Bare Feet, Socks or Shoes?

[ColtenK]

Usually my Chucks ( Charcoal Gray High-Tops =) ) But I'll also use my Fallen's. Occasionaly a pair of sandals that are lightweight.

I haven't reached a certain "comfort" level when playing with no shoes. Maybe in the future... lol

[bonzolead]

I always play sock or barefooted but if I have to wear shoes I wear Wrestling shoes they have a really thin and flat sole, For shoes they give me the best control.

Keep swatting the skins

Bonzolead

[imperfect gentleman]

depends. home? barefoot...

out? i like to look sharp... so i will go decked out in blazer, tie... and dress shoes... sure... the grip is not as great... but style must suffer :)

[Drum Monkey]

I'll play in any of the three...

-DM

[maddrummr]

Never shoes, even at a gig... i dont know why. I just never wore them practicing and at my first gig i took them off becaus i was more comfortible playing that way.

[d.c.drummer]

I guess I'm a socks guy but really i can do anything except for heavy boots.

[JAHdrumming]

I just cant seem to make the feet do what I want them to do in shoes...I heard about a pair of drumming shoes called DB Goove shoes..I wonder if anyone has ever heard of them or used them?

[fusssion]

Flat shoes, tennis shoes (running) or a flat casual shoe, like a Rockport or something.

Can't see playing in socks or bare feet.....I'd probably hurt myself!

Those Db's look sweet!!

I've seen Billy Cobham at a clinic with cowboy boots on!! What a freak! :)

[Shinx]

I just play with whatever I have on when I feel like drumming. I can usually play about the same with all, its more about how stretched and prepared I am

[JAHdrumming]

I talked to a guy today who bought the DB's. he says you get the same effect wearing a pair of Chuck T's. I will prolly continue with socks the rest of my life...it hase't let me down yet.

[Stormi]

I can't remember if I posted in this thread already - was a while ago if I did.

At home I mostly play in bare feet or socks - now that it's summer here I play mostly bare feet. I did buy myself specific "drumming" shoes, which are "lifestyle' shoes - like joggers/runners/sports shoes but with a pretty flat sole. They are THE most comfortable shoe, I wear them all the time - my husband used to be always hassling me about wearing my 'drumming' shoes when I wasn't drumming.

Drumming with boots with a heel doesn't work, I can tell you that. Accidentally wore my boots to a lesson and had to take them off. Not that most of you here have to worry about playing in heels anyway.

[doublebass]

jojo mayer has proposed all stars but i find they are impossible to do heel toe with.I prefer skating shoes or slip on vans and generally shoes that leave the ankle free

[tamadrummer132]

i play with all.. depending on if my dad turns the heat on.. lol

when i play at my youth group i prefer socks though, because it doesnt have the same feel as my set... and i have size 13 wide vans... BIG feet in such little room x(

[drummer_14_92]

Converse or Emerica skate shoes, the skate shoes are too expensive though, so i use cons for drumming and leave the emeriacas to skateboarding

[Tom B.]

I like using shoes, but then I use shoes for everything, in the morning I wake up and put my shoes on, even if I'm not going anywhere. I just think they are so comfortable.

[cwignall]

i started playing with just socks on when i was practicing heel - toe

i couldnt get my foot far enough forward to get the 'heel beat' i then found i was more relaxed and felt more loose with out shoes so i use it for all my pedal work.

i dont like bare feet cos for some reason i dont feel as controlled.

Also if the pedal is too 'springy' the top of your foot takes a reel pounding if you dont control the rebound - the top of my foot swelled up after a 3 hour practice of the hard side of my pedal head hitting it!


:)

[smalltownsideshow]

Just curious.... what kind of footwear do you prefer when playing? Do you even have a preference at all, or go barefoot?

Me I currently prefer the Adidas 'Racer' line, 'cos of the grippy flat thin sole and the presence these give you on the pedals

[Just Drums]

There's nothing wrong with bringing up previous topics.

I like to wear aqua shoes. They're light, slip on easily, and grip the pedals great. They're very much like dancing shoes but there made for swimming and diving and they're not slick on the bottom like dancing shoes are.

