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 Does anybody play in cowboy boots anymore? (Page 1)
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| Author | Topic: Does anybody play in cowboy boots anymore? |
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Terry Sneed Member From: El Dorado, Arkansas, USA |
posted 18 March 2004 10:43 AM
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That's all I've ever played in, but the older I get, the more I think of comfort. what is the best/ most comfortable shoe to play in? ------------------ |
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Kevin Hatton Member From: Amherst, N.Y. |
posted 18 March 2004 11:10 AM
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If you are a pro player comfortable doesn't enter into it. There is a boot rule in our organization. Wear 'em or don't play. We also have a dress code. Look sharp and sexy or don't play. No sneakers aloud. |
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Larry Hamilton Member From: Amarillo, Texas, USA |
posted 18 March 2004 11:14 AM
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Terry, I practice and play in tennis shoes AND boots. I usually play in boots at the clubs because that is what I usually wear when I go out. Plus they are narrower for the pedals as I have big feet for a shorter guy.. Tennis shoes are more comfy and ankles work better and there is less "slack" in the movement. Experiment and see what works for you. ------------------ |
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Mike Kowalik Member From: San Antonio,Tx.,USA |
posted 18 March 2004 11:14 AM
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It depends where the job is at...if it's a wedding it's boots with starched jeans and shirt....a bar job it'll be casual jeans and sport shirt with Rockport's...an outdoor job in the Texas sun it's shorts,a light weight pull-over shirt and boat shoes.....at home I usually play barefoot. |
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HowardR Member From: N.Y.C.,N.Y. |
posted 18 March 2004 11:23 AM
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Jerry Hayes Member From: Virginia Beach, Va. |
posted 18 March 2004 11:45 AM
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On the more dressy gigs I wear those half boots that zip up the side like Lloyd Green was wearing on one of his album covers. They used to be called "Fruit Boots" but I ain't no damn fruit..........JH ------------------ |
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Ray Minich Member From: Limestone, New York, USA |
posted 18 March 2004 11:53 AM
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Out and fancy == Boots At home & practice == old Nike sneakers, mocassins, stocking feet I find if I dont take off the steel toed dress shoes when I get home from work I tend to mash 3 pedals at once. |
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Walter Stettner Member From: Vienna, Austria |
posted 18 March 2004 12:05 PM
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I wear light slippers all the time, for all occasions. This is the only kind of shoe I really get the right feel for the pedals. It's almost like playing barefoot (which I do at home sometimes!) Kind Regards, Walter ------------------ |
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Rick Schmidt Member From: Carlsbad, CA. USA |
posted 18 March 2004 12:08 PM
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I play in them (when I HAVE to), but I can't walk in them. After 30 years, the damn things have ruined my feet.  I mean western attire gigs have always been a mainstay for me, but who made the rule we had to play cowboy? |
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Michael Haselman Member From: St. Paul Park, Minnesota, USA |
posted 18 March 2004 12:11 PM
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Ditto Jerry H. Been wearing those zip-up boots for 25 years. If you have the album "Nashville Bar Association," look at the cover and observe what all those boys are wearing, including BE, Jimmie C, Russ H, John H--good enough for me. If I can't play like them, at least I can dress like them.  ------------------ |
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john buffington Member From: Owasso Ok USA |
posted 18 March 2004 12:23 PM
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Starched Wranglers or Levi's - no holes allowed, starched white shirts, boots and now a hat. John Buffington |
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Jim Cohen Member From: Philadelphia, PA |
posted 18 March 2004 12:32 PM
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 Any questions?? |
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Bob Blair Member From: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada |
posted 18 March 2004 12:56 PM
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Yeah, a uniform's a uniform, but I got sooo tired of that cowboy hat and those boots (never mind the no-longer-in-production satin shirts passed on between generations of steel players, complete with stained underarms and wrong sleeve-lengths....). I grew up in cowboy boots, summers on a ranch and all of that, but it has been a long time since I found them comfortable. Running shoes or, if there is a need for something snappier, Rockports are what I like, whether or not they qualify as "manly footwear". I miss the razzmatazz of the beer joints sometimes, but not the band dress code. I remember an attractive young female singer working the other room at the Orchard Park in Toronto (there was an upstairs and downstairs bar, both with live entertainment...boy those were the days)looking at me with these soulful eyes in a manner that I perceived as flirtations, and saying "Why do you guys wear those dumb-looking hats?.....". A good question, come to think of it - a hat that looks good in Texas looks like an affectation in Toronto! I think maybe though that she dug the boots...... |
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Rick Schmidt Member From: Carlsbad, CA. USA |
posted 18 March 2004 01:11 PM
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I heard it's rooted in a cult...aka the "Starched Davidians" |
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Sonny Priddy Member From: Elizabethtown, Kentucky, USA |
posted 18 March 2004 01:22 PM
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I Would say Jeff newman Still plays in boots. SONNY. ------------------ |
