Best Shoes for Drumming

deanc54 · #1 (**permalink**) 04-29-2010, 07:34 PM

The most common response when asked what kind of footware is best for playing is 'Dude, I only play barefoot'. So if you DO wear shoes when you play, what do you wear? I am currently breaking in a new set of Vans Classic Skate shoes. Never had a pair before and wonder if anyone else has tried them for drumming, and what their experience has been.

**Der Trommler** · #2 (**permalink**) 04-30-2010, 11:00 AM

I used my 1980's black and white checkered Vans for years, but retired them a number of years back. I currently use a wrestling shoe. They are very light, breath well and have thin soles so you can feel the pedals.

deanc54 · #3 (**permalink**) 04-30-2010, 11:17 AM

Hi Der Trommler!

Thanks for responding! How did your vans hold up? You say that you retired them so are they in a display case or something? So far the Van's I have seem to work better than anything else I've tried. I seem to get pretty good sensitivity up through the sole, and they sure are comfortable.

dannysbeat · #4 (**permalink**) 04-30-2010, 11:25 AM

Hey, I have been struggling with this lately have tried most type and and currently trying a pair od Converse shoe( not boot) these seem better that trainner I have been using. Am convinsed that a flat shoe with a thin sole is best. But you got to try differnt thinks, one thing for sure the more u use them the qixker u will need a new pair. X

deanc54 · #5 (**permalink**) 04-30-2010, 12:12 PM

Hey dannysbeat!

Thanks for your input. If my new Van's don't cut the mustard, everyone else says try the Converse All-Star low tops. So far, the only thing I have used the Van's for is drumming, and they seem to be holding up pretty well. Keep me posted on how the Converse work for you OK?

**Der Trommler** · #6 (**permalink**) 04-30-2010, 01:06 PM

My Vans are still in good shape after (I am estimating) 15 years of everyday use behind the kit. The only reason I went to a wrestling shoe was because the sole was so thin and they are very very light.

Vans are perfect because of the flat sole, you will do well with them.

deanc54 · #7 (**permalink**) 04-30-2010, 01:37 PM

Hey Der Trommler!

Thanks for the input, it's good to know my choice for the Vans was a good one. I have noticed a big difference using the Vans with their flat sole. Also, the 'cool' factor has to be considered.
So,..in addition to the wrestling shoes being a great for drumming, you can pull off a rapid take-down of unruly gig attendees if need be!

Pinkon · #8 (**permalink**) 04-30-2010, 05:03 PM

I´m currently using Etnies shoes, and I have only used skate shoes so far (DC, Vans, etc.) I like the feeling of them, but one think I don´t like is that they are big (fat) shoes and doesn´t fit well in my pedals.
Overall they are good shoes for drumming but i´ve heard of some shoes thin and light for drumming but never try those.

deanc54 · #9 (**permalink**) 05-03-2010, 11:36 AM

Hey Pinkon!

Thanks for the input, although I have never heard of Etnies shoes. What are Etnies, and what are they like? My feet are pretty small (size 9 D), so I have no trouble fitting my pedals. I can't imagine wearing a shoe so fat they won't fit onto the pedals! I am really enjoying the Vans, played them all weekend in total comfort.

Pinkon · #10 (**permalink**) 05-03-2010, 01:59 PM

Sorry man I may not wrote clear enough, Etnies is the brand of my skate shoes and they are like any skate shoe, big and comfortable; The trouble with my shoe and pedal is where the pedal has something like a metal or something which indicates that the top of the foot should be there, With this shoes I have to step on it.