What do you put on your feet?

[umpirecordova]

The one thing thing I really needed to replace this year was my shoes. I got lucky when they had the all black reebok plate shoes for $65. But the one thing im running into trouble with is the base shoes. I had a pair of NB 995 and I loved them. I tried to replace the insoles on them, but it just seemed like it was worse than before. It just smashed my foot and made it uncomfortable. I tried getting the new NB MLB base shoes but I am running into the fact that they run very narrow.

So I was wondering what you guys use;

socks,

insoles,

shoes,

anything that have to do with feet that makes it possible to not run off the field to get your shoes off.

[Kevin Finnerty]

Mentholated powder

Thin UA socks

Thick UA boot socks (both pairs at the same time)

Semi-expensive orthotic insoles (I have tried nearly all of them--a couple brands are pretty good)

Reebok Field Magistrate Plate (for 80 m.p.h. and under)

New Balance 450s (over 80 m.p.h. ... they have steel toes)

New Balance 995s or Reebok Field Magistrate Turf on the bases (depending on the field and the mood)

I occasionally require an ankle brace (McDavid neoprene wrap-around).

And I occasionally tape one arch to battle heel pain.

(And I special-ordered NB 995s in EE width. It's a high-performance shoe. They're football shoes for crying out loud. I like running in them. I have the mids. But the Reeboks get the nod in sheer comfort---plate and base.)

[Minnz]

The one thing thing I really needed to replace this year was my shoes. I got lucky when they had the all black reebok plate shoes for $65. But the one thing im running into trouble with is the base shoes. I had a pair of NB 995 and I loved them. I tried to replace the insoles on them, but it just seemed like it was worse than before. It just smashed my foot and made it uncomfortable. I tried getting the new NB MLB base shoes but I am running into the fact that they run very narrow.

So I was wondering what you guys use;

socks,

insoles,

shoes,

anything that have to do with feet that makes it possible to not run off the field to get your shoes off.

NB makes all shoes in different widths. That is a NB thing for their entire line of shoes.

[Mike Prince]

My favorite base shoes are a pair of Reebok NFL Quag official's shoes in wide width. I've tried several others and like these the best. Unfortunately the "nubs" on the soles are wearing off so I am on the lookout for another pair of wide Reebok's.

I usually wear Thor-o-lo boot socks with these and my Reebok plates.

Stock insoles with all my shoes although some foot pain this season is making me reconsider this.

[Marcus6]

shoes,

Nike Air Max + 2012

Expensive, but good.

[Umpire in Chief]

I have horrible feet.

First remember shoes are wear out. Shoes lose shock absorption, cushioning and stability over time. Runnig in worn-out shoes increases the stress and impact on your legs and joints, which can lead to injuries.

How do you know when shoes need to be retired? Don't use the treads of your to determine whether you should replace your shoes. The midsole, which provides the cushioning and stability, usually breaks down before the bottom shows major signs of wear. If you've been feeling muscle fatigue, shin splints, or some pain in your joints -- especially your knees -- you may be wearing running that no longer have adequate cushioning.

So long story short, you need to replace your shoes regularly.

Next I wear prescription athletic orthotic insoles. I get the mid priced ones from my podiatrist.

I also wear a prescription AirSoft ankle brace.

And to TOP it off about an hour before my game I take a naproxin and I do pretty well.

[BT_Blue]

I have NB450s for the plate but have been eyeing the new 460s. That will probably be my big buy for next year. I have 3 year old field magistrates in a wide from ump-attire (with the white insignia) for baseball as well as a new (football season last year) pair of all black field magistrates from Honigs. I tend to wear just normal socks but am thinking of picking up some of the Nike Elite baseball socks from work. I also use foam heel pads in my plate shoes that help with my heel pain.

Also when working the plate I wear a knee brace. Usually on my right knee but will also wear it on my left if I am working kid games and work the scissors.

[Thunderheads]

shoes,

Nike Air Max + 2012

Expensive, but good.

2012?? havne't seen that one ....in all leather?

[Fittske24]

2012?? havne't seen that one ....in all leather?

Nope, they are mesh. Your feet would freeze if you wear these before march :)

[Plate Duster]

Does anyone have experience with the Reebok Zigs? I was looking to get a pair because I had a partner that swore by them, but he was kind of absent minded, and I don't automatically trust his glowing recommendation.

[Mike Prince]

Does anyone have experience with the Reebok Zigs? I was looking to get a pair because I had a partner that swore by them, but he was kind of absent minded, and I don't automatically trust his glowing recommendation.

I had a pair and sold them after one game. The sizing and last are way different than the other Reebok official's shoes I have. In my experience they run narrow and at least a half size small.

[Majordave]

Guys with feet problems. I used to wear the Gerry Davis Patent Leather monster boots. Feet hurt terribly after a game. Then went to NB 450s and sometimes feet hurt. Went to Atlanta NCAA Clinic. Met an exhibitor there, Dr. Simon Small, a Podiatrist, of Bala Cynwyd, PA. He took a mold of my feet, an imprint of my health insurance card and my credit card. I got a legal sized manila envelope in the mail about a week and a half later with two custom molded orthotics and some wear instructions inside. I followed the wear/break-in instructions and still have them to this day. That was in 2007 or 2008. I swear by them. It caused me to go up in size with most of my shoes and boots but I have ZERO sore foot issues today and can regularly work five or six games in a day if I wish to during summer tournament season. My "dogs" rarely even think about barking and no foot pain the next day.

His website is http://www.prosupportsystems.com/ He is sort of a "Podiatrist to the stars".......

I highly recommend anyone with foot pain after umpiring to peruse this site and contact Dr. Small or the local podiatrist of your choice. You WILL NOT regret it.

