The Steel Guitar Forum

When I was playing full time I wore a great pair of black Nokona cowboy boots, but I'm wearing Sperry Topsiders, my main shoe anyway. I'll still wear boots for country and Cajun gigs. - Jack

I Remember when Doug Jearnigan gave me a lesson , and Paul Franklin seminar last year in Dallas , it seems they no choose any special shoes ....what you think ? i remember that i thought, those guys can play with any kind of shoe

whatever I'm wearing. Sometimes I'll gravitate to cowboy boots.
My favorite, although I can't seem to find them in my size (9½EEEE), is the classic suede and crepe-soled Hush Puppy. They may look dorky, but I love them.

WOW
EEEE, dude you got some wide feet, I take EEE and aint it hard to find shoes that fit good. Walmart is definately out.
I like wearing sneakers that arent too big and bulky witha nice flat sole. I actually found a decent pair that look alot like a skateboard sneaker and are black sued-ish material so they dont stick out like a soar thum. I have seen people in my area play with cowboy boots, it must be annoying about that youre foot raises up an extra inch or so, going from flat low shoes to high heel cowbay boots as far as youre steel height is concerned.

Onitsuka Tigers.

The best shoes to play in varies, as you can tell, by. the player.
Barefoot, moccasins, tabi, and other thin soles don't work for me. The hard surfaces of the pedals against my feet feels unpleasant to the point of distraction.
Apparently other cats like that sensation, maybe even prefer it.
Some find pointy cowboy boots clack on pedal rods.
Avoid footwear, or lack of same, that distracts you.
I'd avoid taps or cleats.

I use suade desert boots, comfortable and positive
feel of the pedals ,but that's just my preference !
All the best, Lin and Frank. Corfu

Like some others here I have wide (EEE) size 10 feet with high arches. If I could find a pair of boots that fit I still wouldn't wear them since I have a 32" inseam and even now I have to watch what shoes I wear to keep my thighs from touching the underside of the guitar. I would need a lift kit to use boots for sure. I also find Sperry top-siders to be a good choice and I have experimented with other shoes. I have a pair of driving shoes that are OK to play in but the soles, while thin, are too grippy for my taste. They actually kind of stick to the pedals making it harder to slide off to one side or the other. I have $20 pair of skateboard shoes from Target that are pretty good as well but they are still too "sticky" for my taste. I am thinking of trying some swing dancing sneakers I came across that actually have suede soles intended to be slip-slidey. Having said all this I will play in any shoes I have on at any given time. It's not THAT big a deal and not something to obsess about. The ability to adjust and adapt is a simple fundamental skill for any working musician.

Gary, I found if I wore my new soes around for a few days other than just steel the'stickiness' goes away a little. I bought mine at Walmart and could not believe that they are now carrying shoes that fit my flippers. Size 12 EEE. It's about time. We are getting Target here in Nova Scotia this year. YEAH!

I find that unless you pay alot of dough out than you get the cheap rubber soles. Thats where the cowboy boots shine.

Here's another vote for desert boots. Very flexible sole, but still have a heel for pivoting on.

http://www.clarksusa.com/eng/product/de ... _men/78358

Justin Ropers

Wow , i used to wear desert boots for many years... i never thought about it ...let me see how is it feel

+1 for Justin ropers....look like cowboy boots, but not as pointy (doesn't hang up in pedal rods) and low heels (fit under the steel)

Just found this....Given my habit of working so cheap, most bands would agree that would be me.

The Shoe

I use to carry an Old Nike Gym shoe in my pak a seat once at a pretty fancy church I was playing for a Pro Southern Gospel Quartet Tim Surrett still laughs about this,I took off my dress shoes played the show, got done take off walking down the aisle.....
ONE NIKE One tassel loafer.....
I now play with only socks on, Gary Preston plays with only socks also, so WHAT Shoes:).
One needs to play with what EVER makes you feel best...
No one thing is right for everyone

Yes , it seems that ..... I received good advices in private about the left ankle correct work against what type of shoes wear and i think this is a very important thing maybe i overlooked, i was watching pro's playing paying attention about how they do it.Is good to go back sometimes and refresh the first lessons....dont you think ?

Bob Hoffnar wrote:I just wear whatever I have on. Its no big deal. Mud caked Snow boots are a hassle though.

Same here , I hate getting tied into the one shoe or the one thum pick or the one amp setting or the "one" anything.
If you leave one at home what are you going to do ?

What ever works for you...I usually play barefoot or a pair of socks.

My wife has shopping shoes ,church going shoes, dancin shoes ,running shoes , treadmill shoes, gardning shoes,house shoes, and last, but not least new shoes. If she ever ran off she would buy train hoppin shoes. No wonder I can't get my guitars in the closet! I bet if she played the steel she would have alot more shoes.

Old post.

How much are the shoes that Ken Metcalf is promoting?

How about some piranhas in the heels when somebody gives you some grief.

I know that KISS use high heels and they are reasonbly successful.

Found this:

http://www.musicradar.com/reviews/drums ... oes-228932

http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottjacksonx/4209857745/

JJ

For those who play in socks or bare feet, you are ironmen indeed. I noticed after playing awhile the sole will actually wear down into and indentation. I found a great shoe called a Merrell Jungle Glove Espresso (dont' ask why they call it that, it befounds me!) But they are slips on that give excellent grip while allowing you to find that individual pedal or mash a couple at the same time. But really, like most have said, it's whatever works for you.

I pretty much just play in whatever I am wearing.

The late/great Julian Winston celebrated diversity too.