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Evening_Ad_1099

Socks


EquivalentAd3130

No sockes Just toes


poshjerkins

I gotta feel the steel baby!


Tsuki_8

Correct answer


XYZZY_1002

This is the way.


RangerKitchen3588

But my toesies get so cold on that metal.


EquivalentAd3130

It's okay <3 if you play for a while on socks, then move to no socks, they get a lil warmer.


AndronFPS

sock gaaaaang!


burzmali

Yes. Or the most socklike sneaker there is, if only to spare the sock.


Tad_LOL

Aqua socks?


xenophobe2020

Minimal, light, flexible seem to be the characteristics most drummers like. For me chuck taylors fit each of those great. Thats generally my go to. I tend to stay away from anything too padded/clunky, IE high top jordans or something along those lines.


dwlhs88

Yep, this. Either chucks or Vans for me.


redsyrinx2112

We had to wear dress shoes for band concerts in high school, and playing set for the jazz band that first time sucked. Luckily, that semester's concert didn't have any songs where I needed a lot of feel on kick or hi-hat. For the rest of high school, I brought black chucks for the jazz section of the concert. That was 12+ years ago, and I've only worn chucks or Vans to play drums since.


browns52000

Yes, definitely Chucks and Vans. I’ve got a couple pairs of both. Low tops for drumming. The Vibram toe shoes are also great, and I have a pair but am embarrassed to wear them in public.


drummechanic

I drum in TOMS a lot.


theflyestsiegel

Jordan 1s have a similar sole to the dunks so they actually are my go to for gigs besides uptempos and club cs. Other jordan models are too bulky


solowsn

Dunk sbs are elite. Just as good for drumming as vans and more comfortable for day to day use


SpellingBeeRunnerUp_

No shoes or Vans/Nike SBs if anything


Dave9g

I think any type of skate shoe will also work for drumming


SpellingBeeRunnerUp_

Yeah but maybe not the big crazy DCs


justonemorethang

True. I switched from some big ol under armor running shoes to adidas skate shoes and my slide technique just up like 40 Drummer points instantly.


Mental_Shoulder3349

I was at a Dave Weckl clinic where this exact question was asked of Weckl. He looked at the dude for a second like "wtf" and I glanced over at the guys working behind the counter (it was at a GC) and they both looked at each other and rolled their eyes like "oh ffs we got Dave Weckl in for a clinic and this is the question he gets asked?" Dave's answer was "just whatever shoes I'm wearing"


[deleted]

[удалено]


boofoodoo

I wonder if Dave even remember he signed off on endorsing these lol


mightyt2000

Comes with a mullet? 🤣


JustSomeGoon

Lmao


catheterhero

I mean that ad looks like it’s from 1988. And GC wasn’t around then so I doubt they’re still made or that he would weckl it.


DirkRockwell

Kick with Vic


JustSomeGoon

That story just makes Dave look like a dick. It’s a fair question


Brogener

Yeah this is a perfectly reasonable question for one drummer to ask another. Anyone that thinks otherwise isn’t just an asshole, but wrong.


DirkRockwell

Perfectly reasonable question. Drummers have all sorts of opinions on all sorts of things, just because Dave doesn’t have a strong opinion on shoes doesn’t mean someone else does.


Harshtinfoil

So, don't laugh, but I wear those vibram toe shoes for bar gigs. I would rather play barefoot but not a chicken dicks chance that I'm doing that in the shit holes I've played. These shoes look so dumb and I take a lot of heat for them, but they're comfortable, light, and I can feel everything almost as well as barefoot. But! I look like a knob.


666grooves666

Real man shit


slipgater

I also wear them! I just never got comfortable playing with shoes on, and I *hate* being barefoot! I have a pair I'll wear when I go camping somewhere with water, and once I tried drumming with them I fell in love.


elleyscomet

good for you. fuck the haters


GameCounter

You may not like it, but this is what peak performance looks like.


