Question: Footwear for the Northern steeler

Jim Robbins · Post by **Jim Robbins** » 16 Nov 2014 10:58 am

As I watch the snowflakes drift gently down today, knowing that the less gentle ones are not far off, the seasonal question arises: has anyone ever found any boots out there that keep your feet dry in slush and snow, keep you from breaking your neck on ice, and yet can be used for playing pedal steel?

It's bad enough at gigs and rehearsals having to set up guitar, volume pedal, seat and tune 20 strings without having to change shoes as well. My current boots perform the slush/ice functions very well but have soles like snow tires which are way too wide and thick for pedaling.

Barry Blackwood · Post by **Barry Blackwood** » 16 Nov 2014 5:41 pm

I don't know if you can have it both waysâ€¦ $:\$

Bob Hoffnar · Post by **Bob Hoffnar** » 16 Nov 2014 9:26 pm

In snowy weather I would keep a pair of hard soled wool slippers in my pac seat.

It makes sense to keep all that slush and crud away from a musical instrument.

Kevin Lange · Post by **Kevin Lange** » 17 Nov 2014 6:16 am

Last winter I bought a pair of lace-up roper style boots by Ariat. I don't remember the "model" name but they have a rubber-like sole and heel. I think they were made for working around stables. I think it's a good looking boot and has proved quite practical for the winter here in Minnesota.

Larry Allen · Post by **Larry Allen** » 17 Nov 2014 10:49 am

I wear Icebugs to the gig and slip on my steelin shoes from my pak seat...Larry

Tony Glassman · Post by **Tony Glassman** » 17 Nov 2014 12:29 pm

Galoshes over cowboy boots

Jim Robbins · Post by **Jim Robbins** » 18 Nov 2014 6:34 pm

Thanks for the responses. Kevin, I'll have to look into those Ariat boots, they look like they might do the trick.

Tony, I've been using galoshes as well. The ones I have are a little small for the shoes I play in & they're hard to find these days.

Ken Campbell · Post by **Ken Campbell** » 18 Nov 2014 7:03 pm

http://www.qcsupply.com/71624-renegade- ... aQod5KkATA

Erv Niehaus · Post by **Erv Niehaus** » 19 Nov 2014 8:22 am

I always change shoes when I play my guitar, Summer or Winter.
This is the style I prefer:

Ray Minich · Post by **Ray Minich** » 19 Nov 2014 12:08 pm

Electric socks.....

Bob Blair · Post by **Bob Blair** » 19 Nov 2014 12:51 pm

There are some slip-on Merrells that have Vibram soles with modest treads that I find can do double duty, and they are reasonably weather resistant. I gig in them all the time, and wear them all winter except for the really heavy snow days.

Ken Pippus · Post by **Ken Pippus** » 19 Nov 2014 1:27 pm

Bob, I thought these were the traditional Edmonton winter dancing (and steeling) slippers?

Bob Blair · Post by **Bob Blair** » 19 Nov 2014 1:53 pm

I save those ones for black tie events Ken.

B

Donny Hinson · Post by **Donny Hinson** » 19 Nov 2014 3:15 pm

Like Bob, I'd just carry an extra pair of shoes or mocs. The problem with boots (made for snow and ice) is that those "snow tire" heels and soles hold salt, sand and mud - stuff I wouldn't want all over my pedals.

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Question: Footwear for the Northern steeler

Question: Footwear for the Northern steeler

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