Boots, tennis shoes, or "socks"

Jack Abraham · Post by **Jack Abraham** » 22 Nov 2004 11:36 am

This has probably been asked many times before - but, I was curious as to how many people play in their "socks"?

I started-out playing in boots many years ago; then, switched to tennis shoes for several years. I now find that I prefer playing in my "socks" when I gig - same as when I practice at home.

Dave Grafe · Post by **Dave Grafe** » 22 Nov 2004 12:50 pm

I actually used to prefer playing bare foot when I had my first wide-pedal ShoBud - had to wear moccasins when I played in some clubs because of the health regulations.

With my '78 narrow-pedal rig I practice mostly with tennis shoes 'cause that's mostly what I wear day-to-day. Still, the boots are part of the costume for most real gigs so I try to get a little practice time in with them on as well, the volume pedal in particular can act a LOT different in that get-up.

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<img align=right src="http://www.pdxaudio.com/dgsept03.jpg" width="114 height="114">Dave Grafe - email: dg@pdxaudio.com
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1978 ShoBud Pro I E9, 1960 Les Paul (SG) Deluxe, 1963 Precision Bass, 1954 Gibson LGO, 1897 Washburn Hawaiian Steel Conversion

Jon Jaffe · Post by **Jon Jaffe** » 22 Nov 2004 1:13 pm

Are we talking boots with Spanish heels or Ropers? Ropers have a normal heel, normal toes and feel like loafers under foot. I prefer sneakers, but if forced...

Jon Jaffe · Post by **Jon Jaffe** » 22 Nov 2004 1:27 pm

Ropers

Rick Schmidt · Post by **Rick Schmidt** » 22 Nov 2004 1:33 pm

After using some of the men's rooms in some of the funkiest honky tonks in the world, I've learned to play with good foot protection....well maybe not hiking boots, but just about anything else.

Dan Farrell · Post by **Dan Farrell** » 22 Nov 2004 2:24 pm

Jack-- socks for me too! I've got a wide flat foot and it is just easier to mash the pedels I plan on if I'm only wearing socks. Of course, I keep the shoe close by when it is time to walk on the floor (as described in a previous reply!)

Jim Hankins · Post by **Jim Hankins** » 22 Nov 2004 3:07 pm

I thought I was developing a major problem because I could only play in socks or barefoot , absolutely no luck getting used to tennies, or boots, especially zeroing in on pedal B only. My wife bought me some slippers and I could play a little with those. Ill have to pick up some moccasins,..hey, its a start, Jim

Ray Minich · Post by **Ray Minich** » 22 Nov 2004 3:33 pm

Nike Air Soles, just narrow and flexible enough for the pedals. Unfortunately Nike quit making them and the department stores quit selling them over a year ago. Got one last pair that I only wear for steel playing/practice. Walmart's $14.00 sneakers are as wide as a breadboard and just dont work.

Jon, I believe the boot style in yer photo is called a "Wellington" (at least that's what the Lehigh footware catalog calls it).[This message was edited by Ray Minich on 22 November 2004 at 03:34 PM.]

Jon Jaffe · Post by **Jon Jaffe** » 22 Nov 2004 5:18 pm

You are right about Wellingtons, but we call them ropers in Texas.

Bill Ford · Post by **Bill Ford** » 22 Nov 2004 5:40 pm

I started out wearing the " pointy toe" style of low cut dress boot, after not playing for a long, long time I got used to playing with whatever I was wearing. Tried the pointy toes the other day...they don't work like they used to,course nothing does.

Bill

Nicholas Dedring · Post by **Nicholas Dedring** » 23 Nov 2004 7:53 am

Just a pair of sneakers, lightweight running shoe sort of thing. A bit thicker under the heel, but not real chunky. Thin in the front. It's good (for me at least) to feel what's going on underfoot.

Mark Metdker · Post by **Mark Metdker** » 23 Nov 2004 9:05 am

I'm with Jon Jaffe. Ropers is the way to go. Looks like a boot, feels like a sneaker. Perfect for steel playing.

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HowardR · Post by **HowardR** » 23 Nov 2004 9:09 am

Stilettos with fishnets for me,.....ooops, wrong forum...

Roger Edgington · Post by **Roger Edgington** » 23 Nov 2004 9:44 am

I play in "steel toed" western boots most of the time. I like them best when the sole is a little worn and lets me feel the pedals. No way can I play in socks or barefoot.

James Cann · Post by **James Cann** » 23 Nov 2004 10:14 am

HowardR,

Well played, indeed! Always a pleasure to see the Roccoco mind at work!

SB LDG

CrowBear Schmitt · Post by **CrowBear Schmitt** » 23 Nov 2004 12:41 pm

sneakers or loafers fer me

Roger Rettig · Post by **Roger Rettig** » 23 Nov 2004 1:08 pm

I couldn't always do it, but a history of waking up in the wee small hours with an idea has trained me to play barefoot - now I quite like it!

Apart from my nocturnal sessions, I can play a gig in almost anything - EXCEPT pointed-toe boots!

I've had a few arguments with costume-departments in theatres who remain convinced that this style of footwear is essential for a successful 'run' of 'Always - Patsy Cline'.....

RR[This message was edited by Roger Rettig on 23 November 2004 at 01:11 PM.]

Grant Johnson · Post by **Grant Johnson** » 23 Nov 2004 1:28 pm

Barefoot here. Socks in the winter.
I love boots and wear them into and out of the club, but I take them off right before getting on stage. I also have wide feet and can't get the right feel with any sort of shoe....

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www.bigsmokey.com

Ben Slaughter · Post by **Ben Slaughter** » 23 Nov 2004 1:53 pm

Blundstones.

Larry Robbins · Post by **Larry Robbins** » 23 Nov 2004 2:51 pm

Cowboy boots for me.new jeans and a Western
type shirt,and most always a cowboy hat....
....because its the cowboy way!

Darvin Willhoite · Post by **Darvin Willhoite** » 23 Nov 2004 3:22 pm

Roger has the right idea, "Steel Toed Western Boots". No more workmans comp for dropping your steel or Session 500 on your toe. We got it all figgered out here in Texas. LOL

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Darvin Willhoite
Riva Ridge Recording

Loren Morehouse · Post by **Loren Morehouse** » 23 Nov 2004 3:37 pm

Moccasins or socks!! Gotta feel them pedals!! Loren.

Lefty · Post by **Lefty** » 25 Nov 2004 7:56 am

Barefoot or socks for me. With my size 13 feet, and long toes it is like having ten extra fingers down there.
Lefty
Dekley D-10
Sho-Bud LDG
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Dave Van Allen · Post by **Dave Van Allen** » 25 Nov 2004 8:08 am

Jacket By Manuel
Pumps by Manolo

Willis Vanderberg · Post by **Willis Vanderberg** » 25 Nov 2004 3:06 pm

Hey Dan Farrell:
Please quit mashin them there pedals.Don't stomp em either..treat them little babies nice...

Old Bud