[DreamTheater4life]

tight(ish) vans

20

[DWfan20005]

Socks for me, it's way cummfier and it's easier to move my foot. If you wear certain types of shoes they tend to take up alot of room on the pedal so thats another I go with socks. The skin on my feet is too sensitive to play bare foot.

[d.c.drummer]

Running shoes do the job for me. Flexible and grippy also. Chucks are the most popular shoes ad everyone says.

[h3r3tic]

Hey people ;)

Well I've been playing for a long time on my double pedal without shoes for some time...
Today, my guitar player suggested that maybe I could get stronger strokes with shoes on which I found that true, but the thing about shoes is that I can easily get tired :/
I'm thinking playing the double pedal using some all-star shoes because they're lighter than the ones I usually use....

What do you think?
please let me know from you soon ;)
Thanks =)

[Wavelength]

How about practicing with ankle weights. That way even jackboots will feel light as feathers.

[Mapex589]

I used to play in Puma motocross style shoes which basically hve a very thin sole. I find I play a lot better in a pair of regular old Nike tennis shoes. I dont like to play in boots or anything with a large heal though.

[SLEEPY BRiGHT EYEZ]

I used to play with shoes on because I came to practice with shoes on. Now that I have a music room in my house, I show up to practice without shoes on. Shoes, no shoes... it doesn't matter for me. Strength comes from the leg- not the foot wear. I actually feel I have better control now that I play barefoot.

[rendezvous_drummer]

Try many different things and go with whatever's most comfortable fer ye. I play with Adidas Italia shoes. Feel great, but SBE is right, strength comes from yer legs, not yer shoe wear.

[Ozzy Biz]

I used to play in Puma motocross style shoes which basically hve a very thin sole. I find I play a lot better in a pair of regular old Nike tennis shoes. I dont like to play in boots or anything with a large heal though.

Motocross style shoes? How do you style a pair of shoes like Moto boots? And how could you play in them? No ankle movement and weight heaps, not to mention they're fricken huge. It'd be like casting your feet in concrete blocks and trying to play...

[Backwards Marathon]

if i were to recommend any shoes, id say to use the vans without laces, that just slips right on. those are perfect, super thin, and lots of tread. :)

[GRUNTERSDAD]

Somewhere amongst the archives is a myriad of posts on what shoes we all wear.

http://www.drummerworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15700&highlight=drumming+shoes

[Mapex589]

Motocross style shoes? How do you style a pair of shoes like Moto boots? And how could you play in them? No ankle movement and weight heaps, not to mention they're fricken huge. It'd be like casting your feet in concrete blocks and trying to play...

Apparently not those kind. LOL!!

[caprisun3484]

i alway play without shoe because it's way more comfortable and my feet are kind of big so the big shoes like get in the way

[Tama Player]

I only have one thing to say.....Chucks....

Peace
AGR

[UPSTROKE]

Stay with your feet in sox. I've been playing double bass for a thousand years in all kinds of bands. Ankle weights, boots, this shoe, that shoe. None of them make a bit of difference in power. Whatever YOU get used to is what really works best. Ankle weights are useless.
According to the 14th top rated drummer in the Nation at the time, doing toe raises and taking fast walks will do what you want. Some salesman won't be able to sell you "ankle weights" to make a buck off of you, but you don't need that crap. If you have a couple of stairs at your house, try this. Stand on the steps with most of your foot hanging over the edge. Now just do twenty toe stands. do that every day. I also do about twenty
squats every morning just standing on my toes. That wasn't hard was it? You can also set the tension springs tighter on your bass pedals. That will feel a little uncomfortable for a little while, but you feet and legs will adjust to it. As a bonus, you will get a faster bass rebound. Re-setting the beaters back to almost horizontal position will also help develop stronger muscles. In addition, you get faster and harder bass strokes.
Playing in sox helps you feel the pedal MUCH better than any ones shoes. You can feel little quick hi-hat burps much better. You get a far better feel for adjusting the sound you like on half open hi-hat riffs. Plus a bunch of other little things. It's the same reason you don't wear heavy work gloves on your hands while playing.

[bighaibigdrums]

Ive played in everything from barefoot to cowboy boots makes no difference to me.

[toxegendrummer]

I only have one thing to say.....Chucks....

Peace
AGR

i second that...perfect drummer shoe

[JCM]

Converses. It's the closet thing to bare feet. Infact, I might just buy a pair for drumming only ....