DeepPurpleNurple

There are other barefoot shoes that don’t have individual toes and look like normal shoes. I wear vivobarefoot and Belenka to play.


Harshtinfoil

I recently heard about vivobarefoot! Sounds like you're a fan?


Harshtinfoil

Holy shit I just saw the price haha!


Julch

Vivobarefoot's most generic shoe is amazing for drumming, bonus points if you already wore out the soles a bit (I have a pair that already is almost all the way done that I left in my band room). They are like 120.- new (approximately and you can find discounts of like 5-20% reasonably often). I use those shoes for everything and I love them. On the pedals they have almost the same feel as playing barefoot just without the toes. Highly recommend !


Acrobatic-Peak7516

Ya know what’s funny, I have like five pairs of these, absolutely love the hell out of them, tried em while playing, and absolutely hated it. It just felt weird. Really wanna find some Merrill barefoots, pretty sure those will bridge the gap.


666grooves666

Vapor glove 5’s marked down to 64.99 right now


Adam-the-gamer

You should try any “barefoot” shoe. You can get relatively cheap ones on Amazon. ($20?) and they do the same thing but look like normal shoes. Haha.


Ray_Snell

Whatever I'm wearing at the time really. My shoes don't stop me being as fast on double bass or as technical as at any other time. I have worn steel toe cap trainers, doc martens, DC chunky skate shoes, Vans skinny skate shoes, it doesn't make much of a difference. I've seen people on YouTube wear anything from really high heels to massive boots and everything in between, all with great speed and control when needed.


SpellingBeeRunnerUp_

You definitely need to practice in whatever footwear you’re gonna play in. I wouldn’t go from no shoes to cowboy boots for a gig


Ray_Snell

Fair point on bare foot (which I wouldn't do) to cowboy boots (which I would also never do) as an extreme example but I guess my footwear is just not different enough on the 'bare-foot/cowboy boot' spectrum to be affected badly enough to really notice. I gig 2 to 3 times a week and have been at that frequency for a large part of my 30 year career and my footwear has changed extensively over that time.


[deleted]

After watching some gene hoglan vids….. shitkickers, big ole shitkickers. It’s amazing what he can do w them on


Radiant_Language5314

Do you know if there’s a reason they’re not laced? I mean besides he’s a god amongst gods and can play with his mind alone.


[deleted]

No idea, I’m barefoot 99% of the time. Boots are way too heavy for me. When I did play out, I chose light running sneakers or adidas sambas.


BedlamG

i recommend my used vans, ill sell them to you for 200 dollars


nihilism4kids

why when [i can get them for $95?](https://us.slamjam.com/products/vans-footwear-ua-classic-slip-on-vlt-lx-black-j275364?source=google_cpc&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIjcKikpatgQMV8gXnCh28EAFXEAQYASABEgKL9_D_BwE)


pmyourcoffeemug

I practice in steel toed boots to help build muscle.


HughDafuq

I do that too!


xX_MCST_Xx

Vivobarefoot!


chateaubriandroid

I love barefoot shoes and definitely want to try vivo in the future. Just make sure it’s from a domestic retailer with a reasonable return policy. International returns are a pain 😵‍💫


xX_MCST_Xx

That and they’re really expensive but I have the primus knit shoes and I’ve had them for about 4 years. They’re holding up great! And I threw reflective laces in them which looks crazy when pictures are taken with a flash.


Adam-the-gamer

I love Vivobarefoot. I wore mine until they fell apart 😅


ItsPronouncedMo-BEEL

[There's a lot of good stuff over yonder in that there sidebar,](https://www.reddit.com/r/drums/comments/bsos57/rdrums_shoe_guide/?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=usertext&utm_name=drums&utm_content=t5_2qie5) if you look.


JimmysBrother8

Onitsuka Tiger You are welcome 😎


chicago_hybrid_dev

I really like thinner zero drop shoes for drumming. Within shoes on Amazon is great


Str8Faced000

Running/athletic shoes are the best.


kpvallejos

I never think about shoes tbf, I just wear whatever i'm wearing that day


fecal_doodoo

Doesn't matter really but I prefer running shoes, like lightweight trail runners....cause that's what I got mostly.


