dry grass. I have some cleats for situations where they are needed.
I ref in New Balance 410 trail running shoes. They're cheap and available in wide sizes. I go through a pair a year.
I still really like my original version Adidas Boost running shoes. I probably have 300 games in them now, heck maybe 400, so I think I got my $150 worth after all. And for cleats I'm very happy with my classic Adidas Copa Mundials. Yes, that's another $150, but with any luck I'll get two or three hundred games out of them too. I went through a lot of different shoes and a lot of pain before finding those two.
I personally find that running shoes are the most comfortable for me. Your need depends on your locale and depending on what type of weather conditions you have to deal with. I lived in a dry arrid area and moved to a more wet area. So I mostly wear trail running shoes for natural grass and running shoes on turf (pending my position). If I have to pull out the cleats then I seriously contemplate whether the field is suitable for play As far as types of shoes. I am a Nike guy but that's bc I have a narrower foot. I use the Nike terra kiger 3 with Goretex. Those are my all around shoes. I also use a pair of lunar glides (I think 6) and a pair of Nike Pegasus running shoes. I do have a pair of copa mundials. And I am contemplating investing in adi-boost shoes
Asics has a fair number of black on black running shoes. I picked up a pair of GT-1000s for $60-80 to wear on firm or artificial surfaces. They have pricier products as well. I have a pair of black adidas cleats (don't recall the model) for sloppy fields.
Speaking of unplayable fields - the HS field I specifically bought those cleats for after having my feet shoot out from under me in two separate games is finally getting turfed this year. What a gift that will be - that field was a menace to all who came upon it.
I'd be happy to find comfortable black shoes in a size 15. I have Under Armor lightweight running shoes for dry fields, and those are OK. I have UA football cleats for wet/muddy ones. But for four games, the cleats hurt my heels at the end of the day.
My son wears size 16. the best sources we have found for shoes are Zappos (though their stock is unpredictable) and buying direct from Nike's website. He stopped playing soccer before his feet became huge, so I don't have any specifics.
Running warehouse .com is where I usually shop, free returns and they have crazy sizes usually and free shipping. Prices usually cheaper than local and lots of other online places. Check their clearance tab. I normally buy last year's models at a discount.
I typically referee in Brooks Cascadia 11's when it's moist or wet. It was very hard to find a predominantly black ones but I think that they are close enough. I used them on USL games and had no complaints. Typically I use New Balance Vazee Quick Trainers. They have great grip and lateral transition on dry surfaces (grass and turf). I never use cleats any more.
As you've read here, you really need to get shoes that fit your feet. Some brands run narrow, others wide, etc. I personally run in and train in Saucony and they have several all or mostly all black that I use for refereeing 90% of the time. My only set of cleats are kangaroo leather Adidas Mundial and they are as comfortable as any cleat I have ever worn but no where near as comfortable as running or trail shoes.
How important is to to have a fully black shoe? Mine have some green spots, but are the most comfortable, affordable shoe I've used. They are salomon speedcross
I'll second Running Warehouse. They are having their gift card sale until November 10th. That would be 20-25 per cent off a gift card. http://www.runningwarehouse.com/giftcards.html Then use code runblog10 or fb15d with gift card for an addition 10-15 per cent off.
US Soccer is predominately black, but I have used black fabric spray on shoes to make them completely black http://www.joann.com/tulip-colorshot-instant-fabric-color-spray-3oz/zprd_14726871a.html
https://www.amazon.com/Salomon-Spee...=8-4&keywords=salomon+speedcross+4&th=1&psc=1 those look amazing, and come in (almost) all black as well! that's about as good a tread on a trail shoe as i've seen...
I have a set of Salomon X-Ultra's that I have worn for the last 6 months. They are a bit heavy but they have incredible support. That's all I have worn since I got them. Grass and field turf.
I was wondering if sanybody wore these. I have red ones I use for obstacle course racing. They're bullet proof
These have worked well for me recently. Good traction on turf or even wet grass. Good support and sturdy enough to be work on the line if needed. https://m.zappos.com/p/adidas-running-rockadia-trail-core-black-energy/product/8804005/color/661411
IMO you can't go wrong with the Adidas Team Mundial shoe. Their little nubs give you excellent traction on turf as well as dry or wet grass fields. With these on your feet on a damp morning you can make any cut you want and not worry about ending up on the ground.. If you plan on doing games on soggy or soaked fields I would probably go with a set of cleats but I have done plenty of muddy fields in these shoes and only have to make a small adjustment to my stops and starts. The only issue is that I can't get them shipped to California so I need to pick them up out of state. https://www.amazon.com/adidas-Performance-Mundial-Soccer-Cleat/dp/B000O3U0PI