New Mizuno Base Shoes

[MadMax]

On 8/6/2026 at 3:52 PM, concertman1971 said:

Im sure when the State org Heads and assignors are not 60+ and stop using the "back in my day" phrase like its a Biblical quote, creased hats, patent shoes, all black ONLY requirements, and (sorry @MadMax) NAVY shirts will all but disappear.

All this crap will disappear when we – the umpire community – stop equating value to these things, insofar that they mean “you’re a better umpire than __________ because of them.”, and treasuring compliance to their edicts – which are simply opinions – as a virtue. 

[The Man in Blue]

It absolutely matters!  You need footwear that screams "Respect my authoritAY!"

[Dale-E-Llama]

Im sure when the State org Heads and assignors are not 60+ and stop using the "back in my day" phrase like its a Biblical quote, creased hats, patent shoes, all black ONLY requirements, and (sorry [mention=2599]MadMax[/mention]) NAVY shirts will all but disappear.
Look at any younger (below 35) umpire out on a field. They are not creasing hats (unless pressured by those 55+ guys) and they certainly aint wearing patent leather shoes. Sh&*t, even softball is coming around on the pant color!
I am at an age and a space in my career that I wear what is comfortable. Nike Golf shoes with  the FORBIDDEN white logo on the bases, and whatever plate shoes I have in the car on game day.
Just look at the 50th anniversary of Referee Magazine. The advertisements in that thing CATERED to the 55+ crowd, but articles were written about the "aging out of officials" and the "lack of officials". Im guessing the marketing departments at these places are the same Old Heads (for you Old guys, thats what the young generations calls you, and they most definitely mean it with all of the respect you think it carries) that run the state orgs.

Appreciate the rant, love the passion. But I’m under 35 and have creased my hats (base and plate) for the past 15+ years. I also cannot wait for the patent leather Mizunos to come stateside, I’ll buy a pair the day they come out.

Did I learn from those 55+ guys, 100%! But I also just think those things look sharp with a good pair of creased Gerry Davis pants. It’s definitely a preference that I don’t think is dead.

I’m in Florida, btw, so when it is 95 degrees and 80% humidity I do pull out the breathable sneakers.


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[Dale-E-Llama]

Got basically 3 things coming to our offerings. The shoe furthest to the left is what I am guessing is what UA shows.

1. Plate shoes in all black
2. Shoe 2nd from left
3. And below

This is fantastic news! When is the planned release date? Any chance at an early order?


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[umpstu]

On 7/21/2026 at 9:11 PM, DerekGDS said:

Got basically 3 things coming to our offerings. The shoe furthest to the left is what I am guessing is what UA shows.

1. Plate shoes in all black
2. Shoe 2nd from left
3. And below

Have the two pair on the left in the upper photo and love them.