[bobie2000]

i play in whatever im wearing, i used to always play barefeet, but now that ive got alot of sores on my feet from working i usualy wear socks, and sometimes shoes at school, it also depends on if its hot or cold, i dont want to paly in barefeet if its a freezing cold day

[Jay.B.]

on the led zep video i saw bonham at the french tv thing wearing cowboy boots!

j

COWBOY BOOTS!!

how the hell can anybody play the way he does in cowboy boots! (well he can obviously) bloody hell that must be difficult, I struggle in just sock LOL

[drumbandit]

i play in socks, bare feet is cold and shoes aren't as responsive ( rubbish pedal). during a gig i took my my shoe and put it next to the kit and everyone was asking me about it afterwards but i didn'treally think about it at the time. just natural now.
Tom

[Tubs player]

i play in my socks so my feet are free and dont hang off my pedal and my feet stay warm

[spartacus1989]

Playing in Converse make gripping easy, they are light and fashionable for people like me!! (NO I AINT EMO!!)

I find socks to slippery!

Bare feet I find it is easy to grip the pedal and move! The only down side is the fact that if your drums are in the garage or shed where they SHOULDN'T BE, the foot pedals are usually quite cold. Another down side is that it isn't amusing for you at band practise if your feet smell! (Don't even think of accusing me!)

[Johnny from the block]

Playing in Converse make gripping easy, they are light and fashionable for people like me!! (NO I AINT EMO!!)

I find socks to slippery!

Bare feet I find it is easy to grip the pedal and move! The only down side is the fact that if your drums are in the garage or shed where they SHOULDN'T BE, the foot pedals are usually quite cold. Another down side is that it isn't amusing for you at band practise if your feet smell! (Don't even think of accusing me!)

1st thing: I think without shoes plays better anyhow: it's like driving a car... you get a better feel bare feet+pedal IMO. and better feel makes better response and better result (with drums: faster)

secondly: you actually get used to the slippery effect of socks you know:p, and i think it can train your natural grip on the pedal to

finally: wash your feet once in a while :) and you can drum bare feet from spring to fall, I would recommend it, hehe.

already posted my opinion on this one, but honestly... even for gigs I put out my shoes, it practically doubles my feel and speed...

[Mr. Pasquini]

Converse or Pumas. Both weigh nothing and allow a lot of pedal feel but still allow the stiffness I desire.

[Tama Player]

Converse or Pumas. Both weigh nothing and allow a lot of pedal feel but still allow the stiffness I desire.

Pumas are good too, didn't think bout' them!

Peace
AGR

[Mr. Pasquini]

Pumas are good too, didn't think bout' them!

Peace
AGR

My dad bought me a pair as a random present recently. I was freaking floored at how light they are. Sweet shoes!

[darknessdude16]

Bare Foot preferably, if not then I'll wear Converse or Vans

[dw D]

I use db "groove" shoes. 40 bucks and they feel great! I have been using them for 6 months now and my endurance and control have doubled. And they still have that new shoe smell : )

[spartacus1989]

Jojo Mayer has my vote for best living foot technique! he uses Converse!!!

Check his videos out from modern drummer 2005 on DVD or Drummerworld!

[drummerchick435]

heels at church on Sunday (main worship)
shoes at church on Wednesday (youth worship) and at School Band practice
flip flops at home

[hauk]

Socks for me. Or bare feet. It depends on what I happen to be wearing, but usually socks and never shoes.

[AaronGillespie]

usually barefoot when practicing but when im out or doing a show i wear shoes

[kacperivo]

i used to play in classic Chuck Taylors, but for some time i use Adidas Kicks and they're really comfortable, for me, no1.

[bicycle]

bare feet, maybe because if the feel of the pedals or that it looks crazy. Except when I'm playing with a jazz band or something, I have to keep my shoes on.

[Jon Cable]

thigh length, red rubber 6" stillettos....or is that just me...AGAIN!!!

