Drumming shoes

[Togg]

So, I have been searching for some time to find something suitable. Modern trainers are too thick and you get no feel from them, normal shoes are too slippy and have no grip.

So what do you do??

I first thought of rock climbing shoes, but they are too in-flexible, I looked at cycling shoes but much the same..

Then I watched Neil Peart...he wears dancing shoes.. so hot footed it...get it over to my local ballet shop and asked to see what they have.

Turns out they have 'street dancing' shoes that are canvas with very thin soles, just right

We shall see I will be trying them out shortly

What do you guys wear?

[Naigewron]

I wear Adidas Good Year shoes. They're based on race driver's shows, so they're designed for grip and feel on pedals. Very light-weight, best drumming shoes I've ever used. The only problem is that they don't breathe too well, so my feet do get pretty sweaty after a few songs.

These aren't the exact model, but they're pretty close:
http://www.shoesnike.cn/up/prod/727.jpg
http://www.shoesnike.cn/up/prod/727.jpg

[Tom Sawyer]

The best shoe is the one mother nature gave me. I can't stand playing with anything other than bare feet or socks...

[Wavelength]

Personally, I need very little grip on the soles of my shoes. If the shoe sticks to the kick pedal, I can't execute proper slide doubles, and everything starts to feel heavy and sluggish.

[tbmills]

musiciansfriend sells some drumming shoes (http://music-gifts.musiciansfriend.com/product/dB-Groove-Drum-Shoes?sku=414070). i wear a thin pair of pumas but often i do work in flip flops.

[imispgh]

Watershoes. Light, airy, protect the heel and washable

http://www.beachmart.com/product/WSP043430/Speedo_Water_Sports_Shoes__Beach_Sandals__Thongs__ Cruiser_.html

[Chonson]

Same thing I wear while walking: usually Converse or Pumas but if it's something else, it's something else. I don't think it's something to get too hung up about. 10-15 years ago everyone was wearing Doc Martens while playing, swearing that was the way to go...

[stabmasterarson]

10$ fake pumas from zellers....thin sole, cheap, no grip on em, perfect!

[fugazi]

flip flops all the way :)

[peanut23s]

sam as sawyer

but if i hav 2 just wear my vans

[nfiora]

i find i cant play unless im barefoot because I dont have as much grip or dexterity with shoes or socks on.

[Drifter in the Dark]

I wear Adidas Good Year shoes. They're based on race driver's shows, so they're designed for grip and feel on pedals. Very light-weight, best drumming shoes I've ever used. The only problem is that they don't breathe too well, so my feet do get pretty sweaty after a few songs.

These aren't the exact model, but they're pretty close:
http://www.shoesnike.cn/up/prod/727.jpg
http://www.shoesnike.cn/up/prod/727.jpg

Those look similar to Puma Speedcats, which are the shoes of choice for Thomas Lang.

[ECVail]

Cannot beat the Puma SpeedCats!

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c114/ecvail/speedcat.jpg

[tbmills]

flip flops all the way :)

hell yea man! the only drawback for me is odor...

[konaboy]

Back in the '80's the big thing was wrestling shoes, not the WWE boots but true greco roman wrestling style shoes. Because they were thin and light weight. Me I just wear my regular running shoes. I've thought about trying some other type of shoe like a dancing shoe but haven't found a need I guess

[NaCk3m]

http://www.sneakerfiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/air-jordan-18-og-white-sport-royal.jpg

Jordan 18's lol

[timmdrum]

I just wear the sorta retro-looking Puma or Adidas canvas tennis shoes, or Adidas "shell toe" (Superstar 2) shoes. Incidentally, I use these not specifically for drumming, but they work great for it because they're just basic casual sneakers. Comfy to walk in, and flat soles with no rounded toes like running shoes. I'm currently wearing the 1st two (on my 2nd pair of the Pumas), and I've worn all these and they all work great. (Oh, and my Puma "Clydes" were black w/white laces & blue stripe, not these ugly red ones!) I can also play in my Sketchers casuals shown last, when I need to be a little dressier. I cut that little tab off the back 'cause the back of my pants leg always gets caught on it. :P

[DW-jazz-drummer]

Just go with socks. Not shoes, or barefoot.

