What sort of shoes do you like to wear when playing?

Allan Jirik · Post by **Allan Jirik** » 3 Mar 2011 8:49 pm

When I got my S-B Professional in '71 I had to order extended rods. Now, geez 40 years later I fit under a standard steel fine. I guess those crazy cowboy boots were the culprit. Or else I've shrunk.

Roual Ranes · Post by **Roual Ranes** » 4 Mar 2011 6:52 am

I used cowboy boots from 1968 thru 1979 then I quit until 1996. When I started playing again I still used cowboy boots until the guitar went in the case in 1998, because of my job. I got the guitar out in 2002 and now I cannot use cowboy boots..........????????........go figure. I use penny loafers with a thin sole.

Brian McGaughey · Post by **Brian McGaughey** » 6 Mar 2011 5:39 pm

chris ivey wrote:I prefer the boots and i'm much more comfortable with the look and attitude of nice western boots. and attitude helps my playing.

I took a play out of your playbook, Chris. I've always had to wear topsiders, but after reading your post I went out the door last night to the gig in my western boots...play or bust. Worked out good, a monumental night...boots all night with attitude! No more topsiders for me. (The topsiders with black Lee bootcut jeans and a vintage western shirt was a little...er...goofy.)

Richard Sinkler · Post by **Richard Sinkler** » 6 Mar 2011 6:13 pm

Welcome back to the boot club Brian.

Dave O'Brien · Post by **Dave O'Brien** » 6 Mar 2011 6:24 pm

Jerry Hayes · Post by **Jerry Hayes** » 7 Mar 2011 3:18 am

I like the cowboy boot looking things that just come above the ankle and have a zipper on the side. Sometimes I play with the zipper on my left foot all the way down to ease ankle movement. Here's an action shot which looks like my pant legs are too short.........JH in Va.

Joe Casey · Post by **Joe Casey** » 7 Mar 2011 7:04 am

Some guys I have heard sound like they are wearing these..

And these

Kevin Shiflett · Post by **Kevin Shiflett** » 8 Mar 2011 4:51 am

I like the cowboy boot looking things that just come above the ankle and have a zipper on the side. Sometimes I play with the zipper on my left foot all the way down to ease ankle movement.

I just my pair of those boot in a few days ago. They really work well. My ankle is quite free. I am however taking them to the shoe shop today and getting the heal cut down from riding heal to walking. Those tall heals make my knees hurt if I walk in them much.

Karen Sarkisian · Post by **Karen Sarkisian** » 8 Mar 2011 5:13 am

Doc Martens

Dave Grafe · Post by **Dave Grafe** » 8 Mar 2011 9:11 am

For practice it's whatever I am wearing that day, sometimes no shoes at all.
For shows it's whatever the band is wearing that day, sometimes no shoes at all.

Richard Sinkler · Post by **Richard Sinkler** » 8 Mar 2011 10:36 am

Jerry, I used some like that many years ago and the were tight on the ankle. I don't remember it being a problem, but I was also a lot younger then.

Joe, I would like to try a pair of the second one's you posted.

Topic drift - Sorry. Jerry is that an inlay on the front of your BMI, or a decal? Nice.

John De Maille · Post by **John De Maille** » 8 Mar 2011 2:37 pm

I prefer wearing "cowboy boots". I've been wearing them for over 30 yrs, when I play out. I like the way my foot pivots easily, because of the heel and the toes only press the pedals I'm going after. It just works for me, so, I'm not changing it. When I'm practising or teaching, I usually wear a pair of mocassins, but, the vertical lever can be a challenge. I've tried to play out in sneakers, but, they're just too clumsy for me. I don't own a pair of dress shoes, so, that's a moot point. On a funny note- I had to do a session after work, one time, and I forgot to pack my boots. I had to wear my "work boots"! It was quite an adventure for me. I got the session done, but, I played very simple stuff and pulled it off. I guess it's whatever you get used to playing in. My Nocona's and Tony Lama's work just fine for me.

Larry Baker · Post by **Larry Baker** » 8 Mar 2011 3:25 pm

Nacona cowboy boots, soft leather uppers allows plenty of movement. Besides, I can play bad whether I can feel the pedals or not. Larry

Owen Barnes · Post by **Owen Barnes** » 9 Mar 2011 4:08 am

For practicing, I wear Crocs. They work well, however,when I play publicly, I use "Roper" style cowboy boots.

Carl Kilmer · Post by **Carl Kilmer** » 9 Mar 2011 6:54 am

Back in my playing days (up to 1984) I wore cowboy boots.
When I started playing again 4 years ago, I'd use anything.
Since my accident, the only shoes that I can play with are,
ThomMcAm loffers, and I have to thank Ron Elliott for that.
Carl "Lucky" Kilmer

Bobby Hearn · Post by **Bobby Hearn** » 9 Mar 2011 10:15 am

I play in boots made of Bald Eagle hide. Very soft and comfortable.

Erv Niehaus · Post by **Erv Niehaus** » 9 Mar 2011 10:23 am

If you really want to be comfortable when playing, this is the outfit to wear:

Michael Brewer · Post by **Michael Brewer** » 13 Mar 2011 1:06 pm

George Crickmore · Post by **George Crickmore** » 13 Apr 2011 9:07 am

Vans.... They are super steel shoes.

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What sort of shoes do you like to wear when playing?

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