[mikeh23]

I actually deliberately try not to practice barefoot. I'd rather not get good at doing something that's just a plain bad idea on some gigs. Ever tried getting off a drum kit when there's broken glass around it and you don't have any shoes on? I tend to suggest people keep the shoes on for practice, since you'll probably want to have them on when you play...

yeah i agree with that. i started playing drums in socks. moved on to bare feet. played my first gig and had to put shoes hindered my drumming and just felt horrible. after that i played with shoes for a while then i just ended up useing these awesome slippers i have for drumming. and for the gigs i keep the slippers in my drum bag. but now im back to shoes again haha. i find i nice pair of classic vans skate shoes work really well after bombing a few hills and really burning ut the sole so it gets quite thin.

[fat in the middle]

Last night during a heated performance, my socks became soaked, and my shoes being loafers with no laces, my feet slid about inside them. Horribly making it hard to keep time! Was like drumming on ice. I recommend lace-up shoes. Its amazing how something like that can affect you. Almost ruined a song or two

[slingerland755]

I used to do the barefoot thing, but got tired of putting my shoes on and off all the time. Now I'll play in anything and it sure is a lot easier. Like somebody said, we should be able to adapt to all the situations we are thrown into.

[The Timekeeper]

Bare feet since 1965. I have tried all different types of footwear and prefer bare feet. I like the feel of the pedals better and have better control.
Bass pedal springs very tight and I use all of my foot, ball, flat etc depending on what I need for tone and what chop I'm doing. I can't get that with a shoe.

Also it's a primitive instrument, the less clothing the better.

I like Tommys approach in the 1980s, just wear a diaper.

[drumbum1977]

1980's Converse baby!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Benjaminbois]

Check out Vinnie on the "tweaked video", they look like big doc martins and he's flying!

Me, Im a little undecided. i play in socks or thongs (flip flops, im an aussie) a fair bit because im too lazy to put on shoes but generally if im settling in for a big practice session i put on tight fitting adidas walking shoes.

[Gilded]

I'm to lazy to put on shoes, so I got used to playing with bare feet/socks. Undecided, when I play with my shoes (these adio $160 skate shoes) they are pretty heavy so it makes some beats more difficult than bare foot. Depends what I play but mainly varying on double pedal. Lamb Of God bare foot but most Cradle Of Filth shoes.

[drumr0]

I wear crocs whenever I can....I get lots more rebound than anything else.

[chopsy]

I just happened to be walking through my drum room with my combat boots on and decided to sit down and try Gene Hoglan style.

I actually liked it... going to at least practice like that some times because I felt like with the lower calf support, I could play heels up easier. Or maybe it was the weight of the boots making it easier to balance I don't know

[jjmason777]

Puma Speed Cats. Light, with a very thin sole. They are made for race car drivers, so they can feel the pedals! Otherwise, whatever I'm wearing. Usually Nike or Reeboks. Never got used to bare feet, after jamming my toes in the chain sprocket on my old pedals.

[Derek]

Shoes. Sketchers, Vans, anything that I wear except never flip flops or work boots.

[ChrisS]

I think playing with shoes always is the way to go. if you have an important gig you may have to wear shoes, then your screwed if you practice in socks.

[JPW]

I think playing with shoes always is the way to go. if you have an important gig you may have to wear shoes, then your screwed if you practice in socks.

What's the main reason you would ever _have to_ wear shoes? Just curious.

[Blankso]

I never never never never NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER play with socks or shoes on. I dont care where I am at or who im playing in front of. I have always played barefoot and I will always play barefoot. And I almost never where shoes when im NOT drumming as well. Im just a barefoot guy.

[Pollyanna]

I never never never never NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER play with socks or shoes on. I dont care where I am at or who im playing in front of. I have always played barefoot and I will always play barefoot. And I almost never where shoes when im NOT drumming as well. Im just a barefoot guy.

Both feet? I'm keen on barefoot on the kick pedal but I'm okay wearing a shoe on the hats. That's the joy of a coated front head :)

I've tried many times to play with shoes on both feet but it's never felt comfy.

[drums_n_surf]

Both feet? I'm keen on barefoot on the kick pedal but I'm okay wearing a shoe on the hats. That's the joy of a coated front head :)

I've tried many times to play with shoes on both feet but it's never felt comfy.

So you wear a shoe on your left foot but not on your right? That would be a sight indeed haha.

[ChrisS]

What's the main reason you would ever _have to_ wear shoes? Just curious.

for instance, a fancy jazz gig as opposed to jamming in your friend's basement. i just think playing with shoes is more convenient and more classy, if thats the feel of the situation

[jodgey4]

So you wear a shoe on your left foot but not on your right? That would be a sight indeed haha.