[secondXheartbeat]

Socks for me.


20 20 20 20 20

[remoking]

Those Adiddas and these Macbeth shoes are great...I prefer tight fitting shoes when handling the pedals.

[Aggressivec]

I like to wear my converse all stars (high tops). I hate wearing my skate shoes because they are so fat that I cannot get the damn pedals to go fast.

[Green_Shoes]

I like to wear my converse all stars (high tops). I hate wearing my skate shoes because they are so fat that I cannot get the damn pedals to go fast.

That or my slippers as they keep my feet warm. Just whatever im wearing on my feet.

[SharkyBait911]

musiciansfriend sells some drumming shoes (http://music-gifts.musiciansfriend.com/product/dB-Groove-Drum-Shoes?sku=414070). i wear a thin pair of pumas but often i do work in flip flops.

wow they look brilliant i gotta get my self a pair, but i have seen some exactly like them but they are not persificaly drumming shoes there athletic shoes but with out the spikes they are litrually identical !!!!

[DrummerAxion]

I wear some DCs and some Vans when I play.
Nice tight shoes work great. You have full control and it doesn't feel like theres a delay. If thats the right way to describe it.

[Khaine88]

slippers if my feet are cold, socks other wise :D

[That Guy]

Low cut Chuck Taylor's baby!

[timmdrum]

Low cut Chuck Taylor's baby!

I dig those too, but haven't had any in a while. Best for summertime gigs!

[abr12708]

I just use normal running shoes that I picked up for a couple bucks from Walmart. Good to go!

[punkuzz900]

These are mine going from latest to oldest XD

http://image01.otto.de/pool/formata/2133051.jpg
http://shoejocky.com/SitePhotos/Oct23rd2007/6.jpg
http://www.uptempoair.com/ProductImages/2007/12/311839-105.jpg
http://bigskates.com/catalog/image/products/flux.jpg

[Interitus]

I've been playing in my socks, but I've got airwalks that have thin soles. Played with them a few times, and it feels pretty good, but I prefer just socks.

[mallendion]

Togg - you still out there? How did the dancing shoes turn out?

I began in socks/barefoot at home but had then been told to get used to working in shoes. There has also been suggestions - even by some members on this site though not this thread - that barefoot could be injurious though my injuries usually seem to be from something other than drumming.

Since I live in north-central US (Minnesota) with the temp below freezing half the year I should probably say: Bunny Boots (http://www.columbussupply.com/images/products/protective-clothing/airboss-bb.jpg).

[Crusto 62]

I love the feel of my pedals on my bare feet. Nude all the way.

[Baddstuff]

back in the day I used to enjoy playing with shoes similar to these but in white. They were
quite popular with the rock crowd. Made by a company called Capezio

http://www.dancewearsolutions.com/images/products/EJ1_4.jpg

[veggo32]

Indoor soccer shoes, their not bulky and they are light with enough support needed for working the pedals.

[ugotpwnd]

i go with some skate shoes vans, dc, etc and tie them on the tighter side. good grip but not to much.

[ShaysRebellion]

I love my Globe Sabatons, mine are Black/plaid, they're very light and comfortable. Very good for my double bass playing.

[Fiery]

I generally go with wathever's on my feet. For the most time, it's skate-type sneakers, such as these:

http://images2.skateamerica.com/products/23956/SA123947_1.jpg


This winter I bought these shoes for cold and wet weather and I was very pleasantly surprised to discover that they are perfectly suited for playing too:

http://1but.pl/images/products/Ecco-2886400201-Receptor%20Rugged%20Terrain-1-l.jpg


I tried playing in sandals too, as I wear them most of the time in the summer, but the beaters hit the top of my foot which got pretty painful after a while. Ever since I avoid wearing them when I'm about to play.

[Drummertist]

I use Fine Leather Penny Loafers....or for extra "No Grip" on the heel, I use HEELYS (Those little shoes with the wheels on the heel). They really help with my heel slide technique...









If you haven't figured it out by now, I'm kidding. I play with whatevers on my feet at the time. Though I do play in dress shoes quite often (church drummer).

[what the funk of it]

Nice legs Baddstuff. Ow Ow!

