The Steel Guitar Forum

Sometimes I sit down at the steel and grant it I am no seasoned expert, but it seems like my shoes make a difference? One night I seem to be play better wearing moccasins and then the next night I need a harder sole to get comfortable. Sometimes neither of those options feel right and I grab something else out of the closet to get a good feel for the pedals. I figured I would need to get used to a specific type of shoe, but it varies from day to day. Learning curves or forces from the dark side?

You are not being haunted - I have the same problem of yesterday's perfect footwear turning against me but it's not supernatural, just real life

...it's all about Heart and Sole....

Mike, use what ever feels the best and most comfortable to yo to play in, no matter what they may look like.

I was just thinking this certainly wouldn't be a problem for my wife, she would just keep buying more shoes

I bring several different styles of footwear along with my guitar for exactly this reason. Glad I'm not the only one.

It's the same with every aspect of playing. Sometimes I can't seem to find anything and can't stand to hear myself. Other times I feel good about it and can play for hours at a time. It's just the way it is.

All due respect, we have enough stuff to think about without worrying about footwear. You got seating, right hand, left hand, vibrato, song key, phrasing, licks and melody.

Try not to add more obstacles to your playing. If your pedals are set up correctly, you should be able to play your guitar in whatever footwear you are wearing....from combat boots to flip-flops.

Just make a habit of practicing in whatever you got on.

People already think we're weird enough without being obsessive about what shoes we need to play in.

No offense intended. JMO.

Are they slipping? I've put skateboard grip tape, essentially 150 grit sandpaper, on a few pedals that were smooth and sloped to get more positive action. Also on my volume pedal.

I aspire to be like Jerry and play in whatever. For me it needs to be something with a fairly tough sole as I have sensitive feet (I can't walk on a shingle beach and I certainly can't play pedal steel barefoot like some) but nothing too stiff to stop my ankle rotating. But I try not to be too fussy.

It's a new guitar for me so I'm just trying to figure out what feels/works the best for now. I'm sure it will be a while before I have the mechanics down to the point I can play wearing any type of footwear, but I'll get there!

[double post]

Mike Ritchie wrote:It's a new guitar for me so I'm just trying to figure out what feels/works the best for now. I'm sure it will be a while before I have the mechanics down to the point I can play wearing any type of footwear, but I'll get there!

Oh, absolutely. Getting the pedals set correctly is way important. Most new guitars come set up really close for most people. If you got a used guitar where someone has a really bizarre height adjustment variation, that could be a problem.

First time poster, here. Funny how everyone is different. I've had to make myself get used to playing with shoes on. Specifically heavier soled shoes that I would be gigging in. It probably looks pretty funny taking my shoes off to play the set!

Camden Pugh wrote:Funny how everyone is different.

That applies to just about any topic on here!

Easy for me. Been playing with no shoes for almost 40 years. I use double wall socks when it's cool out.

So far my Skechers have the edge with my moccasins trailing behind but still in the hunt.

Mike - an important point in addition to footwear is how a player lines up to the guitar. Its important to always line up every time in the same spot (usually recommended to line up the navel at the 15th fret); That is an important aspect of playing in tune, as well as playing consistently. I don't know if that's your case or not, but at least for the less experienced players, its very important to line up at the same point on the guitar every time in order to get consistent results.

Camden Pugh wrote:First time poster, here. Funny how everyone is different. I've had to make myself get used to playing with shoes on. Specifically heavier soled shoes that I would be gigging in. It probably looks pretty funny taking my shoes off to play the set!

I know some professionals who remove their left shoe and play in their sock.

FWIW, I would recommend picking a pair and sticking to them, at least for a while. I always wear the same shoes when I play (Frye boots), and my guitars are adjusted to fit my feet with those particular shoes. It seems that changing all the time might lead to chasing your ergonomics a bit. Just my opinion!

Richard's point about body alignment is good. On my keyless uni I centre on the 17th to give me a home position on the 4th and 5th pedals, and the E9 pedals are adjusted to work from there. If I sit too far to my left, say at the 15th (which I agree is more natural) I can reach A and B just fine but they don't work as they should until I realise my mistake. We're talking an inch!

To amplify Bryan's remark, and I usually bring this up myself:
When you're new, changing footwear will distract the player, because your feet are giving the "wrong feedback".
For the first couple of years, you're having to think about the mechanics of how to play, and if your feet feel weird, it's a distraction.
I've been at it forty years now (WHEN WILL THE TEMPUS STOP FUGITTING?), and can play in just about anything except river sandals. My favorite shoes to play in are the classic high-ankled hush puppies, but I've not had any in years.

I feel this... I never wear shoes at home - learned to play barefoot. First gig I tried to play with shoes and I could't do it. Took my shoes off mid first song and continue to play barefoot live for 10+ years. It's become a running joke, I've tried to play with shoes but I just can't!

I think if my ankle was 30 years younger I could roll on and off the A-B a little easier. For now, I am locked into my favorite pair of Skechers. We have a love hate relationship that we are working through.

I played barefoot professionally for about 17 years but I kept seeing Jr.Knight,Gary Carpenter and others wearing shoes and I said if they can I can so I started wearing my boots and just got used to it.

I've been having foot issues of late so I'm going to try Skechers. I've heard other mature folks have had some luck with them. I need a pair of new non dress shoes anyway. I think us old guys get a little neuropathy in our feet and don't realize it soon enough. I got it so..........