Amanda Knapp
Basketball referees are required to run several miles per game, so their footwear choices must balance performance and style. While the NBA mandates that referees' shoes be devoid of colour, comfort and weight are also key considerations. Popular shoe models among referees include the Bondi and Clifton by Hoka One One, and the New Balance 990v5. The 3n2 and Smitty brands also offer shoes specifically designed for basketball referees, with the Smitty Court Maxx 1 being a top choice for its combination of comfort and weight.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Brand | 3n2, Smitty, Nike, New Balance, Hoka One One, Jordan, Asics |
| Model | Bondi, Clifton, LeBron Soldier 13, Air Max 97, Court Maxx 1, Fresh Foam X 1080, Fresh Foam X, GT-1000 |
| Color | All-black |
| Style | Basketball shoe or running shoe |
| Width | Standard D width, 2E (wide), "friendly" D width |
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What You'll Learn
Popular basketball referee shoe brands
Basketball referees have specific shoe requirements, with most leagues requiring them to wear shoes without any colour. This rule has been slightly relaxed for referees wearing Nike, as the NBA's uniform deal with the brand extends to the officials, allowing them to wear the Nike logo on their jerseys and black pants, as well as white sneakers.
While no major footwear brand caters directly to referees, there are a few popular brands and models that are favoured by NBA referees. These include:
- Nike: The Nike LeBron Soldier 13 and Air Max 97, in all-black, are popular choices among NBA referees.
- New Balance: The New Balance 990v5, made with pigskin and mesh, is a popular model among referees. The New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 is another option that ranks highly for comfort and weight.
- Hoka: The Bondi and Clifton models by Hoka One One are popular among referees due to their maximal cushioning and minimal weight.
- 3n2: This brand offers referee shoes in a traditional patent leather design, as well as a wide-fit option.
- Smitty: Smitty's Court Maxx 1 is considered one of the best all-around referee shoes and features a traditional design with rich black leather and a white "S" on the heel.
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Shoe colour
The shoe colour of choice for basketball referees is black. In fact, for decades, the NBA has required its referees to wear shoes with no colour, not even white. This rule has been slightly relaxed in recent years, with referees wearing Nike allowed to sport the Swoosh logo on their jerseys, black pants, and shoes in white.
Referees outside of the NBA also tend to opt for all-black shoes. This is due to the difficulty of finding referee-specific shoes from major footwear brands. For example, while Nike offers its LeBron Soldier 13 and Air Max 97 models in all-black, these are not designed with referees in mind.
Some brands that are popular among NBA referees include Nike, New Balance, and Hoka. The New Balance 990v5, in particular, has been a key model for referees, while the Hoka One One Bondi and Clifton models are also favoured for their maximal cushioning and minimal weight.
When it comes to style, referees prioritise performance over aesthetics. They may choose between basketball-specific shoes and running shoes, with the former being more suitable for the lateral movements and cutting required on the court. However, some referees opt for running shoes to endure the three to four miles of running they do per game.
Overall, while the specific shoe brand and model may vary, the colour of choice for basketball referees remains consistently black.
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Shoe comfort and weight
When it comes to shoe comfort and weight, referees have a difficult choice to make. They run about three to four miles per game, covering about 185 miles per season, so comfort and weight are crucial. The ideal shoe should be lightweight, have good traction, and be comfortable on the court.
While no major footwear brand specifically caters to referees, some popular choices include Nike, New Balance, and Hoka. The New Balance 990v5, made with pigskin and mesh, is a popular model among NBA referees. The Hoka One One Bondi and Clifton models are also favoured for their maximal cushioning and minimal weight.
For a more traditional look, the 3n2 and Smitty brands offer referee shoes in all-black or patent leather. The Smitty Court Maxx 1 is a top choice for its comfort and durability, with quality materials like genuine leather. The 3n2 Reaction Patent Leathers are another option, offering a wider fit.
Ultimately, the best referee shoe depends on individual preferences for comfort, look, size, and durability. Some referees may opt for a basketball-specific shoe, while others might prefer a running shoe to accommodate the miles of running per game.
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Shoe width
When it comes to shoe width, the standard D width is available for referee shoes in all styles. However, some brands offer wider options. For instance, 3n2 Reaction Patent Leather shoes are available in 2E (wide), while Smitty's Basketball Referee Shoe has a "friendly" D width.
While there are no major footwear brands that specifically cater to basketball referees, they often choose shoes from brands like Nike, New Balance, or Hoka. The Bondi and Clifton models by Hoka One One are popular among referees due to their maximal cushioning and minimal weight. The New Balance 990v5, with its pigskin and mesh construction, is also a preferred choice.
For a more traditional look, the 3n2 styles offer all-black shoes with patent leather. Alternatively, the Smitty Court Maxx 1 has a rich black leather design with a white "S" on the heel. These brands are specifically made for basketball referees and offer a professional appearance.
When selecting referee shoes, it's important to consider the balance between performance and style. Referees may prioritize functionality due to the significant running and lateral movements during a game. As a result, some referees opt for basketball-specific models, while others prefer running shoes to withstand the miles of running per game.
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Shoe appearance
Outside of the NBA, the basketball referee community includes nearly 250,000 referees across the United States alone, with nearly all levels limited to the all-black rule.
The two most popular models for referees are the Hoka One One Bondi and Clifton, which are the brand's two most accepted maximal-cushion, minimal-weight shoes. Both have been updated with a slip-resistant version. The Bondi features a pronounced midsole, which visually represents the built-up cushioning.
Other popular shoe choices for referees include the Nike Air Max 97 and LeBron Soldier 13 in all black, and the New Balance 990v5 in pigskin and mesh. The 3n2 and Smitty brands also make shoes specifically for basketball referees, with the Smitty Court Maxx 1 considered the best all-around referee shoe.
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Frequently asked questions
Basketball referees tend to wear shoes that are all black and made from patent leather.
Yes, 3n2 and Smitty make shoes specifically for basketball referees. Other popular brands among referees include Nike, New Balance, and Hoka.
The Hoka One One models, especially the Bondi, are popular among referees due to their maximal cushioning and minimal weight. The New Balance 990v5 is also a key model chosen by referees.
Comfort, weight, and traction are important factors when choosing referee shoes. Given that referees run about three to four miles per game, some may opt for running shoes over basketball-specific models.
Yes, the NBA has traditionally required referees' shoes to be without colour. However, this rule has been slightly relaxed for those wearing Nike, as the NBA has a uniform deal with the brand.