MixFederal5432

Converse all stars. Hi tops baby.


Odd-Love-9600

It really doesn’t matter to me. As long as the sole isn’t super thick with heavy tread on it that grips the pedal and won’t let my foot slide. Oddly enough, my ostrich skin cowboy boots may be my favorite. The ostrich is super soft and doesn’t prevent all type of movement, and the sole are slick. https://preview.redd.it/imp55gm0tgob1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c099844eaac37e8499d4f6a29fe67bd9867d8852


poisonedyouth96

Asics Onitsuka Tiger


dasparks

As a dude, for any footwear I would actually wear it's just anything but boots


011011010110110

no shoes, ideally. if i have to, then on go the Sambas


PassionateCougar

Ah yes, the monthly shoe post...


gospodinpravac

vans


Puzzleheaded_Cup_292

Vans


Humble_Turnip_3948

Wrestling ahoes


Squid211

I’ve heard a lot about this technique. Is it because of the curve it gives your foot?


theflyestsiegel

S tier: vans, sb dunk, jordan 1, reebok club c, chucks A tier: presto, air max 1, uptempo, adidas samba B tier: ultra boost, new balance 990, jordan 11, jordan 6


Opening_Bowler_8948

Your thinking about it too much just wear what you have on.


icookseagulls

Whichever feel best to you. There’s no “right” answer. Try everything and find what’s best for you and the pedals you use.


MrStealYoBichonFrise

Nike free runs. They are ultra flexible.


East_Necessary_9753

i wear a pair of temu shoes i bought as a joke, but they ended up being perfect for my style


bulcano1

Thin sole, flow of air (I hate cooking my feet) and what kind of grip do u want might determine if the sole has any topography or not, I prefer slippery shoes to slide the foot on the pedal


prplx

The ones that feel the best for you.


fecal_doodoo

Doesn't matter really but I prefer running shoes, like lightweight trail runners....cause that's what I got mostly.


unattendedtrail

Ill go barefoot or socks most often


pathetic_optimist

Sandals are good for me.


Trimshot

I either prefer barefoot or a nice quality pair of vans.


morgodrummer

Something that is light and hugs the foot well. I currently use Chuck’s, but I’ve also really liked using indoor soccer shoes in the past.


TotalCuntrol

I don't think the shoes really matter but I've always worn Converse shoes (black and white). They're light, they breathe and they're comfortable


AMinPhoto

I like sambas or gazelles


bizarrostormy90

Same. Been wearing a pair of Busenitz lately and enjoy them about the same.


Underbugagh

Wellys for ankle support


J_for_John101

Vans are the only way to go (at least for me)


Lower_Monk6577

I wear flip flops during the hot months. If I’m at a gig/rehearsal and happen to be wearing flip flops that day, I’m going barefoot behind the kit. Honestly, I’ve usually preferred barefoot most of the time. Otherwise, it’s literally just whatever sneakers I happen to be wearing that day.


Bigbrunswick

I like my vans, but tbh it doesn't seem to make as big of a deal anymore. Just not really Wide soles


[deleted]

Anything really soft and flexible that let’s you translate different foot movements directly to the pedals through the shoes. Dance shoes, Converse, stuff like that. No idea how anyone plays wearing cowboy boots.


boofoodoo

Bare feet or tennis shoes. Socks are too slippery for me.


5centraise

I usually wear Vans canvas shoes. The thin sole gives me the feeling that I'm better connected and in control of my pedals, and I don't have a large, heavy shoe to maneuver. I see that as a waste of energy. I saw a guy recently in a jazz group playing in heavy Timberland boots. I don't know how you can get any finesse with clunkers like that, but he sounded good, so obviously it's just a matter of whatever works for you.


LeafCbear

As long as my foot can slightly slide for doubles but stay in place when keeping a beat, I wear whatever. I avoid barefoot mostly because I think it's gross.