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Jay Ganz Member From: Out Behind The Barn |
posted 18 March 2004 01:25 PM
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Never wore a hat or boots in all my 30 years of playing. Sometimes pants were also optional.  ------------------ |
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chas smith Member From: Encino, CA, USA |
posted 18 March 2004 01:31 PM
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I have Paul Bond and Rocket Buster.... |
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Bob Carlucci Member From: Candor, New York, USA |
posted 18 March 2004 02:15 PM
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VERY soft deerskin moccasins or sox... PERIOD!! |
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Larry Robbins Member From: Fort Edward, New York, USA |
posted 18 March 2004 02:20 PM
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I wear boots,usually a hat and if Its informal enough to wear jeans,they are my "good" jeans,no wear and tear,not faded. Im getting paid and I believe in giveing them there moneys worth.A backyard jam,Ill' probubly be in jeans and "T"shirt and sneakers.Allthough I think I play better in boots!  ------------------ |
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Roger Edgington Member From: San Antonio, Texas USA |
posted 18 March 2004 02:37 PM
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I play in boots,"steel toed" of coarse. Our band all dresses western with boots,hats,longsleeve shirts,and starched jeans. The boots don't bother me. The heavy starched jeans sometimes fool with the knee levers and if I do chimes up the neck very far I have to be careful with my sleaves. Oh well, thats show biz I guess. |
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DJ Sillito Member From: Lethbrige, Alberta, Canada |
posted 18 March 2004 03:35 PM
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"Roper" boots and a hat and long sleeved shirts.....However have tried Black dress shoes and a short-sleeved shirt without the hat and I felt less restricted. Long sleeves on occasion get in the way. |
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Terry Sneed Member From: El Dorado, Arkansas, USA |
posted 18 March 2004 06:51 PM
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well there's a lot more boot players than I thought. I have a pair of Justin, I think, that I've been wearin for over 15yrs, so there broke in good and are limber where they fit around my ankle, no restriction there.. I've always loved cowboy boots, even when I was a teenager in school, while everbody else was wearin tennie shoes, I was wearin my boots and western shirts. I wadn't very popular, but didn't want to be, so didn't bother me.  I do play in tennie shoes at the house though. ------------------ |
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Gene Jones Member From: Oklahoma City, OK USA |
posted 19 March 2004 05:47 AM
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I always bought my own boots so they would fit.....but the biggest hassell was finding one of those "Nudie" outfits hanging on the rack in the bus that was clean enough and fit well enough to wear. I was luckier than most because I could "sit down" when I played and the misfit wasn't so noticeable. |
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Bob Blair Member From: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada |
posted 19 March 2004 06:30 AM
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So Terry, the general consensus seems to be that they're "still in style for manly footwear"! Never did understand how ill-fitting shirts passed down from band member to band member were supposed to make a band look sharp though. I woulda thought though that if an act was going to provide Nudie Suits at least they would fit! |
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Jim West Member From: Vista,CA |
posted 19 March 2004 06:49 AM
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Tennis shoes rule! They are by far the most comfortable while playing. I have tried cowboy boots but they are just too rigid for me. They restrict my ankle movement. Now for more formal playing I need to find some bright red tennies. |
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Jim Cohen Member From: Philadelphia, PA |
posted 19 March 2004 07:16 AM
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I always play lap steel in cowboy boots. Don't ask. |
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Gene Jones Member From: Oklahoma City, OK USA |
posted 19 March 2004 09:36 AM
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...Bob...I woulda thought though that if an act was going to provide Nudie Suits at least they would fit!.... Yes Bob, but you must have lived in a perfect world. Those Nudies did fit the original band members, but with the rapid replacement of musicians it became a "first one has the pick" of something that fit. |
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Bob Blair Member From: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada |
posted 19 March 2004 11:02 AM
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Imagine the havoc the Atkins Diet (much beloved by fine tailors everywhere!)would have played with a busful of musicians and a closet full of Nudie Suits! As for perfect worlds Gene, mine was the far from perfect world of down-market beer joints six nights a week with Saturday Matinees thrown in for good measure, playing covers to an unimpressed audience of drunken criminals and such! I always figured you guys riding the buses were going in style. Little did I know.... [This message was edited by Bob Blair on 19 March 2004 at 11:09 AM.] |
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Nicholas Dedring Member From: Brooklyn, New York, USA |
posted 19 March 2004 11:14 AM
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Anything with too long a toe (like a cowboy boot, or even the ones that are semi-squared at the front) makes me either hang up on the pedal rods, or have to hit the pedals to far forward on my foot for comfort. Black oxfords, or some sort of running shoe kind of thing... it's more comfortable if there's more sole height at the heel than at the toe. But what do I know, anyway? |
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Rick Schmidt Member From: Carlsbad, CA. USA |
