Other referees, particularly ones who don't know me, always question my bringing two bags to the field, one for shirts and gear and one for shoes. I'll preface this by saying down here, the ground is almost always hard. I'll typically start the day in Kleme Master HFT - mini-studs which cope well with the wet, dewy grass. I carry two pairs so I can rotate if it doesn't dry out or is raining, etc. http://www.amazon.com/Kelme-Master-HFT-Black/dp/B000BMIF22 I'll move to Adidas Absolado turf shoes for when it's dryed out. I also carry two pairs so I can rotate. http://www.amazon.com/adidas-Mens-A...sim_bn_a_shvl_njs_title_1/103-5434285-0001429 If it's soft and wet, I'll use diadora moulded cleats from my playing days. As usual, two pairs. If it's horrific, an old pair of Adidas World Cup screw-ins that I've had for 15 years - brought with me from England when I emigrated. Sorta like these: http://www.shopadidas.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2007308 And yes, I know the top two aren't exactly "predominantly black", but it's amazing what a can of matt black spray paint will do! I'll also change my clothes after every game, sometimes even at half-time if I'm doing only one game (college) that day. Nothing feels better. Yes, people think I'm wierd, and maybe I am, but I think my performance is more important than my quirky foilbles! Oh, and as far as stinky shoes go, I use gold bond extra strength powder before wear - absorbs as it goes, has a nice menthol smell and is good for your feet. Also shoe dogs. And I stick them on my balcony to dry out after every wearing, having taken the insoles out (if I can). Changing your socks often (see above) helps.
For me the key was realizing I was not playing, I was reffing and the footwear needs are different. When reffing you don't need touch on the ball, so you can go with a much more sturdy and comfy shoe. I am currently wearing the aforementioned spotbilts http://www.spotbilt.com/productDetail.aspx?ProductId=605 used to wear either the adidas or diadora turf shoes, but these are much better. I will save those for days I am playing. Running shoes are good for centers, but most don't have the lateral support for running a line.
When I was last selecting shoes, I tried out a theory & it seems to be working for me. I use Nike Thorpe football shoes. http://store.reebok.com/product/ind...kw=thorpe+mid&kw=thorpe+mid&parentPage=search They give me great cutback ability as an AR, are compatible with all conditions I've run into (we don't get near frozen conditions...), & have at least an attempt at a little ankle support. On a very worn field, they do give me some problems after higher division games, but that's very rare. Of course, sometimes I have to explain to the players that I'm allowed a toe cleat, since I won't use my feet to challenge for the ball... Best, Sandcrab
Wow! If I were to wear those, I'd be certain to faceplant at least once per game as an AR! Same reason I don't wear screw-ins - when side-stepping quickly, more shuffling, I'd deffo catch an edge. Running shoes just don't work for me - great in a straight line, but fast turns and side-stepping and myriad direction changes all guarantee they'd be toast in a month. I guess this is where cross-trainers came from? And the sturdier shoes are just too heavy for me. I light to be as light as possible - the Kelmes really slow me down at the end of the day, whereas with the Adidas, I feel like I can fly. I go through about six pairs a year and buy them in bulk (three pairs) so I've always got a new set ready to start breaking in when the old are wearing out. Bear in mind I do over 300 games per year!
Wow, I just noticed the Spot Bilt shoes are available in mesh as well as full leather...nice... https://www.spotbilt.com/productDetail.aspx?ProductId=624:)
Thanks for the heads-up; the mesh/leather combo model looks better than the all-leather, IMO. Too bad not available in wide widths You may want to fix your link -- remove the : at the end.