Based on this thread, I was actually going to give the speecross's a try. I've stuck with mundials for a while, too. But If the Salomon's are lighter, have as much grip, and I don't slip, why not? If I switch over in the spring, I'll come back to this.
Everyone is different and everyone's feet need different support. From my experience, I haven't worn cleats in years. I have gone through many shoes over the years. From Runners to Trail Runners and back to Runners. Nowadays, I have a rotation of shoes that I use. If I have a high level game like D1 or USL middle, I wear Trail Runners on Grass and Runners on Turf. If it's wet I go to my trusty Merrell Water Proof Trail Runners. If I'm on the line I use my Sketchers Turf shoes. When I have a multi-game day, I typically use my Adidas Boston runners line or center and typically rotate them with a pair of Brooks Pure series shoes. The biggest difference is having the right orthotic inserts in the shoes you are wearing. As some have mentioned, go to a running store and have them measure you up. You'll be surprised how much of a difference a proper shoe makes.
My family often tells me that not only am I a def old fart, but I am also a cheap bastard. I might be offended, but it is true..... I started reffing 10 yrs ago wearing my playing cleats and it did not take me long to say sayonara to those bad boys. My feet were killing me whenever I did more than one game a day. Very early on, I went to a game and realized I forgot my shoes. So I went to the local wallyworld and got a $25 pair of Starter sneaks. Worked great for a few years, but was getting Achilles pain. Had to go the PT route and they told me that good shoes were nice, but the real key is stretch, stretch, and stretch some more. When I blew out my Starters, I tried my sons New Balance 626 training shoes. Great shoe and solid, but heavy and bit clunky. Still in the bag as the backup shoe. This fall, I wanted a lighter shoe and got a Fila running shoe at Kohls. Did their multiple coupon thing and got them for less than $30. Shoe is very light, but held up great for the 70 or so games I did this fall. I am a mediumish sized guy 5'9" 185. Little heavier than I want to be. I do 150+ games a year. And I do them in el cheapo shoes. And my legs feel great, because I took the stretching mantra to heart. I stretch before, during and after games. I stretch around the house. If I am standing in McDonalds waiting for my food, I will stretch against the counter. Pain in your legs is not conducive to being a ref cause it takes ALL the fun out of it. I really don't think the shoes are going to change (that much) how your legs feel.
I agree that stretching is important, but stretching during the game may not be the best idea. First of all, when are you doing this? You should be focused on the game. Second, it could give the impression to those watching that you are injured or not physically capable.
Wellll, I'm not going crazy. Usually as an AR with play at other end of field and I'm just stretching out the hammies or calves. Or the ball is in the parking lot/woods. Especially during all day tournies. And eyes are always on the game. And no offence, but I really don't care what anyone's impression is. I work hard and do my best. And it takes a toll and I'm doing what it takes to stay at the highest level my body is capable of at that point in time.
No problem. Just trying to help. We already get so much grief as it is, no need to add more fuel to the fire.
Ya I've never seen an athlete at any level stretch during a competition... When? There's plenty of down time during games to stretch. Any restart that's not quick, subs, or injuries to players. What, would you rather have the referee not stretch, run a higher risk of getting more injured and not being able to finish the game?
Like @DefRef said in a previous post, you can stretch before the game, after the game, halftime. If you have to stretch during the game, then you are already in trouble.
I saw Rickey Henderson near the end of his career. He was stretching while being heckled at Camden Yards. Most fun I ever had a baseball game.
We used to watch Rickey at the Coliseum when he was with the A's. He'd stretch in the outfield, in the on-deck circle. In his case in-game stretching killed three birds with one stone: actual stretching, showing off his physique, and checking out the crowd.
If you don't mind the yellow stripe (I don't), REI is selling them for ~$80 instead of the normal $130 at REI or $100 on Amazon. I just ordered some and they arrived the next day. Also REI has a very generous return policy, 1 year on everything.
Hmm, that's tempting. And I bet that yellow swoosh will make me look faster a little less slow. Then again it might draw more attention to feet that are not moving very much. Nah.
Well, now I know I can at least go to an REI and try a pair on so I get my size right. Thanks! Was trying to find local shoe store and was coming up empty. I don't know if I can get that flashy with the yellow and *gasp* blue swoosh. TOO much style without substance, so much stuff without style... 5 bonus points to where THAT came from (without the google.)
Alright. Got my first HS Girls game this Thursday and picked up the salomons last night. Wearing them around a bit to break them in, but they do feel pretty comfy. My match on Thursday is on a turf field (thankfully since where we don't have snow on fields we have frozen mud). So I will let you know how it goes, definitely lighter than my Mundails..
I just purchased these and I LOVE THEM! ! And for the price they are an amazing deal. But these shoes are only good for turf fields. If you are playing on grass I would recommend the Adidas Mundial Turf shoes. https://www.macys.com/shop/product/...6fxH300JSyu8uHCKfHScqytlnnYrS2LBoCp7QQAvD_BwE
I’ve had the Adidas Mundial turf shoes for almost 4 years. I put arch-support insoles in them last year, but those wore out. Maybe it’s time to try something else.
I wore through mine too, but I decided to get the same pair again. Hey they work. I just went a half size bigger this time.
The only complaint is that qiwi the turf shoes you can feel the impact the next day on your muscle and feet. Obvious with age comes these problems naturally but Copa Mundial are only worth it while on grass IMO. If I'm on a turf field I will always wear my all black running shoes
I believe that is a scam website. I just "bought" some items; then cancelled my credit card when things went sideways.
I hope you're wrong. It did look pretty funky but it's a UK site. I used my fallback card that's not hard to roll over. Fingers crossed. EDIT: My card has now been charged the correct amount ($38.12) but I have not yet received any sort of confirmation email.
Crap now I see reviews that say it's a scam. Sorry! Don't order. EDIT: Just cancelled my card - on phone with fraud dept and 2 pending charges from China today.