I gig with shoes, practice with socks. I know, it can't be good. It's a different feel entirely, shoes are just easier so I get by. I'm still in the market for a good pair thats not too wide.

Chucks look like the way to go.

[trkdrmr]

Wal-mart tennis shoes...no arch support or padding for max flexibility/grip.

[Ainulindale]

New Balance cross trainers, light and grippy!

...and shorts, my right pant leg had no buisness picking that fight with the bass pedal...

[blasterbeat]

I've practiced with my new balance shoes and my foot bends at the arch too much. I put on my vans and my foot stays nice and flat. For me it's Vans.

[ShaysRebellion]

I just got my new Globes in! They are the Chris Haslam series, i have the black plaid which i use for drumming, but i figured since this is a shoe forum wat they hey. here's the new ones :]


On the left, These are my new Globes :] On the right, these are my Black plaid Globes (drumming shoes)
They have perfectly flat bottom, they're skinny, and light perfect
for double bass :]

[DamianArletto]

Kool Kickers all the way.
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h320/darletto/KoolKickers.jpg

[mrbling]

i play in homer slippers.


but if you want a serious answer. look at my pic <<<<

[SharkyBait911]

The best shoe is the one mother nature gave me. I can't stand playing with anything other than bare feet or socks...

Same here,
i get my doubles by sliding my foot up and down the pedal so i don't need grip!

[Aleks192]

Nike Total 90 indoor soccer shoes.....grippy, light, and comfy

http://di2.shopping.com/images/di/57/74/71/53624571705361704d6f316768615563306c51-250x250-0-0.jpg

[drummydude]

Socks.... they're cheap, they allow my foot to slide on the pedal, and I have lots.

[HeadRush]

old blue converse! I wear em everywhere and they're great for drumming
oh and cheap

[natureboy]

I usually play in tennis shoes, nothing in particular, so long as they are low cut. NEVER high tops.

[Anne Beeche]

Why wear shoes when you can be barefoot?

Seriously, I'm such a hobbit that I'm appalled that anybody would play drums in something more than socks.

[Naigewron]

Why wear shoes when you can be barefoot?

Seriously, I'm such a hobbit that I'm appalled that anybody would play drums in something more than socks.

Yeah well, call me when you've stepped on broken beer glasses on a dark stage, just as your band is about to start playing *evil laugh* ;-)

The balls of my feet tend to get sore after a while if I play without shoes. Practising at home is fine, but when I play with a band I kick a lot harder, so I prefer some padding under my feet.

[Anne Beeche]

Yeah well, call me when you've stepped on broken beer glasses on a dark stage, just as your band is about to start playing *evil laugh* ;-)

The balls of my feet tend to get sore after a while if I play without shoes. Practising at home is fine, but when I play with a band I kick a lot harder, so I prefer some padding under my feet.
Sounds like my room. =) Eh, I have a high pain threshold, so I'd probably get through the gig easily, even with bloody, mangled feet. Heck, I'm even known to cross hot, scalding summer pavement to the gas station barefoot just for the hell of it. I guess I'm masochistic like that.

I guess it all depends on what works for you. I like being able to use my toes, so bare feet for me. Plus my soles already have natural traction in the form of thick, calloused footprints.

[bradmapex]

i go bear foot because i get the best feel, but if my feet are worn or they get too many cuts and they have to rehab then i go to my all time favorite... Nike Blazzer High Tops, they feel great, they are comfortable and they have crazy grip, i also noticed that lots of players like chad smith, thomas prigden wear either those or nike dunks (which i have also used) but my Blazzers are my favorite

[VicTheStick]

I'm on my feet most of the day (I teach music at an elementary school) so my everyday shoes are New Balance 608's. Great shoes, but I don't like playing drums in them. The soles are a little too bulky to really feel the pedals properly.
I have a pair of Airwalk slip-ons that work okay, but they are not too practical in the colder part of the year.
I recently found a pair of Converse look-alikes at Wal-Mart for $13, and they work great! They're soft, flexible and comfortable, and the soles are not too thick. They come in white, black, and a very sharp-looking khaki. I know the Converse is a much better shoe, but it also cost 3 times as much!