I do that all the time. It makes sense to me.

[lachlin]

When i first started I tried playing with shoes. Then one day I was bumming around the house in my PJs, going barefoot. I sat down behind my drums to mess around on them, and I found that barefoot felt more natural. So now it's barefoot all the way.

[richkenyon]

There are real practical reasons for SHOES!! Any gigging drummer knows this, though I'm sure there are guys that go barefoot at the kit....hmmm.

I do think it's important to practise in the footwear that you gig in, even if it's no footwear at all.

[marymn]

I prefer soft shoes or soft slippers

[ricc333]

I've seen people play barefoot, but I can't do it. Sooner or later that beater will hit the top of my foot, and that hurts like hell.

I always either play in my skate shoes (Adidas, Vans, etc.), or I've also found that wrestling shoes are really nice to play in.

[Sedgewick2012]

I usually play in a pair of Puma racing shoes. It helps me play faster, haha.

[Muckster]

I can play in any kind of footware. I made it a point a long time ago not to depend on a certain type of shoe to be able to play.

[Big Foot]

bare feet, socks or old school Vans - at home and If I have to be somewhere were I need shoes on , it's the Vans. If I ever have to play somewhere in a suit I have a pair of dress shoes I've played in that would work... but it's hard enough to get me in a suit so the chances of me in a suit behind my kit is pretty slim...

[GretschGuy52]

I played in socks one time only. I ended up wearing a hole in the right one. Im a pretty heavy footed guy. From that point on, its always in a thin sole sneaker.

[azrae1l]

fuzzy pink bunny slippers! nothing says " DAMN!!!! i am sooooo metal!!!!!!' more then pink bunny slippers

[SLiK2FresH]

First off, Never Drum in Nikes,
You'll mess up alot and seem to not get as much power.
I like to drum in Vans(Authenics) because there comfortable and light, Also not like socks so your foot doesnt slide around.

[Pocket-full-of-gold]

First off, Never Drum in Nikes,
You'll mess up alot and seem to not get as much power.


Ah, so it's the shoe that's at fault here?

Really mate......it's the foot, NOT the shoe. If you're messing up and not getting enough power don't blame the bloody shoes. Get practising and fix the actual problem instead of looking for excuses.

Remember, "It's the Indian...not the arrow"

Sure we might have a preferance to what we like on our feet when we play, but a good enough player will play in anything. Trying to blame a brand of shoes for all your playing woes.......well, I'm just not buying it.

[toddy]

LOL! I used to drum in nikes all the time. I can drum in shoes, bare feet, socks. I mean come on gene hoglan wears boots ffs!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSGkxNpP8aU

[Bootz]

Ah, so it's the shoe that's at fault here?

Really mate......it's the foot, NOT the shoe.

I disagree I find it soooo much harder to play doubles in my big ol' combat boots as opposed to when I wear some sneakers.

[Pocket-full-of-gold]

I disagree I find it soooo much harder to play doubles in my big ol' combat boots as opposed to when I wear some sneakers.

In the 90's, I used to play in Doc's frequently. I used a single pedal and could play doubles and triples just the same as if I was playing in Chucks or Vans or Nikes or anything else for that matter.

As I said, we may have our preferances, and that's totally cool......but if someone is claiming they can't play something because of a particular brand of footware.....then I'm calling it bollocks.

[azrae1l]

i actually do wear steel toe combat boots (actual military issue paratrooper boots) to play and i can manage just fine, but i prefer to wear thin sole shoes, hate socks and bare foot but i can do those too just fine...

[Pollyanna]

Ah, so it's the shoe that's at fault here?

Really mate......it's the foot, NOT the shoe. If you're messing up and not getting enough power don't blame the bloody shoes. Get practising and fix the actual problem instead of looking for excuses.

Remember, "It's the Indian...not the arrow"

Sure we might have a preferance to what we like on our feet when we play, but a good enough player will play in anything. Trying to blame a brand of shoes for all your playing woes.......well, I'm just not buying it.

