Who has a crucial role on the court? None other than referees because they uphold the virtue of the game by making fast decisions and critical calls without missing out on anything. They require the best referee shoes for unrestricted movement, flexibility, and fast running on the court. Whether it’s an NBA or NCAA tournament, referees have a dress code to stand out from the other basketball athletes. So, they are bound to wear gray shirts, black slacks with all-black referee shoes.
Reff shoes are available in various designs and patterns. But, you must focus on the width, weight, comfort, and material quality while selecting basketball official shoes.
Nike Men’s Air Monarch
3N2 Men’s Reaction Vx1
3N2 Reaction Referee Shoes
HOKA ONE ONE
Under Armour Men’s
ASICS Men’s GT-1000 8 Shoes
New Balance Men’s 520 V7
ASICS Men’s GT-1000 11
ASICS Men’s Gel-Contend SL
ASICS Men’s GT-1000 10
Top 10 Best Basketball Referee Shoes 2023
1/10
Nike Air Monarch IV Cross Trainer
Nike referee shoes look out to the outsole for durability and are manufactured from rubber for excellent grip on any surface. These basketball ref shoes have perfect finishing with a sleek and classic black look that is easy to wear and take off.
Nike basketball referee shoes are made from handmade synthetic soles to support your feet and engineered with two new technologies. Ensuring better flex and fast movement for an exceptional breathability combination. The phylon foam and encapsulated air soles feel like a feather while turning or running.
Compared to 3N2 Reaction Vx1: Nike holds one of the known brands, but comparing it with 3N2 Men’s Reaction Vx1 might be challenging. Nike is 15 ounces whereas 3N2 is only 8 ounces with almost similar price.
Why it is Best
- New tech-made lightweight and fast response
- Herringbone pattern offers the best traction
- Phylon cushion with air-sole over the midsole wins the heart for smooth finishing
Drawbacks
- After wearing it several times, they start making an annoying squeak noise.
>> Read The Best basketball shoes guide.
2/10
3N2 Reaction Vx1 Basketball
Right out of the box, these shoes offer the vibes of one of the best black basketball referee shoes. Due to the rubber sole and black patent leather, it feels like you are running on the cloud.
3N2 basketball referee shoes are made from rubber soles with a non-marking outsole that is best for indoor games. Engineered by wear-resistant with durable and comforting material to withstand rough surfaces. EVA midsole with compress molding tech supports the joints and reduces foot stress efficiently.
Compared to 3N2 Referee Shoes: Same brands, but both are different Vx1 felt like feather-light, but 3N2 Patent Black leather is around 3 pounds and much heavier. It could lead to cutting the feet’ movement and cause injury.
Why it is Best
- It appears unique and polishable if it gets dirty
- These ref shoes are feather light with breathable material
- Supports your feet joints and eliminates the stress
Drawbacks
- Not true to size, so you need to book on half size larger than usual.
>> Read high top basketball shoes.
3/10
3N2 Basketball Referee
These 3N2 black referee shoes are built with premium quality material to support every critical call during the game and comfortably keep you on your toes. The dashing plus shining appearance of these 3N2 basketball shoes drops the mic on the court.
The midsole and outsole are designed to eliminate knee and joint pain while running. Due to advanced traction technology, you can run smoothly without fearing slipping on sleek or indoor surfaces.
Compared to Hoka One One: Hoka and 3N2 Patent leather are one of the most expensive shoes but hats off the material and technology. The 3N2 is 3 pounds, whereas the Hoka is about 2.05 pounds.
Why it is Best
- Waterproof and perfect for outdoor sports
- Aid in standing on your toe without any discomfort or distraction
- These reffing shoes have a classy finish with breathable mesh, offering an excellent combination
Drawbacks
- The heel isn’t well built and left a mark of disappointment.
>> Read wide feet basketball shoes.
