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Author
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Topic: Is there a trick to playing in cowboy boots???
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Alex Piazza
Member From: Arkansas, USA
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posted 04 February 2006 03:00 PM
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I want to wear my new boots on stage, but ive found it to be so awkward playing in them. my toes slip of the foot pedals and its hard to control. I cant fit my right knee under the guitar. the heel + the volume pedal make my leg to high. |
Jim Phelps
Member From: just out of Mexico City
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posted 04 February 2006 03:02 PM
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It's hard for me to play in cowboy boots too, my wife bought me a nice pair and I feel bad I never wear them, but I can't twist my ankle well in them when I want to use a knee-lever and rock my left foot. I think the trick to playing in cowboy boots may be to remove them. |
Larry Robbins
Member From: Fort Edward, New York, USA
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posted 04 February 2006 03:27 PM
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I think its a matter of what you get used to. I play in cowboy boots. But then I wear them most all of the time. A lot of folks like the "Deck" type shoes. They can feel the pedals better through the thinner soles.
If you have the slick type pedals you can put some non-skid tape on them, that you can get at most hardware stores. But all in all, I think if you really want to play in boots,
get another pair for 'everyday" and get used to wearing them.....and practice, practice...------------------
SHO~BUDS,FENDER AMPS& GUITARS, TUT TAYLOR RESO'S "What a long, strange trip it's been" |
Gene Jones
Member From: Oklahoma City, OK USA
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posted 04 February 2006 03:28 PM
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The trick to playing comfortably in cowboy boots is the same as for walking....Remove two or three layers of leather from the stacked leather heel....making it about the same height as a shoe.The high heel was originally designed to keep your foot from slipping into the stirrup and getting hung-up if you were thrown. If you don't ride horses, the above modification will solve the problem. ------------------
WEBSITE |
James Sission
Member From: Sugar Land,Texas USA
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posted 04 February 2006 03:28 PM
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As a former bull rider, I can tell you this. Roper boots break in very nice and you have plenty of room to move in them. The rounded toe stays out of the pedal rods and you can feel the pedals through the soles of the boots. I rode in them for many years and never had problem with ankle movement. If they had been a problem, I might well be dead today, although sometimes my body aches so bad I wish I were. You just have to spend some time in them and let them form to your foot. The best thing to do is buy them where they fit a little snug, they will actually conform to the foot better and fell like you’re playing barefooted. Get an actual Justin soft leather and not one of the copies that are real stiff……James |
Lee Baucum
Member From: McAllen, Texas (Extreme South) - The Final Frontier
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posted 04 February 2006 04:47 PM
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Gene - There was a nice article about Rios Boots in the local paper a few days ago.Lee |
Chris LeDrew
Member From: Newfoundland, Canada
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posted 04 February 2006 04:49 PM
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I wear biker-type cowboy boot exclusively while playing pedal steel live. It hits the pedals just right, and doesn't touch on the rods. At home I just play in socks or slippers, but I then find that I'm actually using my toes to move the pedals. I like Joe Wright's instruction to rock the heel. With practice it gives you a lot of control. With a boot on, I am more apt to play this way instead of attempting to control the pedals with my toes. |
Jim Park
Member From: CARSON CITY, NV US
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posted 04 February 2006 05:22 PM
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One word...... Tony Llama's ......they are the most comfortable boots to play in because the ankle is so flexible, I like 'em better than tennis shoes. |
chas smith
Member From: Encino, CA, USA
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posted 04 February 2006 05:40 PM
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I'm a big fan of Paul Bond boots, in Nogales, AZ. The "raked" heels ( I know, you thought I was a real cowboy) make it easy to move around the pedals. |
Chris Lucker
Member From: Los Angeles, California USA
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posted 04 February 2006 05:48 PM
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I play in cowboy boots, and they have 2 1/4 inch heels so they ain't Ropers with shoe height heels. They have an X toe on them -- pointy. They rock very well but I had to raise the height of the guitar.
The secret is the design of the boot. I had mine made for me and they are kangaroo, which is very supple for easy ankle movement. The heel is underslung so it is easy to rock.
I would caution against removing leather from a sole, or adding, for that matter. Boots, well good boots, are made to balance between the ball of your foot, through the high arch (the part that goes over the top of your foot at the arch, and the heel. In a good pair of boots the arch shank is made out of a 40 or 60 penney nail to fit each foot, rather than the prefabricated steel plates that Tony Lama and Nicona, Justin or Luchesse use, for example. Toe shape does not matter in comfort, because your foot won't should be held min place by the high arch. Again, in a properly made pair of boots, the leather will not stretch -- all the stretch in the vamp has been removed by days of mounting on boards.