Clearly spoken by one who has never played the pedals in heels :-P

I did ... at a few restaurant fill in gigs when I was a poor young student and enticed by the $45 per gig (plus free Chinese meal and soft drinks) to augment my $55pw tertiary assistance. I was totally into rock but I was desperate enough to play Girl from Ipanema with brushes ... thankfully we were just expected to provide musical wallpaper.

Today I take great pleasure in wearing my lightweight black sports shoes to gigs and taking off the right shoe and sock just before playing. It's inelegant and unprofessional and it suggests (rightly) that my kick drum technique is not good enough to handle wearing shoes ... and I couldn't give a rat's posterior ... no one notices, no one cares :)

[Tobey]

Today I take great pleasure in wearing my lightweight black sports shoes to gigs and taking off the right shoe and sock just before playing. It's inelegant and unprofessional and it suggests (rightly) that my kick drum technique is not good enough to handle wearing shoes ... and I couldn't give a rat's posterior ... no one notices, no one cares :)

I agree completely. We are a special breed and do the very nature of our work I believe we are entitled to a little eccentricity.

I have always played in very light-weight Sketchers but as someone mentioned above, sat down behind the kit one morning in my PJs (with socks on) and noticed all of a sudden I could really feel the pedal and the bass drum. Heel-toe doubles seemed to come out of nowhere, feathering, power, it was all possible (still have to work on speed but that seemed to come better too). Haven't gone shoeless yet at a gig but I definitely am from now on.

[Tommyland]

What shoes have the best grip for the bass drum pedal?

The ones that work for you.

When two people describe different shoes as working for them, it should be clear that it's not the shoe, but the person.

I play in socks, given that I just can't get the same heel-toe action when I wear shoes.

[Pocket-full-of-gold]

Clearly spoken by one who has never played the pedals in heels :-P


Ok Pol....just for you, I'll concede high heels and flip flops (although WE know they're really called thongs, right Polly). I've seen a vid posted here on DW where a chick was rockin' it out in her heels.....can't find it for the life of me though.

I'm also willing to concede ski boots, diving fins/flippers, snow shoes and even mafia style concrete shoes..........I am however, still unwilling to cop that the entire Nike catalogue is no good on the pedals. :-)

[Pollyanna]

Ok Pol....just for you, I'll concede high heels and flip flops (although WE know they're really called thongs, right Polly). I've seen a vid posted here on DW where a chick was rockin' it out in her heels.....can't find it for the life of me though.

I'm also willing to concede ski boots, diving fins/flippers, snow shoes and even mafia style concrete shoes..........I am however, still unwilling to cop that the entire Nike catalogue is no good on the pedals. :-)

Flip flops *rolls eyes* ... I guess you had to say that or people would think you're talking about wearing g-strings on your feet :-\

I hate all forms of footwear on my right foot but I also concede that my kick technique is lame so I need all the sensitivity I can get. I was okay in the 80s - I could pull off Good Times Bad Times on a good day - but the long break affected my kick pedal technique more than my hands. Now I'd rather come across as a hippie gronk at gigs than sit there going booomp booomp booomp endlessly with a kick practice pad.

I am the DW Forum's technique antichrist :)

[drthemez]

God bless anyone who plays barefoot or in socks, i just cant do it comfortably. I found that i like wearing my running shoes which are somewhat tight fitting. ASIC 2150's all the way! haha

[cprescott1972]

Shoes help a ton for me. Playing barefoot makes my feet pretty sore but I know guys that will ONLY play that way. Sometimes it's surprising what works. I had some bulky skate type shoes that I ended up with at the gig sort of by accident and they ended up being really responsive and forgiving over hours of playing. I guess they were designed to use jumping down flights of stairs with a skateboard so that padding factor was seriously considered.

One thing I wanted to mention, for heel down playing a shoe with some sort of heel actually can really help. I was speaking with Jeff Hamilton and he says he will only play in a shoe with some sort of low heel (like a dress shoe I suppose). If you think about it, raising your heel created a more obtuse angle in your heel that relieves some of the tightness and helps with tendon/muscle relaxation. Sort of like sitting a little further away from your bass drum versus moving way up on to it. Makes sense to me...