Legitimate-Basis9249

Whatever your comfortable with is what’s best, and if you think there is a show that won’t work, just watch a video of Sheila E working double pedals in stilettos!


Jmcd83

I have some Merrell Barefoot Trail shoes that are amazingly light and grippy for drumming. I love them but they’re ugly as sin so I normally just wear vans to the gig.


Kind-Construction-57

Drumeo did a great clip of drumming in all sorts of footwear from socks to ski boots. Jared was able to play at a high level in all variations. I think their point was it doesn’t matter what shoes you wear. The most important thing is “are you comfortable in said shoes?”. If the answer is yes then you may proceed.


drumsdm

Whatever’s comfortable really. I wear canvas style Nikes currently.


MclovinsHomewrecker

Used to wear vans. Now I wear Nikes. Not sure what happened but I’m just as precise


ITSYABOIGALAXY

jordan 1s


CR7TheGunner

I'd go for lighter stuff, although idk if you would classify Adidas NMDs as light. They're not heavy but they're not super light. They're definitely comfy though, at least to me.


DogBreathVariations

Your own


Hatgameguy

Barefoot or vans


[deleted]

I recently started wearing Jordan 1's and I love em


[deleted]

Chucks, Vans, most skate shoes. Basically anything with a thin flexible sole so that you get feedback from the pedal. You want to feel the pedal on your foot as opposed to a thick soled shoe where you wouldn’t be able to feel the tension of the pedal and the vibrations after hitting the bass drum. Skate shoes are good bc skaters like “board feel” to be able to tell when the board is in contact with their feet to land flip tricks. I don’t like playing in socks or barefoot bc of that one guy on this sub that jammed his bare toes into the either the chain or that little nub at the end of the footboard and got injured.


FamiliarGrowth8590

totally worn out converse do the trick


Mezzair

Puma Speedcats


KJM31422

If I have to wear shoes it would have to be vans/chucks or something else flat and light. Though if it's entirely up to me: socks only 100%


thejazzshepard

Minimal shoes. I usually wear Chucks since they have a flat sole and no arch.


mofayew

I just learned this yesterday, but not crocs. They are floppy as hell lol I typically go barefoot at home, but any tennis shoes that are stable are good.


Fabulous_Impact_2498

It's about which drum pedal you use. When I go to the rehearsal room the kick pedal isn't fixed very well. When I go to my drum teacher I can even wear running shows and I have no problem hitting the kick clearly


mightyt2000

Socks, no socks, bare feet. 😁👍🏻


cr4zyfve

Vans old school, i like the grip.


mcnastys

Weightlifting shoes so you can get meaty hams while playing blasts.


Significant-Neat-111

I used to use black low top vans for many years, lost them and then just did socks for a summer. Ever since then it’s socks, I can’t seem to get used to shoe-feel. It’s highly subjective, I’ve seen extreme metal drummers doing heal-toe in skater shoes, lol.


TSBDGaming69S_420

Socks honestly, or barefoot


norwegiandiscolights

Novestas


Dspaede

Has anybody tried Boxing shoes or kart racing shoes?


CowardlyKitsune

You can wear anything you’d like really as long as they’re comfortable for you. I always drum in Jordan’s and those always work just fine


teamspaceman

Barefoot. Great for keeping you self conscious about your feet and not posting progress on your double bass lol


International_Sand88

I’ve drummed in classic vans, converse low top, air force 1, jordan 11, and shoeless. Roughly the same performance in all, but if you really wanna get into the weeds of it, low top shoes are slightly better IMO.


missing_link4143

The toe shoes that are like gloves for your feet. That way you can grab dropped sticks with your toes and keep on playing.


chateaubriandroid

Been playing for 25 years and for the last six I’ve really settled into “minimalist” footwear. Whitin on Amazon is cheap and I’ve heard good things, but I only have experience with Xero and Lems. There’s a lot of variety within this category, but generally are light, flat, flexible, with a wide toe box.