So the secret, is get a pair of boots properly made by someone who knows what they are doing. Tell the maker what you want the boots to perform.
I will post a picture of my dedicated steel boots if someone will link me.
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Keith Murrow
Member From: Wichita, KS, USA
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posted 04 February 2006 06:08 PM
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..[This message was edited by Keith Murrow on 25 May 2006 at 05:30 PM.] |
Jody Sanders
Member From: Magnolia,Texas
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posted 04 February 2006 09:39 PM
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I have always played in boots except in the 70'S and 80'S when speed picking was the 'craze', I used a soft leather slip on shoe on my left foot. Occassionally on the band breaks I would forget to take the shoe off and put my boot back on. People in the club who were not familiar with steel guitar thought I was some kind of a nut. As I think about it, they were probably right. I am not in to speed picking anymore, so it is boots on both feet for me. Jody. |
Chris Lucker
Member From: Los Angeles, California USA
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posted 04 February 2006 10:04 PM
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Chas,
What's your cowboy name? Is it Deadwood?
Please email me when you get the chance. It's Bigsby-related.
Thanks |
Jack Stoner
Sysop From: Inverness, Florida
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posted 05 February 2006 03:11 AM
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I play in boots most of the time. Currently I have a pair of Nacona boots. I used to wear Olathe (Kansas) boots but the company went out of business - since I lived in Kansas City I could get them custom made. I wore boots with just about everything, including suits when I was working - but boots are common footwear in Kansas City.But, you should be able to play with any type of shoe. That should be the least of your "worries". When I first started playing pedal steel I had to have "Hush Puppy" soft sole shoes but as I got more experience I found that "whatever I was wearing" worked. |
Micky Byrne
Member From: Essex and Gloucestershire England
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posted 05 February 2006 05:31 AM
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Hi Gene Jones, I did exactly as you mentioned, I removed some of the heel on a pair of "snake skin" boots I got in the States in 1991.....actually they were copies of snake skin, but who cares  I've only used these boots for gigs and the sides are nice and supplle now for rolling my ankle.I dread to think what to use when they fall to pieces.They are sooooooo comfortable and look good Micky Byrne, Carter Universal and soon to be ressurected Sho-Bud Universal. http://mickybyrne.50webs.com/index.html |
Joey Gaskins
Member From: Newbern, North Carolina, USA
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posted 05 February 2006 07:15 AM
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I love the look of my boots but when it's time to play, I have an old loafer that I keep in the back of my amp and I put it on. Looks kinda stupid with one boot on and one shoe on but no one has ever complained. |
Jon Jaffe
Member From: Austin, Texas
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posted 05 February 2006 07:50 AM
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Alex, also check out the detailed discussion of this subject here:
http://steelguitarforum.com/Forum5/HTML/008986.html Do some work in your boots until the are well broken in. Then they should be easier to use. |
John Daugherty
Member From: Rolla, Missouri, USA
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posted 05 February 2006 07:53 AM
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The only problem I have encountered is "ankle flexibility". As Jack said, the more experienced you are, the less important the equipment is.------------------
www.phelpscountychoppers.com/steelguitar
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Mike Wheeler
Member From: Columbus, Ohio, USA
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posted 05 February 2006 08:49 AM
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I had to wear cowboy boots as part of the band's "uniform". The trick is to buy boots with WALKING heels. They are a shorter heel and allow your leg to fit underneath the steel just fine. Of course, the upper material must be able to be broken in so as to be flexible at the ankle...I always chose some form of soft hide like cowhide.To break in a brand new pair that had to be used right away, I'd wash them with saddle soap then stand in a tub of water filled to just over ankle height for a few minutes till they soaked up some moisture. Then manually work the leather to loosen it up, then apply neatsfoot oil to keep them soft. I'd wear them the rest of the day so they'd form fit to my foot. Worked like a charm. YMMV |
Greg Simmons
Member From: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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posted 05 February 2006 01:52 PM
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quote:
So the secret, is get a pair of boots properly made by someone who knows what they are doing. Tell the maker what you want the boots to perform.
I will post a picture of my dedicated steel boots if someone will link me.
