The Steel Guitar Forum

I've tried to play in cowboy boots, but the toe of the boot gets caught under the rod connector of the pedal. Is there a secret to playing in cowboy boots, or is it just me?

Try a pair of Justin Ropers. They're still cowboy boots, but the toe isn't so pointy.

I hate playing in cowboy boots- it seems to hamper the ability to rock your ankle onto the pedal- seems like every great player at least plays in boots occasionally, though. I don't know the secret, either.

the secret is to wear cowboy boots most of your life before playing steel. if you didn't, why start now?

Chris,
I wear cowboy boots 7 days a week. I wear them to work, I ride a motorcycle in them, I ride horses in them, and for dress, but I just can't seem to play well in them.

I've used my square-toed boots for many years. No problem. Just make sure they're soft leather. They're the most comfortable footwear I've ever owned. Re-soled 6 times in 20 years!

Bill Duncan, there's no secret.... it is just you.

Rick B, as long as the manure is on the outside.. it don't matter if they are Ropers or roach killers.

James C, every pair of boots is different. Heck, I have some I can't play in cause the ankles too tight, and they are Ropers.

Chris I
.. thanks bro

btw, I play in flip flops sometimes

Try moving you foot back a little
always buy your boot with a cut Heel
don't use a square cut heel that will keep you from being able to rock back and forth
Also raise up you pedals about 1/4" higher
I can't play in shoes without a heel
Paul

Used cowboy boots until I put the steel up for three months in '97.........had to use shoes after that and don't know why.

Bill Duncan wrote:Chris,
I wear cowboy boots 7 days a week. I wear them to work, I ride a motorcycle in them, I ride horses in them, and for dress, but I just can't seem to play well in them.

Mr. Duncan, for what it is worth, I had trouble with playin' in boots. I have the day set-up so my A is on the right. I found if I slant my foot a bit and catch the ends of the pedals just behind my toes it goes well for me. I catch the b pedal just behind my little toe. Took some practice, but it works. I had to learn to pivot on that heel to change to C/B pedals. A little saddle soap and elbow grease will soften the boots up for rockin'. That heel helps me with the LKL. Having my leg up a little higher than a tennis shoe allows puts that lever in a more comfortable place against my leg.

Besides they just look good.

I play in sock feet most of the time. But when I'm not playing in public I prefer to play bare-footed.The sound that you get is what is important.Besides,I have handsome feet. Gerald

Pee-Yew!!! -L-

Played in boots for years....then saw Jim Loessberg playing in loafers years ago..and thought I'd try that. I LOVED it...you can feel the pedals more so. Then all my stuff got stolen including my loafers; and I bumbed stuff to play gigs for a while...but played in socks and LOVED that even more....you can actually feel the strings moving via more sensitive pedal feel. Then swimming with the kids a couple summers ago...we all got water shoes and well long story short; I use water shoes....and the feel of the pedals is just that....."FEEL"...and that's what playing is all about.
Ricky

Ricky, I'm not gonna hold this against you, but again, playing in water shoes can get you 30 days in many parts of Oklahoma...

A Sho-Bud Professional with some of Ricky and Coops tender lovin care and a good pair of "Chucks". It don't get much better than that.

The guys I have seen playing with boots all have their pedals raised extremely high, this is to compensate for the heel. I don't know if this helps.

I play in sneakers or crocks.

Been wearing this style forever, used to play the Day setup but changed to Emmons after a 20 year retirement. Back playing now,seldom wear them now, wear loafers or $9.95 Walnart velcro slippers.

Buddy Charlton and Jeff Newman both used boots and both have told me, if you get use to it, you'll never go back to playing with anything but. I could never get to the "use to" part. Plus, I have my seat elevated some from normal and to top of my legs ride on the bottom side of the guitar body because fo the heel. So I still don't use them.

Started in boots, like Highway Patrollers, went to tennis shoes(not bad, could feel the pedals), now after a 10 plus year break, play in Dr. Shoals leather slip on. Soft soles and extremely comfortable. Lets me squeeze and feel the notes. Never go back, don't own a horse or cow, just a steel.

Sounds like anything else we do; it's a matter of practice and getting the hang of it.

Used to play in round toe boots. As I got older, I lowered the pedals, and use soft leather moccasin toe slippers, with a very flexible sole. Not as dressy for playing out, but the feel on the pedals is great.

I've never been that concerned with the "feel" of the pedals. My ears and brain tell my extremities what to do. As long as the pedals aren't stoopidly stiff, no problem. Boots, socks, tennis shoes,,, doesn't really matter. It's what I hear, not what I "feel" in the pedals, that controls what my feet and legs do.

I play (at least attempt) with boots. I too like many have worn them for years. I wear the round toe boot and I don't seem to have any problems yet. Bob

I have been playing with cowboy boots today, at first with no progress. Then I raised the pedals as some had suggested, and that makes a "BIG' difference! My pedals must have been too low.

Thanks for the ideas and suggestions.