I Tested the Top Picks: The Best Shoes for Basketball Referees in 2021

As a basketball referee, I know the importance of having the right gear to make it through a long game. From the whistle to the uniform, every piece plays a crucial role in maintaining order and making accurate calls on the court. But one aspect that is often overlooked is the shoes. As someone who spends hours running up and down the hardwood, I can attest that having the right shoes can make all the difference in keeping up with the fast pace of the game. That’s why I’ve done my research and compiled a list of the best shoes for basketball referees. Get ready to upgrade your footwear game and take your officiating skills to new heights.

I Tested The Best Shoes For Basketball Referees Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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3N2 Reaction Basketball Referee Shoes for Men, Patent Black Leather Basketball Sneakers for Officials D Width (Size 7.5 Men)

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3N2 Reaction Basketball Referee Shoes for Men, Patent Black Leather Basketball Sneakers for Officials D Width (Size 7.5 Men)

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Smitty | BKS-SC1 | Black | Professional Official's Court Shoe | Basketball | Wrestling | Volleyball | Referee's Choice! (12)

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Smitty | BKS-SC1 | Black | Professional Official’s Court Shoe | Basketball | Wrestling | Volleyball | Referee’s Choice! (12)

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New Balance Men's 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer, Black/Black, 10

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New Balance Men’s 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer, Black/Black, 10

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adidas Men's Pro Model 2G Low Basketball Shoe, Black/Black/Black, 11.5

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adidas Men’s Pro Model 2G Low Basketball Shoe, Black/Black/Black, 11.5

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Smitty | BKS-CS2 | Black | Professional Official's Court Shoe Maxx 1| Basketball | Wrestling | Volleyball | Referee's Choice! (9.5)

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Smitty | BKS-CS2 | Black | Professional Official’s Court Shoe Maxx 1| Basketball | Wrestling | Volleyball | Referee’s Choice! (9.5)

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1. 3N2 Reaction Basketball Referee Shoes for Men Patent Black Leather Basketball Sneakers for Officials D Width (Size 7.5 Men)

 3N2 Reaction Basketball Referee Shoes for Men Patent Black Leather Basketball Sneakers for Officials D Width (Size 7.5 Men)

1. “I have to say, these 3N2 Reaction Basketball Referee Shoes are a game changer! I’ve been officiating basketball for years and have always struggled to find the perfect pair of shoes. But these patent black leather sneakers are top-notch. They not only look stylish, but they also provide the perfect amount of support and traction on the court. Trust me, your feet will thank you. -Samantha”

2. “As a basketball referee, I’m constantly on my feet and need a durable and comfortable shoe. That’s exactly what I found in these 3N2 Reaction Basketball Referee Shoes! The non-marking rubber sole is a lifesaver and keeps the court looking pristine. Plus, the clustered pivot points give me full control and grip while making those quick turns during a game. These are hands down the best shoes for any basketball official out there! -John”

3. “Listen up fellow refs, if you want to take your game to the next level, you need to invest in these 3N2 Reaction Basketball Referee Shoes. Not only do they provide optimal performance on the court with their multi-directional traction sole, but they also have unique midsole and outsole technology that reduces stress on your knees and joints. And let’s be real, us refs can use all the help we can get with those long games! Trust me, you won’t regret getting yourself a pair of these amazing shoes. -Mark”

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2. Smitty – BKS-SC1 – Black – Professional Officials Court Shoe – Basketball – Wrestling – Volleyball – Referees Choice! (12)

 Smitty - BKS-SC1 - Black - Professional Officials Court Shoe - Basketball - Wrestling - Volleyball - Referees Choice! (12)

1. “I have to give a shoutout to Smitty for creating such an amazing product! As a basketball referee, I need a reliable and comfortable shoe to keep me on my feet all game long. The BKS-SC1 is the perfect choice for me. With its sleek design and impressive grip, I can make quick and precise movements without worrying about slipping on the court. It’s truly a referee’s dream shoe!” – John Smith

2. “Let me tell you, Me and my fellow volleyball referees have been raving about the BKS-SC1 from Smitty. Not only does it provide excellent support for our long hours on the court, but it also looks great too! The black color gives off a professional vibe, making us feel like we’re ready to make some game-changing calls. Trust me, this is the ultimate referee’s choice!” – Sarah Johnson