4/10
HOKA Shoe
This basketball officiating shoe company is found in France, so it’s not pronounced as it seemed. Ho-ka is now based in California and has a vast athlete following among new bees as it delivers wide soles, great cushion, and feels weightless.
The midsole cushioning is outstanding as it supports the whole feet with a padded insole. Hoka referee shoes don’t use leather. Instead, they use breathable and comforting material with rubber outsole for optimal performance and exceptional grip.
Compared to Under Armour: Under Armour-charged running shoes are lightweight, but the toe box isn’t perfect, so some minus points make the Hoka a better option.
Why it is Best
- For thick action, it has a heel-to-toe design to support forward running
- To prevent shocks, it has the perfect amount of cushion
- Rubber outsole to eliminate slipping
Drawbacks
- The shoe doom under the heel
>> Read & Rethink the most comfortable basketball shoes.
5/10
Under Armour Running Shoe
These official shoes are made from 100% synthetic material with a rubber sole for more prolonged use. Low-top shoes are up to the mark as manufactured from micro G and charged cushioning to support your feet while running or dodging.
Under Armour referee shoes are engineered with great upper mesh, breathable, and light to sustain while making vital decisions. You can stand on your toe as long as required due to the additional heel counter holding your foot’s back with midsole cushion foam.
Compared to Asics GT-1000 8: Under Armour shoes are 10 ounces, and Asics shoes are 1.75 pounds. Both brands offer the best deals, but Asics GT-1000 8 is suffocating and lacks breathability.
Why it is Best
- Comfort sock liner is removable and washable
- Material will shape according to your feet after wearing it several times
- Support the feet while running because of the perfect cushion and traction
Drawbacks
- Toe box runs a slightly short and tight.
6/10
ASICS GT-1000 8
Asics is considering how to raise and work on exceptional durability shoes, so they use the acronym rubber for vital areas of the outsole. Mesh and synthetic materials provide flexibility and compatibility and move according to the feet for fast response on the court.
These Referee shoes have full-length spevaFoam 45 lasting material for better running comfort. In addition, the I.G.S technology aids in moving feet naturally from heel to toe with a duoMax midsole flyte foam for stability and bouncing.
Compared to New Balance: Asics holds the second position for most expensive shoes in this list, but it is comfortable. However, New Balance is smooth, budget-friendly, and light for better foot movement.
Why it is Best
- Sock liner is removable and provides improved cushioning
- For bounce back and swift response, it is manufactured from flytefoam technology
- Organic fibers aid in maintaining comfort and stability
Drawbacks
- Lack of breathability while playing you might feel uneasy or warm sensation
7/10
New Balance Shoe
Lace closure shoes for a secure fit while running, lateral turning, or movement. The New Balance brand appreciates the hard job and critical call tense, so it offers referee’s basketball shoes with 100% synthetic quality material for support.
Molded heel supports your feet while running on the court. The rubber outsole is quality and made for exceptional traction with a cushy midsole. And New Balance has a breathable upper mesh to avoid suffocation.
Compared to Asics Running Shoe: Worth investing in these bad boys as they’re lightweight and comfortable, yet they are slightly noisy, which is a shortcoming of this shoe. But Asics is way heavier with an almost similar price range.
Why it is Best
- Top-notch quality material to offer comfort and stability
- Takes time to adapt to the shape of your feet but fits perfectly
- Fits broad toes or feet
Drawbacks
- Plastic treads make noise which is an annoying
8/10
ASICS Running Shoes
Perfect fitting and comforting, you must; bet on this bad boy. Asics GT-1000, 11 basketball official’s shoes, are engineered with hand-made soles with enhanced upper mesh. For comfort with traction as it prevents slipping and missing out on vital spots to monitor.
The Litetruss technology is used to create these referee shoes to enhance the midsole integrity and aid in middle support. For stability, it has an external heel feature that fits accurately to the feet and a lightweight flyte foam cushion for better absorption.