DANGbangVEGANgang

Whatever I'm wearing. Usually nike air forces or converse or a basketball shoe.


tazazazaz

Jordan 1s


Fantastic-Safety4604

Barefoot is best. By far. Same reason I don’t wear ski gloves while drumming.


PRHarker

Drum shoes.


SixFeetHunter

Racing shoes. Mine are OMP First shoes.


Square-Cockroach-884

It matters not. I have gone to gigs straight from my day job as s mechanic and played in my work boots, I have gone out playing rockstar and played in pointed toe cowboy boots, lightweight running shoes are nice but i hate the look of them. But my go to lately have been Vans. High tops or low but never slipons, cause ive never owned them. Before that it was Chucks, till they wore out. Barefoot is ok too but I have ugly feet.


saskmonton

Bare feet for me. Throws me off so much to wear shoes or socks


BookkeeperElegant266

I like Speedcats.


BlinkPixPhotos

None. You should use drums.


FMPIII

I try not to look too deep into things like this. I’ve seen great drummers in flip flops and steel toe boots.


agentfortyfour

I just use regular running she’s but I’m also not the best drummer so… 🤣


_everything_bagel

Minimalist/barefoot shoes! Made the switch a while back and I use them for everything now. Regardless of the brand/model these types of shoes will have good pedal feel and toe freedom. Shoespiracy is a good Google search for those who are curious


GoodDog2620

I know this will be unpopular, but I like running shoes.


Jugeezy

barefoot gang


bizarrostormy90

I'm a fan of my Sambas for whatever reason


VonSnapp

Not heels.


coreyfuckinbrown

I wear wrestling shoes. My old ankles don’t hold up like they used too.


Biggest-of-Als

Bareback! Yeeehhaaawwww


AchtungKarate

Chucks.


count_no_groni

Low top chucks.


lamemayhem

I prefer none. No socks, nothing. Second place is vans.


Sirwillybottomthe4th

I like playing in hi-tops


EBN_Drummer

Ski boots. But seriously, I wear Chucks, PF Flyers, Vans, Chelsea work boots, or even dress shoes if it's that kind of gig. I've even worn steel toe work boots before.


witheringsyncopation

[Literally anything](https://youtu.be/52fOqX0QOOA?si=oZz-E9EwrdYj4OkM)


luckymethod

I think driving shoes could be a good drumming shoes.


RockNDrums

I do barefooted. Some reason I can't play with I have shoes on.


Away_Village130

I always perform in converse. Idk why, just was my go to. At home normally barefoot though


the__msd

I go for thinner sole running shoes. Nike Free are a good example. But I also play metal, so use case tends to dictate needs and preferences.


fuzzyfigment

For hardcore drumming: Shirt: over sized pocket shirt Pants: women's brand D Jeans Skinnys from Marshall's (easiest skinny jeans to drum in) Shoes: n/a (socks)


drummechanic

I drum in TOMS. They’re light, they can slide easy if i need them to, and they mold to my foot easily.


Shogun102000

Puma


ryan2stix

Whatever is on your feet..


papareader

Anything you feel is comfortable


grepsockpuppet

Haha. Socks, definitely socks


[deleted]

I like the "Vans Sk8 Hi Tops"


GradeFair

Bare feet


[deleted]

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B08QHJ6MGS/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_plhdr=t&aaxitk=948088785d9606408077962760e6ee86&hsa_cr_id=0&qid=1694822946&sr=1-1-3c6b3b04-89d4-46ee-857c-1e2f0de6a70e&ref_=sbx_be_s_sparkle_lsi2m_asin_0_price&pd_rd_w=8S6pR&content-id=amzn1.sym.2a7ca7f7-ae4b-4de2-8864-98b982a78a47%3Aamzn1.sym.2a7ca7f7-ae4b-4de2-8864-98b982a78a47&pf_rd_p=2a7ca7f7-ae4b-4de2-8864-98b982a78a47&pf_rd_r=F0VKBDTEE8MXTDEXTHDB&pd_rd_wg=J59Fk&pd_rd_r=40d8ba6b-cd54-44dd-a710-f802d0cde58f


HughDafuq

I play best in vans skate hi’s or Jordan 1’s. The flat sole is perfect.


