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Author
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Topic: Boots, tennis shoes, or "socks"
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Jack Abraham
Member From: Bristow, Oklahoma, USA
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posted 22 November 2004 11:36 AM
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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
Member From: Portland, Oregon, USA
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posted 22 November 2004 12:50 PM
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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. ------------------
 Dave Grafe - email: dg@pdxaudio.com
PDX Audio
Music1978 ShoBud Pro I E9, 1960 Les Paul (SG) Deluxe, 1963 Precision Bass, 1954 Gibson LGO, 1897 Washburn Hawaiian Steel Conversion
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Jon Jaffe
Member From: Austin, Texas
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posted 22 November 2004 01:13 PM
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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
Member From: Austin, Texas
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posted 22 November 2004 01:27 PM
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Ropers
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Rick Schmidt
Member From: Carlsbad, CA. USA
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posted 22 November 2004 01:33 PM
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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
Member From: Anaheim, Ca, USA
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posted 22 November 2004 02:24 PM
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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
Member From: Yuba City, California, USA
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posted 22 November 2004 03:07 PM
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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
Member From: Limestone, New York, USA
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posted 22 November 2004 03:33 PM
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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
Member From: Austin, Texas
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posted 22 November 2004 05:18 PM
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You are right about Wellingtons, but we call them ropers in Texas. |
Bill Ford
Member From: Graniteville SC Aiken
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posted 22 November 2004 05:40 PM
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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
Member From: Brooklyn, New York, USA
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posted 23 November 2004 07:53 AM
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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
Member From: North Central Texas, USA
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posted 23 November 2004 09:05 AM
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I'm with Jon Jaffe. Ropers is the way to go. Looks like a boot, feels like a sneaker. Perfect for steel playing.------------------
Zum U-12 w/True Tone pickup
Peavey Session 500 Band Pics
http://community.webshots.com/album/176544894AuXSmi My other hobby
http://community.webshots.com/album/56863057VldOYC Work Pics
http://community.webshots.com/album/104144205xDgckj |
HowardR
Member From: N.Y.C.,N.Y.
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posted 23 November 2004 09:09 AM
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Stilettos with fishnets for me,.....ooops, wrong forum...  |
Roger Edgington
Member From: San Antonio, Texas USA
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posted 23 November 2004 09:44 AM
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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
Member From: Phoenix, AZ (heart still in Boston)
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posted 23 November 2004 10:14 AM
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HowardR,Well played, indeed! Always a pleasure to see the Roccoco mind at work! SB LDG |
CrowBear Schmitt
Member From: Ariege, - PairO'knees, - France
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posted 23 November 2004 12:41 PM
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sneakers or loafers fer me |
Roger Rettig
Member From: NAPLES, FL
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posted 23 November 2004 01:08 PM
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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
Member From: Nashville TN
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posted 23 November 2004 01:28 PM
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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....------------------
www.bigsmokey.com
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Ben Slaughter
Member From: Madera, California
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posted 23 November 2004 01:53 PM
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Blundstones. |
Larry Robbins
Member From: Fort Edward, New York, USA
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posted 23 November 2004 02:51 PM
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Cowboy boots for me.new jeans and a Western
type shirt,and most always a cowboy hat....
....because its the cowboy way! |
Darvin Willhoite
Member From: Leander, Tx. USA
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posted 23 November 2004 03:22 PM
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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------------------
Darvin Willhoite
Riva Ridge Recording
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Loren Morehouse
Member From: Meadowlands, MN USA
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posted 23 November 2004 03:37 PM
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Moccasins or socks!! Gotta feel them pedals!! Loren. |
Lefty
Member From: Grayson, Ga.
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posted 25 November 2004 07:56 AM
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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
Mesa Boogie 1-15 |
Dave Van Allen
Member From: Doylestown, PA , US , Earth
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posted 25 November 2004 08:08 AM
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Jacket By Manuel
Pumps by Manolo
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Willis Vanderberg
Member From: Bradenton, FL, USA
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posted 25 November 2004 03:06 PM
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Hey Dan Farrell:
Please quit mashin them there pedals.Don't stomp em either..treat them little babies nice... Old Bud |
Ken Williams
Member From: Arkansas
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posted 25 November 2004 07:29 PM
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Something like Docker type deck shoes work best for me. I can use tennis shoes if they're the old style with the flat, thin sole. Dress shoes or penny loafers are fine too. Ken |
Bruce Meyer
Member From: Naperville, IL & Thompson's Station, TN
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posted 25 November 2004 08:39 PM
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With a size 13w foot, I found that playing steel with even slightly pointed cowboy boots was like playing in cross country skis. I have a couple of pairs of black running shoes that I use. |
Dan Galysh
Member From: Hendersonville, Tennessee, USA
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posted 25 November 2004 11:04 PM
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Dockers with my Carter, Ropers with my Emmons. |
Larry Clark
Member From: Herndon, VA.
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posted 27 November 2004 03:26 AM
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White sole Sperry Topsiders(mocassin style boat shoes). Good pedal feel and no slip. |
Erv Niehaus
Member From: Litchfield, MN, USA
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posted 27 November 2004 07:52 AM
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My favorite is a moccasin type loafer with a leather sole, if I can find one. The leather sole lets you slide off the pedals easier.
Erv |
John Bechtel
Member From: Nashville, Tennessee,U.S.A.
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posted 27 November 2004 08:41 PM
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For PSG, the tapered ‘cowboy’ heel was always best for me, because; it puts the pivot-point farther under the heel and is less strain on the ankle when rocking from one pedal to another. And also I always prefer a thin, flexable, leather sole. My first choice of shoe-style is Hanover shoe-boot w/zipper. I have them in Black and also in Burgandy. Those two colors will suit almost any dress-combination.------------------
“Big John” Bechtel
’49/’50 Fender T–8 Custom [X2]
’65 Re-issue Fender Twin-Reverb Custom™ 15”
click here click here
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Ryan Giese
Member From: Spokane, Washington, USA
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posted 27 November 2004 10:35 PM
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I think that tennis shoes work pretty good... when i just wake up and want to practice I just practice in socks or something. It works OK. |
David Mason
Member From: Cambridge, MD, USA
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posted 28 November 2004 01:18 AM
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I, personally, am descended from apes and hence prefer bare feet, but when the weather won't cooperate there are some leather-soled semi-fuzzy bedroom slippers that work well. NOT the totally fuzzy bunny slippers, the cat likes them too much. http://www.landsend.com/ - see "Fleece-a-Line" slippers. Of course the black ones sound better.... |
Jon Jaffe
Member From: Austin, Texas
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posted 28 November 2004 08:04 AM
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David, they look great. I couldn't find a picture of the black. Do you get them monogrammed or not?
 |
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