posted 19 March 2004 11:21 AM
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I've been doing alot of Tux gigs lately. I must admit I think I'd rather wear pointy foot torture wear (cowboy boots) than a cummerbund and cuff links. |
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David L. Donald Member From: Koh Samui Island, Thailand |
posted 19 March 2004 11:52 AM
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I like to play in topsiders boat shoes. Just in case I get to play on some 100 foot yacht in Monaco... My ankles gave on cowboy boots decades ago. |
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Pete Burak Member From: Portland, OR USA |
posted 19 March 2004 12:47 PM
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I bought a pair of cowboy boots for my recent Patsy Cline tribute-show run (as well as other gigs). Hadn't worn boots since about '89, and toe shape (not too point-ee) and ankle flexability were my main concerns. I found a great pair made by the "American West" brand for $99. Kind of a silver/grey boot with black toe tips.... a good looking boot. As it turns out, this man made stuff that they are using to make inexpensive boots is very thin and flexible. Ankle flexability is not an issue, toe shape is "acceptable" , and the raised heel creates a pivot point that I find to be an added convenience for playing pedals. Of course I would never reccomend these boots for use by a real Cowboy or for hard work on a farm or whatever, but for gig/stage wear, I'm liking them very much. |
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Frank Parish Member From: Nashville,Tn. USA |
posted 19 March 2004 01:31 PM
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I wear boots for most all of the gigs and sometimes a nice pair of strollers for those of us that remember what they are. The favorite is a loose t-shirt, really loose well worn overalls and tennis shoes. I seldon ever wear this anymore but if I'm playing something like a benefit with them loooong sets I'm going to be comfortable. |
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John De Maille Member From: Merrick,N.Y. U.S.A. |
posted 19 March 2004 01:41 PM
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I've always played wearing boots and western shirts and clean jeans. It just looks better, overall, to me. I can't stand the T-shirt, ripped jeans syndrome. Just seems un-professional to me. Had to wear a Tux, one time, but, I still wore my black boots. I like the way my heel pivots easily with boots. An outside party or barbecue is another thing. The most comfortable clothing is the best approach, I think. And, ever since my hair has been disappearing, I wear a cowboy hat or a baseball cap, depending upon the clothing I choose. I guess I'm just a little old school when it comes to performing. To each, his own, I say!!! |
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Winnie Winston Member From: Tawa, Wellington, NZ |
posted 19 March 2004 02:51 PM
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I did a whole section on "shoes" in my book. I mentioned that I had a favorite pair of cowboy boots. That was long ago. I needed more support when walking and got a pair of reeboks. The last few years I've had some health problems, and find I can no longer bend down enough to tie my shoes. Back to boots. I have a nice pair of "Ug" boots *as they call them in NZ) that are sheepskin with the wool on the inside. Very comfy. Big, clunky, but I've found no problems playing with them. For the latest in footwear, check out page two of "Me and my steel guitars" on my web-pages http://julianwinston.com. Best! JW [This message was edited by Winnie Winston on 19 March 2004 at 02:52 PM.] |
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Brad Sarno Member From: St. Louis, MO USA |
posted 19 March 2004 05:09 PM
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I tried boots, but the heel on my right foot plus the height of the volume pedal made my leg hit the underside of the guitar. Then I raised the guitar's back legs to compensate and then the angle of my arms on the guitar felt funny. Anyone else had this? Brad Sarno |
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Bob Blair Member From: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada |
posted 19 March 2004 05:36 PM
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Yeah Brad, last time I tried in boots I had the same thing happening with the volume pedal, but I think I could get used to playing with them again and raise the axe a bit and stuff. I just don't find them comfortable as footwear anymore. I like to wear a sport jacket when I do a gig. A sort of semi-dressy look. |
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Ray Minich Member From: Limestone, New York, USA |
posted 19 March 2004 05:54 PM
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Winnie, didn't know about your website 'till now. Wonderful tribute to Jimmy Day. His CD was spinnin' in my player again today. |
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Joe Henry Member From: Ebersberg, Germany |
posted 20 March 2004 07:35 AM
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I thought I had the same problem as Brad, my right leg being too high on the volume pedal with boots on and touching the underside. I donīt want to raise the back legs since I canīt stand it when the guitar is tilted forward... I agree mocassins are more comfortable, always wear them for practicing, but I wanted to play in boots on stage anyway because it just looks better when youīre wearing a hat and western shirt etc. I have a pair of black Justin boots that I bought in Novato, California, ten years ago and they fit perfectly. It doesnīt take me too long to get the feel for the pedals, either, I think the wide pedals on the old ShoBud are a big plus for that. Guess what, I just lowered my seat a little bit - of course thatīs one advantage of using a drummerīs stool. Now my leg fits under just fine. I understand most pac-a-seats donīt offer that option - I think they should be built with adjustable legs. Regards, Joe H. |
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Mike Kowalik Member From: San Antonio,Tx.,USA |
posted 20 March 2004 09:58 AM
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You can do what I've done....cut the legs on your seat...about one half inch does the trick. |
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