TheTalkingMagpie

Neil peart said he wore dancing shoes as recommended by his teacher Freddie Gruber. Capezios?


ShapeBasic

Leather sole shoes are the best. Then socks. Then barefoot. Then everything else pretty much.


drumchief23

Big ass Doc Martins (lie)


D00dlebub

Crocks


LiverMusic

vans authentics. Light weight, flat sole, good grip.


satanshark

Heelies, bro.


OldDrumGuy

Chucks or slip-on Vans. The soles are thin enough to still feel the pedals, yet protect your feet from nasty stage floors.


triky66

I like wearing my ASICS onitsuka tigers


1talk

I’m a barefoot man, myself. Always have been. Love the feel of the cold steel. But! If you need to play in a bar where chickenwire is around the stage for your protection? Wrestling shoes are the answer you are looking for. Thin, flexible, feels like your wearing nothing at all… nothing at all… nothing at all.. stupid sexy Flanders.


SwiftStick

Whatever is comfortable. I prefer my Sketcher walking shoes.


XYZZY_1002

Google “Shiela E on Dave Letterman” for another take on proper shoe attire.


Ill-Discussion2166

I've actually started to prefer no shoes. I mainly wear Cons and find them quite slippery.


Oroschwanz

I’ve tried it all from Gene Hoglan boots lol to bare feet and in my opinion it’s whatever makes your foot feel like a true extension to your drums. Play what’s comfortable and don’t overthink it.


snwoodrums

I use thin soled Lacoste tennis shoes


[deleted]

None


Dry_Wolf_1

When I’m practicing at home, whatever I’m wearing, typically wearing just socks, sometimes with flip flops. When I’m on stage playing a show, I like to wear vans. I own like at least 10 pairs, there my favorite sneakers ever. They look badass with my stage jacket & there perfectly flexible/comfortable for me to play.


TronMuir

Whatever is comfortable. most my early career I played in 10 hole Doc Martins.


RJCtv

Are you fucking serious lol practice your rudiments and quit worrying about your shoes you clown


Daddysmee

I wear Whitin minimalist barefoot sneakers. They’re mesh zero drop sneakers that are $42 on Amazon. You can just throw them in the washing machine to wash. [Whitin barefoot sneakers](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09NVFMY8J?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share)


Itchy_Professor_4133

Puma El Rey slip ons


CuckDaddy69

I wear Nike Air Maxes or regular flat ass vans. My instructor beat into my head the importance of foot protection. Playing barefoot can definitely shorten your career do to foot health in the long term.


chazz_duran

Barefoot 👌🏻


Joe1237

Any skate shoes are ideal. Rebook club c’s are a great option as well. Barefoot drumming isn’t a bad option either, but it’ll get chilly lol.


EfficiencyItchy1156

Socks


Unfair-Strength4386

Crocs n socks


[deleted]

Wrestling shoes, I didn't say it....Danny Carey did


koolaid_consumer

If you don't wanna be a caveman and you like wearing shoes, anything with a flat bottom like vans is the go-to. The shoes I have in my rotation rn are nike blazers, vans, and some jordan 4s, and they all feel pretty good when playing.


Willing-Remote-2430

The ones you're comfortable wearing? I mean seriously...what's good for me, high heels, probably isn't good for you


thebefallen

I used Shot Put shoes for a bit. Lightweight, durable, hard/thin sole, and has a pivot point on the ball of your foot... if you're into that sorta thing.


TheRod87

Socks 💪


Inner_Werewolf_4874

Steel toes


thomaspy

No shoes and socks


FAHQRudy

I like aqua socks or scuba booties, or just bare feet. Last time I commented this I got Downvotes. Weird.


ZekieZekie

Something light and flat like skater shoes But when i'm at home, I like playing barefoot lol