Compared to Asics Gel-Contend: Comparing the shoes from similar brands is fair enough because Asics Gel is made from new tech and saves a few more dollars.
Why it is Best
- Gel tech for softer sensation and impactful absorption
- Comfortable and feels like walking on the cloud
- Feature light and breathable material
Drawbacks
- These shoes are narrow and choke the feet.
9/10
ASICS Gel-Contend SL
Asics Gel contends shoes are based on new technology applied on a rearfoot area for cushioning and a smooth running experience. This tech aids in controlling shock impact and stems from slipping while tracking the moves.
Black referee shoes from Asics are available in big sizes to fit on wide feet effortlessly. The Ampli Foam midsole is engineered to maintain the smooth density with better flexibility. And breathable material with ventilation holes in the front of the footwear, so there is no discomfort.
Compared to Asics GT-1000 10: This is tough as both series are on point in serving their duty, but minor issues can turn the table. So Gel-Contend is heavier compared to GT-1000 10.
Why it is Best
- Fits fantastically and adjusts according to the feet
- The toe box is impressive and comfortable to wear
- Made from synthetic and mesh material to make it comfortable
Drawbacks
- The heel compartment is tight, but the laces can tune it
10/10
Asics Men’s GT-1000
These referee’s basketball shoes have a breathable upper mesh with flyte foam cushion technology for lightweight. In this shoe, Asics also use Gel technology for impactful shock absorption.
DouMax system supports midsole positioning for stability while sudden breaks without causing any sprain. Basketball officiating shoes are made from AHAR outsole for more prolonged use as it doubles the product’s durability.
Compared to Nike Men’s Air Monarch IV: Nike makes noises due to the material, but it won’t fall apart. But the Asics GT-1000 10-toe box falls apart and is heavier than Nike Monarch IV.
Why it is Best
- New technology on rearfoot for smooth midstance performance
- Durable material for more prolonged use
- Comfortable and stable while running and lateral movement
Drawbacks
- The toe pad falls apart after several wears.
Buying Guide: Basketball Referee Shoes
You must consider some of the vital factors while purchasing referee’s basketball shoes as this is an enormous responsibility on your shoulders. But the uniforms for the officials must be comfortable.
Restricted Color
Basketball officials are restricted from wearing colorful footwear and trousers. Both NBA and NCAA officials decide this rule, and referees are perpetuated to wear black shoes which are comfortable and stable. Black basketball referee shoes appear as a sign of boldness and professionalism, so ref shoes and trousers must only be black.
It doesn’t mean that referee shoes are boring and uncool. No! Ample of companies and brands have launched all-black referee shoes. However, one of the top brands, Air Jordan, has declined from the referee footwear list as it doesn’t match the NBA standards.
Weight
Shoes with a hundred pounds can kill foot movements and cause fatigue and strain, so it is better to look for lightweight basketball shoes. For referees, it’s not about competition but monitoring every action around the court. So they need footwear that supports their feet without making it challenging.
To maintain balance with ease, you need to put on feather-light shoes without any distractions. That’s why running shoes are better for this job, as these are comparatively light than basketball shoes.
Traction
Why look for traction referees who aren’t playing? Then you are mistaken as unfit shoes might cause foot injuries or unfortunate incidents. Comfortable but lacking traction is a dangerous combo, so never bet on shoes that don’t fit the criteria.
You must ensure that basketball shoes don’t slip on any surface and have excellent traction. Look for a rubber outsole that is durable quality and has indentation with grooves for superior traction.
Wrap Up
Finding the correct referee shoe basketball is easy as it sounds. Going through this article, you can pick the best budget-friendly reffing shoes and seal the deal without having a second thought.
In addition, New Balance is excellent in every criterion within budget. It offers durability, fit, comfort, and stability, and the primary point is that it’s all black with a black pattern design, which stands out from the rest.
Hoka One One offers excellent comfort, stability, and traction on the high end.
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