To answer your original question, I have worked in the Gerry Davis high TOP, as stated earlier, New Balance 350s and 450s, Reebok Quagmire NFL High tops, Adidas Soccer turf shoes, Nike Destroyer Football coaching shoes, Reebok Magistrate full leather MLB high TOP base shoes and Reebok Magistrate mid height plate shoes alone with Puma coaching shoes. Any of them with the orthotic insole are all good for me. Doesn't matter what shoe.

My two cents.

[JamesC]

I wear the Zigs during perfect conditions (sunny, no possibility of rain, no rain in the last week, etc...) and love them. Plus, I have 3 pair of Zig tennis shoes that I wear during normal activities and working out. Some of the most comfortable shoes I've ever worn. I previously thought UnderArmour made the most comfortable shoes, until I tried the Zigs! I love them!

[eagle_12]

shoes,

Nike Air Max + 2012

Expensive, but good.

Agree with these shoes. I bought the 2011 last year and absolutely loved them. In February I lucked out as I went to the Nike outlet store. They had the 2010 model (just as good and as comfortable) for $70 + 30% off, originally they sell for $160. Want to buy several pairs but only 1 in my size. I also like the Nike trail winds as well. In my opinion anything with the air max bladder is a good choice.

[catsbackr]

I have owned all of the more popular umpiring shoes, including the NB 350 base shoes, the old NB 450 plate shoes (still have them, wear them occasionally), the Reebok Field Magistrate plate and base shoes, the NB 460 plate shoes and the NB 995 base shoes.

I start with Under Armor socks, cool comfortable, great socks. IMHO the Reeboks are by far the best shoes, plate and base. The NB 995 were absolute garbage.

[semperfiguy]

I wear the NB 450 on the plate, and the 995 on the bases. I wear UA socks for now, but after speaking with kevin form Honigs at our association meeting he recommended Force 3 socks. He says they take all the stress off your feet. Im due for a change. Major Dave gives some great advice though. Professional orthotics are truly teh onlyway to go if you have foot problems. I have a killer bunion. I ordered both my shoes wide (bases EE, plate EEEE). I have had no issues since. Very happy with NB.

balls and strikes baby!!!

[love2ump]

Force 3 socks are all i wear along with orthotics. As far as shoes i wear nike air max and new balance on bases and reebok magistrates and NB 460 on plate.

[Mike Prince]

Hmmm...reconsidering the Field Magistrates behind the dish. I took a quite routine pitch to the toe in a 9 y/o game the other day and surprisingly it stung pretty good for a ball that at best was traveling 30-35 mph. This is my third year with them and it probably is time for a change, guess it's time for a pair of MU460's and relegate the Reeboks to the emergency/backup bag.

I've used these shoes at all levels from 9U to HS Varsity and taken all kinds of shots - none have ever hurt like this one did.

[kylejt]

Sometimes I take a shot to the foot, and my big toe just stings. Now, I always make sure that big toenail is trimmed back, and not forced toward that steel cap.

I also notice my toes were forced to the end of my shoes, when I locked into my stance. Now, I make an effort to slide my foot back in my shoe, just a hair, as part of my routine. Sounds odd, I know, but it works for me.

[Mike Prince]

Kyle - I think the toe against or close to the end of the shoe may have been a factor. These shoes fit great but there's not a lot of extra room in the toe box plus it was a 9U game and I had to really work to get good and low (I am 6'4"). My pre-pitch focus was on getting as wide as I could with my stance which probably pushed my feet up a bit in the shoe.. I will try the sliding trick, and probably tie them just a tad tighter to prohibit some of the forward movement. Thanks.

[Kevin Finnerty]

Hmmm...reconsidering the Field Magistrates behind the dish. I took a quite routine pitch to the toe in a 9 y/o game the other day and surprisingly it stung pretty good for a ball that at best was traveling 30-35 mph. This is my third year with them and it probably is time for a change, guess it's time for a pair of MU460's and relegate the Reeboks to the emergency/backup bag.

I've used these shoes at all levels from 9U to HS Varsity and taken all kinds of shots - none have ever hurt like this one did.

I relegated the Reeboks to lower-level-ball-only status due to three severe toe shots that I felt way too much. If I move up to something, it'll be the NB 460s. I have never felt a thing with the NB 450s

[ScottFaulkenberry]

Mentholated powder

Thin UA socks

Thick UA boot socks (both pairs at the same time)

Semi-expensive orthotic insoles (I have tried nearly all of them--a couple brands are pretty good)

Reebok Field Magistrate Plate (for 80 m.p.h. and under)

New Balance 450s (over 80 m.p.h. ... they have steel toes)

New Balance 995s or Reebok Field Magistrate Turf on the bases (depending on the field and the mood)

I occasionally require an ankle brace (McDavid neoprene wrap-around).

And I occasionally tape one arch to battle heel pain.

(And I special-ordered NB 995s in EE width. It's a high-performance shoe. They're football shoes for crying out loud. I like running in them. I have the mids. But the Reeboks get the nod in sheer comfort---plate and base.)

Kevin...If you have foot problems, go see Dr. Kwong at Kerlan-Jobe in L.A. He is the best! Both my son's have foot problems, we went to see him, both had different problems, but he has an Orthotist, Marc Fleckner, makes Orthotic Inserts for all the pro athletes, made them for my sons....Did wonders for them, no surgery required...They swear by them...Not cheap, about $400 a pair, but he will recondition them for free after that, he also gives you the molds, he is a good guy...I saw you live in L.A....

[Kevin Finnerty]

Thank you, Scott.

[SAB_UIC_TX]

One pair of UA socks on the plate or bases. I've been blessed with some very biomechanically sound feet. No blistering or uncomfort in my NB plate or NB base shoes.