[donv]

I've always played in socks. The shoes come off when sitting at the kit, so there's no walking around without shoes. Back in the 60's and 70's it was common to play without shoes, but that has changed.

[Abel]

I played in vans back when I started 6-7 years ago. I switched to Adidas' Sambas about a year ago, and just recently changed to some green Puma's Speeders (seen in the picture). The Speeders are lighter, and breathe better than my previous selections, that is all I really look for in a drumming shoe.

https://shopping.zappos.com/images/754/7547928/6628-920617-d.jpg

[Budiesel]

I wear whatever is comfortable, which for me now are these

http://www.finishline.com/store/images/products/xlg08740wbk.jpg

adidas ss2g. worn in and about 2 years old. it's all about being comfortable.

[Davo-London]

Whatever I'm wearing at the time.

It's worthwhile getting used to playing with any type of footwear so you never have an issue, whatever the situation you find yourselves in.

Davo

[Naigewron]

Whatever I'm wearing at the time.

It's worthwhile getting used to playing with any type of footwear so you never have an issue, whatever the situation you find yourselves in.

Davo

Obviously, but that's just like saying you should be able to play with any stick or any pedal. Most drummers will be able to do that, but they'll still have a preference where they feel most comfortable.

[JT1]

So, I have been searching for some time to find something suitable. Modern trainers are too thick and you get no feel from them, normal shoes are too slippy and have no grip.

So what do you do??

I first thought of rock climbing shoes, but they are too in-flexible, I looked at cycling shoes but much the same..

Then I watched Neil Peart...he wears dancing shoes.. so hot footed it...get it over to my local ballet shop and asked to see what they have.

Turns out they have 'street dancing' shoes that are canvas with very thin soles, just right

We shall see I will be trying them out shortly

What do you guys wear?

Oh such an important factor to drumming is the shoes you wear and not many people realise it! I agree modern trainers do not give any feel on a pedal at all. I's quite ironic when i last went hunting for a pair of shoes for drumming i bought 2 pair of thin sole light shoes thinking they would be great for drumming, oh dear how wrong i was cause they sucked. That same day i had bought a pair of quite large shoes, not a trainer but not a boot kind of inbetween, i tried them on and what a difference so i went and bought another pair. I used to think the smaller shoes the better but now i think the bigger the better for me! Somehow i can still get all of the feel of the pedal wearing them and i can get more power from each stroke as they are heavier than normal shoes. I've always wanted to try Gene Hoglans approach, New Rocks oh yeah!

[Skulmoski]

I am extremely particular about my drumming shoes. After many years of searching for the perfect shoes, I finally gave up and had some custom shoes made. An artisan here in Abu Dhabi made these for me according to my exacting specifications. The result is a phenomenal shoe: aerodynamic, light weight, responsive and ergonomic. My drumming has improved immensely: Bonham triplets, syncopated 64th notes inspersed with 128th note sets of triplets. I couldn't be happier.

GJS

wink, wink!

[yesdog]

I have seen Terry Bozzio play in combat boots.

[JeremyS]

Barefoot for me. Been that way for about 15 years.

[cfrew]

I always need some sort of tennis shoes on to play drums, I can't play barefoot at all, I can never get a good enough grip on the pedals, but I guess some people can pull it off.

[AngelOreo]

Bare Piggies for pedal playing. Socks when a bit chilly.

[bonzolead]

I usually don't. play with shoes on but when I do I use wrestling shoes because they are the lightest shoe with the thinnest sole it's almost like not having shoes on at all.

Keep Swattin' my friends,
Bonzolead

[Munchdrum]

Jojo Mayer has these custom made shoes with leather soles

http://www.drummerworld.com/pics/drumpics9/jojomayershoe.jpg


Plain old socks for me though

[Andrewski]

http://images-a.hayneedle.com/mgen/digimarc.ms?img=master:MOC022.jpg&h=368&w=368

Minnetonka Mens Leather Laced Softsole Moccasins. Best feel I've got without playing barefoot.

[CheshireSounds]

anything with a relatively thin flat sole. no crazy grips. I liked to play barefoot when i started but now my feet are too big to do it comfortably. i end up cutting toes when I slide too far up for doubles.