[jscomposer]

Rain boots! LOL

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xj22IDB2J4

[j.son]

i usually wear my square toed boots.zip up sides,wooden base with a dense grippy rubber bottom.theey keep my foot in the right place all night

[WPGCrazyNinja]

I play drums with no socks or shoes at all most of the time.. I NEVER play with shoes.. I think wearing shoes while drumming is stupid because it adds weight to your foot and your foot gets tired more easily.

[Rick H.]

I don't know i can't play as good without shoes, i play fast and i think the weight helps tap the pedal faster. i play heel up though, Maybe its just a personal preference

[Pocket-full-of-gold]

I think wearing shoes while drumming is stupid because it adds weight to your foot and your foot gets tired more easily.

Yeah? Seriously??

In that case I think that anyone who uses a 2B or 3A stick is stupid because they're going to tire out their arms and hands far quicker than one who uses a 7A.

Other than that, I don't know quite what else to say........I think I need a stiff drink and a lie down. :-)

[GretschGuy52]

Yeah? Seriously??

In that case I think that anyone who uses a 2B or 3A stick is stupid because they're going to tire out their arms and hands far quicker than one who uses a 7A.

Other than that, I don't know quite what else to say........I think I need a stiff drink and a lie down. :-)

This post literally made me LOL.

[jamest]

In bed...bare feet.

At home...socks.

Outside...shoes.

Drumming...magic power blaster drumming boots from the drumming gods.
__________________

"When the going gets tough, the tough get going!"

http://www.excellent-offers.com/gravy1.jpg

[dada]

a nice pair of wrestling shoes...or a $5.00 pair of moccasin from wal mart

[Rick H.]

Yeah? Seriously??

In that case I think that anyone who uses a 2B or 3A stick is stupid because they're going to tire out their arms and hands far quicker than one who uses a 7A.

Other than that, I don't know quite what else to say........I think I need a stiff drink and a lie down. :-)

Hahahaha... you tell him man!

[Zickosdrummer]

I was getting tired of this thread and wasn't going to read it anymore, but I thought I'd add my 2 cents worth.

http://www.michelinfootwear.com/shoe_details.asp?id=54&sect_id=12

I bought a pair of these in black (for driving my 280zx) and didn't like them at first. Though later I got to like them (they massage the bottoms of my feet which are still a little numb after a long stay in the hospital). Now I like them so much that I bought a second pair in brown. They are almost the only shoes I wear and they are great for druming (nice and light). The only place I know to get them is on line.

[the.drummer.kid]

Shoes help a ton for me. Playing barefoot makes my feet pretty sore but I know guys that will ONLY play that way. Sometimes it's surprising what works. I had some bulky skate type shoes that I ended up with at the gig sort of by accident and they ended up being really responsive and forgiving over hours of playing. I guess they were designed to use jumping down flights of stairs with a skateboard so that padding factor was seriously considered.

One thing I wanted to mention, for heel down playing a shoe with some sort of heel actually can really help. I was speaking with Jeff Hamilton and he says he will only play in a shoe with some sort of low heel (like a dress shoe I suppose). If you think about it, raising your heel created a more obtuse angle in your heel that relieves some of the tightness and helps with tendon/muscle relaxation. Sort of like sitting a little further away from your bass drum versus moving way up on to it. Makes sense to me...

Skate shoes all the way bro. Usually, I drum all my gigs with just socks on. But one recent gig, I decided to use my shoes which are a a pair of Adio's. I drum metal and there are some pretty fast double bass parts that I thought I couldn't do with shoes, but they actually helped a lot. I don't know if it's the weight, or the momentum, or something. But it sure helped me get passes those bursts of double bass.

[droveto]

I used to do the sock thing, but I do shoes now. Maybe the sock idea has some merit, but the idea of going and playing gigs and not having to change foot wear has much more merit in my book. :)

[ecpietscheck]

i now use shoes, i find myself to play faster and more precise with shoes

[Fuo]

LOL! I used to drum in nikes all the time. I can drum in shoes, bare feet, socks. I mean come on gene hoglan wears boots ffs!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSGkxNpP8aU

And leg weights, while playing dethklok gigs ;)

[calli]

1st post of 2011, oh yeah... hah. i got a pair of the Nike 5.0's, they're super lightweight and hands down the most comfortable shoe ive ever owned. AND they're absolutely superb on the set. highly recommended!!!!

the only down side is that sometimes sneakers won't go with an outfit.. but pffftttttttt. :P