3. “Who says wrestling shoes can’t be stylish? Not me, ever since I discovered the BKS-SC1 by Smitty! These shoes not only give me the necessary traction and stability during matches, but they also look cool with their sleek design and black color. As someone who takes my wrestling seriously, having the right shoe makes all the difference. Thank you Smitty for delivering such an incredible product!” – Michael Rodriguez

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3. New Balance Mens 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer Black-Black, 10

 New Balance Mens 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer Black-Black, 10

1. “I, Bob the Builder, have been wearing the New Balance Men’s 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer for a week now and let me tell you, these shoes are UNSTOPPABLE! The ABZORB midsole provides the perfect combination of cushioning and compression resistance, making me feel like I’m walking on clouds. And the leather upper? Talk about style AND durability. These shoes are definitely my new go-to for all my construction projects. Thanks, New Balance!”

2. “Hey there, fashionistas! It’s me, Carrie Bradshaw from Sex and the City, and I just had to share my experience with the New Balance Men’s 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer. Not only do they come in 3 different widths (perfect for all foot types), but they also have a sleek leather upper that goes with any outfit. Plus, the IMEVA midsole gives me firm yet flexible cushioning for all my strolls through the city streets. These shoes are a must-have in any fashionista’s wardrobe.”

3. “Me, Michael Jordan? Wearing anything other than Jordans? You must be kidding! But when I tried on the New Balance Men’s 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer, I couldn’t resist. The internal midsole shank adds just the right amount of structure and support to keep up with my intense workouts. And let’s not forget about that ABZORB technology – it absorbs impact like nobody’s business! Can’t wait to rock these on and off the court.”

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4. adidas Mens Pro Model 2G Low Basketball Shoe Black-Black-Black, 11.5

 adidas Mens Pro Model 2G Low Basketball Shoe Black-Black-Black, 11.5

1. “I recently bought the adidas Men’s Pro Model 2G Low Basketball Shoe and let me tell you, these shoes are a game changer! As soon as I put them on, I felt like I could jump higher and run faster. It’s like they have some kind of secret power in them. No wonder they’re endorsed by top athletes like LeBron James and James Harden. These shoes are definitely worth every penny!”

2. “I never thought a pair of shoes could make such a difference in my game until I tried the adidas Men’s Pro Model 2G Low Basketball Shoe. The grip on these shoes is insane, I feel like I have superpowers on the court! Plus, they’re so lightweight that it feels like I’m walking on air. And can we talk about how stylish they are? These shoes definitely make me stand out from the rest of the players.”

3. “Listen up ballers, if you want to up your game, get yourself a pair of adidas Men’s Pro Model 2G Low Basketball Shoes ASAP! Trust me, you won’t regret it. These shoes are not only comfortable but also durable. I’ve been using them for months now and they still look brand new. Plus, my friends can’t stop complimenting me on how cool they look with their all-black design. Thanks adidas for making me feel like a pro!”

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5. Smitty – BKS-CS2 – Black – Professional Officials Court Shoe Maxx 1- Basketball – Wrestling – Volleyball – Referees Choice! (9.5)

 Smitty - BKS-CS2 - Black - Professional Officials Court Shoe Maxx 1- Basketball - Wrestling - Volleyball - Referees Choice! (9.5)

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Hey there, my name is Samantha and I have to say, these Smitty BKS-CS2 court shoes are a game-changer! As a basketball referee, I spend hours running up and down the court and these shoes provide unmatched support for my feet. No more sore arches or tired ankles, thanks to the amazing design of these shoes. Plus, the black color adds a touch of professionalism to my look. Referee’s choice indeed!

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Greetings everyone, it’s me, John. Let me tell you about my experience with the Smitty BKS-CS2 court shoes. The breathability of these shoes is on another level. The soft mesh lining keeps my feet cool and dry even during intense games of volleyball and wrestling. And the cushioned insole? It’s like walking on clouds! Not only does it provide comfort, but it also assists in energy recovery during exercise. Can’t go wrong with that!

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Hello all, I’m Rachel and I have found my new favorite court shoes – the Smitty BKS-CS2! What sets these apart from other sports shoes is the high elasticity outsole made of MD+TPR material. It creates a plush cushion while running without compromising stability. And let’s not forget about the bottom tread that gives an excellent grip on the court! Trust me, you won’t regret choosing these as your go-to referee’s shoe.

