Is there an restriction that judge shoes should be all black - or can I have shoes with white sole and some inserts in other colors?? I'm asking because I want to buy comfortable shoes in which I can judge on GP, and it is very difficult to find such shoes that're all black.
For example:
http://www.prodirectrunning.com/responsive/adidas/adidas-supernova-running-shoes.aspx

Edited Tomasz Ludkiewicz (June 22, 2016 09:09:09 PM)

New Balance has a variety of comfortable shoes in all black. I purchased some like this for my first GP: http://shoestores.com/624-mens-cross-training-black/?gclid=CjwKEAjw7qi7BRCvsr3N58GvsTkSJAA3UzLvUwUzOwj_z05lTCdtwcbXlDyKa504XjiNOJ7zJ0aqVxoCNiPw_wcB

They are quite comfortable. I'm not sure if the brand is widely avaliable in Europe however.

If you want some more suggestions for shoes that are suitable to walk a marathon while wearing all black you can find some help here .

As for the color restrictions, tbh everyone told me that they should be all black (also they say it in the GP event Information).

They “should” be. I've never kicked anyone off the floor of an event for
having shoes of the wrong color. The line I see most often is “shoes must
be nice”. So no shredded tennis shoes, etc - If they look clean and
well-cared for, nobody really comments on your shoes.

(Well, unless they are spangly disco boots, but that's a different story.)


—
Rob McKenzie
Magic Judge Level III
Judge Regional Coordinator USA-North
Minnesota

Spangly disco boots made my day. Thanks for such fast replay
22 cze 2016 15:23 “Rob McKenzie” <forum-28089-74b0@apps.magicjudges.org>
napisał(a):

Just once, I'd like to see an entire GP staff wearing spangly disco boots. Or maybe not? :)

The shoes I wear most often have a white sole and logo, but otherwise black. I'm with Rob - if the rest of your judgeness is solid, and your shoes don't punish your feet and legs, then I'm happy.

d:^D

especially since at a crowded GP nobody will ever even be physically able to see anything below the waistline :D

Maybe it is because of where I grew up but when I see the requirement of shoes Dress shoes are what comes to mind. But reading this does this mean we are allowed black runners?

Originally posted by Robert Langmaid:

Maybe it is because of where I grew up but when I see the requirement of shoes Dress shoes are what comes to mind. But reading this does this mean we are allowed black runners?

Yep. They are fine, that's what Im judging in.
Otherwise my feet would kill me :/

Yep.

I want to make my position clear, if it was not.

Wear shoes that meet three criteria:

- Don't look raggedy/messy.
- Make your judging comfortable/suit your needs.
- Are OK with the TO of the event as part of your uniform.


If these are bright green sneakers, so be it. If you have issues with a TO
not liking shoes you need in order to judge comfortably, talk to them about
it, and explain. If this happens at an event you are at with me, let me
know and I'll go to bat for you.

It's nice if you wear black shoes. I appreciate it. I won't force you to
do so if you need sneakers, or orthopedic sandals, or whatever. I'd
appreciate it if you told me in advance. (If you have open-toed sandals,
I'll dial you off the floor as much as I can so you are less likely to have
people stepping on your toes, for safety reasons. Not because I don't like
them, but because I want your toes safe.)

The key thing in all this is communication and looking professional.


—
Rob McKenzie
Magic Judge Level III
Judge Regional Coordinator USA-North
Minnesota

Originally posted by Rob McKenzie:

If this happens at an event you are at with me, let me know and I'll go to bat for you.

+1, with a small caveat: if you're wearing “bright green sneakers”, it'll be harder to convince me that you tried to find black shoes. :)

Otherwise, I pretty much agree with, and endorse, what Rob's saying here. Take care of yourself, for the sake of the event as well as your own well-being. The three key points:
1) get enough sleep
2) drink lots of water
3) comfortable, supportive shoes

d:^D

Have a chat to a shoe professional.

Those runners you think are the most comfortable thing may not be the most
comfortable option. My favourite tournament shoes are black leather shoes
targeted at the hospitality industry. That's an industry with essentially
identical requirements to judging (+ needing slip resistant in wet
environments) but a big enough industry to have shoes targeted at them.
​

Hello Tomasz! I took quite a long while before I can find Black Shoes for judging. Found these to be perfect Link here.

Btw it is comfy enough for me who has chronic ankle pain from multiple ATFL & CTFL reconstruction surgeries :)

I personally like to use Timberland hiking boots especially for anything that involves spending 90% of the day standing or walking around.

Might be a little overkill for most events but I like to be ready for anything. :)

A link to the boots I am using now: https://www.timberland.com/shop/mens-boots/mens-mt-maddsen-mid-waterproof-hiking-boots-black-2731r001

Originally posted by Gareth Pye:

My favourite tournament shoes are black leather shoes
targeted at the hospitality industry. That's an industry with essentially
identical requirements to judging (+ needing slip resistant in wet
environments) but a big enough industry to have shoes targeted at them.

I have to agree with Gareth's assessment. I wear black, leather shoes designed for the food service industry. They are especially good for comfort and grip if the venue is not carpeted as well.