Here you go Chris - very nice"
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KENNY FORBESS
Member From: peckerwood point, w. tn.
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posted 05 February 2006 02:45 PM
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I mostly wear boots made from Elk, they're soft ,very flexible,,
Other than that, if you wear spur's, be extreemly if you squat !
Kenny |
Chris Lucker
Member From: Los Angeles, California USA
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posted 05 February 2006 03:25 PM
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Steel playing aside, if you look at the picture of my boots (posted above by Greg)on the inside pull on the left boot you will see two spots, or studs. In the middle of the night without my contacts on, I can feel which boot belongs on my left foot. No more climbing out that rear window and running down the street with the wrong boot on the wrong foot. |
James Lombard
Member From: Wisconsin, USA
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posted 05 February 2006 03:35 PM
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Along with Chas Smith, I am also a Paul Bond fan. I've played in Paul Bond boots since 1986, cockroach-killer toes, and 2" very undershot heels. they are as soft as moccasins, and manipulating my ankle has never been a problem. |
Tyler Hall
Member From: Alabama, USA
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posted 06 February 2006 06:59 AM
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I've got to the point where all I can play in is boots. Once I got used to them, I like playing in them better than the flat-bottom shoes I used to wear."The Kid"
D-10 Fessenden, Nashville 112, Session 500, Goodrich LDR |
Chris LeDrew
Member From: Newfoundland, Canada
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posted 06 February 2006 11:23 AM
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Nice kicks, Chris! |
Wiz Feinberg
Moderator From: Flint, Michigan, USA
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posted 06 February 2006 12:47 PM
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I also play exclusively in boots. My preference is an E or double E width, narrow pointed toe, squared off point on the leather sole, 1/1/2"
to 1 5/8" walking leather heel, and 13" shank. I have a brand new pair are on the way from BootBay: Justin, model #1434, black Corona leather, as described above. I have a picture of them on www.wiztunes.com on the home page.------------------
Bob "Wiz" Feinberg
Moderator of the SGF Computers Forum
Visit my Wiztunes Steel Guitar website at: http://www.wiztunes.com/
or my computer troubleshooting website: Wizcrafts Computer Services,
or my Webmaster Services webpage[This message was edited by Wiz Feinberg on 22 March 2006 at 08:21 PM.] |
Ken Byng
Member From: Southampton, England
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posted 06 February 2006 02:00 PM
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Black boots give the best tone. |
John De Maille
Member From: Merrick,N.Y. U.S.A.
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posted 06 February 2006 02:00 PM
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I've played in boots for years, they're the most comfortable for me. All have pointed toes and undershot heels 1&7/8" to 2" high. ( I'm a short guy,5'-7" tall, so I like tall heels ) I've never had a problem, but, I do recommend a boot with a soft, flexible shaft. A boot made of mulehide or a manmade material will not flex enough to rock on and off the pedals correctly. If you're playing country and using the A,B,C pedals alot, you can more or less plant your heel and pivot your soul back and forth. The undershot heel is great for that. It has a perfect pivot point. Some people can't stand them, but, I love'em. |
Gordon Borland
Member From: San Antonio, Texas, USA
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posted 06 February 2006 07:16 PM
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Make sure you own them.
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Gordon Borland
MSA D10,FENDER STEEL KING, |
Bo Borland
Member From: Cowtown NJ
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posted 06 February 2006 11:12 PM
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Chris, they are some fancy uppers .. but isn't the melody on them the theme from Broke Back Mountain? 
But seriously, learn to play with any kind of shoes. I have always worn boots, either Ropers, Tall Tops, or regular western style. I don't even own a pair of regular shoes. I will practice in whatever is by the back door, I even played a gig this past summer in flip flops.[This message was edited by Bo Borland on 06 February 2006 at 11:17 PM.] [This message was edited by Bo Borland on 06 February 2006 at 11:18 PM.] |
c c johnson
Member From: killeen,tx usa
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posted 07 February 2006 03:38 AM
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be sure and clean the manure off and boots work fine. |
Bo Borland
Member From: Cowtown NJ
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posted 07 February 2006 04:14 AM
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Q. With all the steel players wearing western boots...How do you tell the real cowboys from the pedal steel players?