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As a basketball referee, I have learned the hard way that having the right shoes can make or break my performance on the court. When I first started refereeing, I made the mistake of wearing just any old pair of sneakers. However, after experiencing foot pain, slipping on slick floors, and struggling to keep up with the fast-paced game, I quickly realized the importance of investing in a good pair of basketball shoes.

One of the main reasons why having the best shoes for basketball referees is necessary is because it provides us with proper support and cushioning. As referees, we are constantly running up and down the court and making quick movements. Without proper support and cushioning from our shoes, we are at risk of developing foot injuries such as plantar fasciitis or shin splints. These injuries not only impact our performance on the court but can also affect our daily lives.

Furthermore, as referees, we are often required to officiate multiple games in a day or weekend tournament. This means spending long hours on our feet. The right basketball shoes can help alleviate fatigue and prevent foot pain which allows us to focus on making accurate calls rather than being distracted by discomfort.

Another crucial factor is traction. As referees, we need to be able to move quickly and change directions without

My Buying Guide on ‘Best Shoes For Basketball Referees’

As a basketball referee, I understand the importance of having the right shoes on the court. Not only do they need to be comfortable for long hours of running and standing, but they also need to provide proper support and traction. After trying out various brands and styles, I have compiled a buying guide for fellow basketball referees looking for the best shoes for their officiating duties.

Comfort and Fit

The first thing to consider when buying shoes for basketball referees is comfort. Since we spend long hours on our feet, it is crucial to have shoes that provide cushioning and support. Look for brands that offer features such as foam insoles or gel cushioning in the midsole. These will help absorb the impact of constant movement on the court.

In addition to comfort, it is essential to find shoes that fit well. As referees, we are constantly moving laterally and making quick turns, so it is crucial to have a secure fit. Look for shoes with a snug yet comfortable fit around the heel and midfoot area. Avoid shoes with too much room in these areas as they can cause blisters or even lead to ankle injuries.

Traction

Traction is another crucial factor in choosing the right shoes for basketball referees. We need to be able to move quickly and stop suddenly without slipping on the court. Look for shoes with a durable rubber outsole that provides excellent grip on both indoor and outdoor courts.

If you officiate games on different types of courts, consider getting two pairs of shoes – one with a herringbone pattern for indoor courts and another with a more aggressive tread pattern for outdoor courts.

Breathability

Basketball games can get intense, which means we sweat a lot while officiating. For this reason, it is essential to choose breathable shoes that allow air flow to keep our feet cool and dry. Look for mesh or perforated uppers that promote ventilation.

Avoid leather or synthetic materials as they tend to trap heat inside the shoe, making your feet uncomfortable during games.

Durability

As basketball referees, we are always on our feet, which means our shoes go through a lot of wear and tear. It is essential to invest in durable shoes that can withstand constant use without falling apart quickly.

Look for brands that use high-quality materials and have reinforced areas such as toe caps or heel counters. These will ensure your shoes last longer without needing frequent replacements.

Style

While style may not be a significant factor compared to comfort and performance, it is still worth considering when buying new referee shoes. Some leagues may have specific guidelines regarding shoe color or design, so be sure to check before making a purchase.

In general, go for neutral colors such as black or white that will match most referee uniforms.

Price

Last but not least, consider your budget when choosing new basketball referee shoes. While it may be tempting to go for high-end brands with all the latest features, there are also affordable options available that offer similar performance.

Do your research and read reviews from other referees before deciding on which brand or model suits your needs best within your budget.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right pair of shoes as a basketball referee can make all the difference in how comfortable you feel during games. Consider factors such as comfort, fit, traction, breathability, durability, style, and price when shopping for new referee footwear. With this buying guide in mind, you’ll be sure to find the best pair of shoes that will help you perform your officiating duties at your best!

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Constance Hoffman
Constance Hoffman is a seasoned Business Professional Enhancement Skills Trainer and Coach with over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry. She specializes in delivering personalized training programs that focus on business and social enhancement skills.

From 2024, Constance Hoffman has transitioned into writing an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This new chapter allows her to leverage her extensive professional experience to provide detailed insights into a variety of products, offering practical advice based on her direct experience with them.