A. The real cowboys have manure on the outside of their boots. |
Mark Metdker
Member From: North Central Texas, USA
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posted 07 February 2006 06:06 AM
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I wear boots alot anyway. I think if you are accustomed to wearing them, then it's not a big transition to wearing them while playing steel. Start wearing boots more when NOT playing steel and it may feel more natural. Also, try a softer leather for your steel boots. |
Dan Tyack
Member From: Seattle, WA USA
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posted 07 February 2006 08:13 AM
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My secret to playing in cowboy boots is....Take them off and play barefoot! |
Jim Ives
Member From: Los Angeles, California, USA
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posted 07 February 2006 09:00 AM
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Moccasins like Sperry Topsiders for me. That way I can feel the pedals, and there is no protruding toe to get in the way like with cowboy boots.
They look dorky, but that is compensated for by the fact that you are a steel player, therefore you are cool.
-Jim |
Bob Knetzger
Member From: Kirkland, WA USA
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posted 07 February 2006 10:04 AM
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When I played a vintage Fender steel, cowboy boots were perfect for stomping on that stiff pedal action...but when I got a new Carter I wanted to play it wearing something more sensitive and accurate to match the smooth and perfectly timed pedal pulls. I found a pair of "shoe boots" that I think are a great compromise between shoes and boots, between comfort, style and performance. Has a medium heel: higher than a shoe but lower than a cowboy boot. Just right. A rounded toe, not too pointy or too long. A thin leather sole. Sensitive like mocasins, much more flexible than cowboy boot soles. Good feel on the pedals--they glide smoothly but don't slip off. No big rim of stitching around the sole to hang up on a pedal. Low top (just over the ankle) with a side zipper, Excellent ankle twistabilty for any pedal move. Easy on, easy off at the end of the night, too. Shiny black leather (for good tone ;-)). Okay, it's missing the cool stitched toe "bug" you get on a real pair of cowboy boots, but under your pant's cuff, and with the medium heel they fit right in with a western band look. Perfect "stealth" boots. Heck, you could wear these to any kind of gig from a concert to a bar to a church gig and fit right in. They aren't the shoe boots made by cowboy boot companies (I've have a pair of those, too. Don't work as well). Some might call these "Cuban heels." These were made by David Taylor and I got them at Sears a few years ago. Come to think of it, they work so well for me I better go get a spare pair if they still have them! [This message was edited by Bob Knetzger on 07 February 2006 at 10:05 AM.] [This message was edited by Bob Knetzger on 07 February 2006 at 10:08 AM.]
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Ken Yates
Member From: Vine Grove, Kentucky, USA
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posted 07 February 2006 11:27 AM
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Go to JCPENNY.COM and look at the Durango dressboots. its a nice boot to play in and has the western boot look. With a side zipper on the inside, makes for easy on/off and you could unzip and let yor ankle move freely. I love mine so far. ------------------
Derby SD 10,,,Nashville 112,,,Nashville 400,,,Hilton,,,RV-3 [This message was edited by Ken Yates on 07 February 2006 at 11:28 AM.]
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Gene Jones
Member From: Oklahoma City, OK USA
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posted 07 February 2006 12:34 PM
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quote:
Low top (just over the ankle) with a side zipper, Excellent ankle twistabilty for any pedal move. Easy on, easy off at the end of the night, too.
The "side zipper" feature sounds like those known in another time and place as "hootch boots", where the culture was to remove shoes before going inside a dwelling. I've owned some of those. ------------------
WEBSITE [This message was edited by Gene Jones on 08 February 2006 at 05:16 AM.]
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Willis Vanderberg
Member From: Bradenton, FL, USA
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posted 07 February 2006 04:10 PM
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I believe it is much easier to play in boots if your foot is small. I wear a 13 boot and the pedal feel is really different.
The long narrow toes makes rocking difficult for me.I do better on my old p/p then on the newer narrow pedals on the Legrande lll. |
Larry Strawn
Member From: Golden Valley, Arizona, USA
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posted 07 February 2006 04:29 PM
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Right now I'm playing in a pair of Justin Ropers, but for me any of the Roper style boots work as long as they are soft leather, and have a thin sole.At 6'-1" tall I do use a low profle Goodrich pedal along with those Ropers. As far as tricks or secrets to playing in boots? I think it's all in what you're used to. Larry ------------------
Emmons S/D-10, 3/5, Sessions 400 Ltd. Home Grown E/F Rack
"ROCKIN COUNTRY"
[This message was edited by Larry Strawn on 07 February 2006 at 04:31 PM.]
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