The Best Shoes for Drummers for Powerful Sound
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Vratim Shoes for Drummers -
Reebok Pheehan Shoes for Drummers -
Merrell Men's Trail Glove 5 Hiking Shoe -
dB Groove Shoes for Drummers -
Vivobarefoot Men's RA II Classic Oxford Lace-Up -
Buyer's Guide
As a drummer, I think a lot about the type of shoes that I wear when playing. I played barefoot for most of my young life. While in college, I recorded a rock album with my band in a professional studio. My first time recording, I played barefoot for the first half hour. I decided to switch to shoes when I first heard playback as my kick drum was pretty solid, but it just wasn't consistent enough. I needed every hit to be extremely powerful, and my foot just wasn't enough by itself so from that day forward I switched to wearing a pair of shoes every time I played.
There are many types of shoes that are great to wear when playing drums. Most drummers want footwear that gives them some extra power without interfering with the foots natural motion while other drummers like a thin shoe that feels like a glove for the foot. Obviously, different people prefer different feels, but there are some common characteristics that most drummers look for in a pair of shoes.
We chose the following best shoes for drummers in 2022 because of their comfortable feel which will allow you to focus on playing consistent patterns and perform advanced techniques picks. These shoes are all extremely lightweight as well so your feet won’t be left feeling weighed down and sluggish when playing. Traction is also a very important consideration and while these picks allow for some sliding to perform doubles, but still have enough grip to keep your foot firmly in control of the pedals.
Comparing the Best Shoes For Drummer for 2022
Vratim Shoes for Drummers - Best Shoe for Drummers Overall
Vratim is a company that’s started making shoes specifically for drumming. The Vratim Drum Shoe has a thin sole that allows the feet to work their magic on the pedals along with a nice balanced amount of grip to prevent excessive sliding. These shoes are more durable than most other drumming-oriented footwear because of their thicker upper material which allows them to last longer. They really make playing more enjoyable and these shoes are available in multiple colors to suit your personal preferences. More than just a niche product, these shoes are starting to be worn by a number of professional drummers which says a lot about their quality and effectiveness.
Reebok Pheehan Shoes for Drummers - Runner Up
While Reebok’s Pheehan Run is a shoe primarily designed for running, they’re especially good for playing drums to accompany rock music because of their thick sole. These shoes feel rigid enough to be powerful, but remain flexible enough to offer you a great sense of control. The shoe is made with breathable materials which do a great job of preventing your feet from sweating a lot during a gig. They are just a basic gym shoe so you can wear then before, during, and after a gig. After all, the last thing you want to think about before a gig is whether you remembered to pack special drumming shoes! With their excellent combination of flexibility and power, like that I can walk into the venue wearing these shoes, play the gig, and then leave while wearing them.
Merrell Men's Trail Glove 5 Hiking Shoe - Honorable Mention
Merrell’s Trail Glove 3 is a shoe intended for trail running, but they function great when it comes to playing drums. Engineered with lightweight materials, these shoes won’t slow your feet down so drummers transitioning from playing barefoot will appreciate them for not coming off as plodding weights. These shoes are extremely well made which capably grip the feet and allow them to move naturally, the soles are very durable to provide the right amount of grip, and they’re available in several different colors and sizes. While somewhat expensive, these shoes can be used for more than just drumming as they have a stylish look which makes them suitable for everyday wear.
dB Groove Shoes for Drummers - Consider
dB was one of the first companies to design a shoe specifically to wear while playing drums. One of their shoes is known as “The Groove” which are constructed from lightweight, breathable materials. Designed with a low toe spring, this allows your toes to be closer to the pedal than other shoes. This shoe is also designed with a vibration dampening mid-sole which cuts down on the sensation of the drum pedal feeling shaky. The shoes are designed to be worn without socks which affords you a more controlled feel while playing and the fact they look really cool as well doesn’t hurt either.
Vivobarefoot Men's RA II Classic Oxford Lace-Up - Best Shoes for Drummers
If you are a working drummer, you may have had to play a gig in a suit or tuxedo at some point in your career. Jazz drummers playing corporate gigs or classical pops drummers certainly can’t walk on stage barefoot or wearing running shoes. For these types of upscale occasions, I recommend the Vivobarefoot Ra II Leather shoe. This is a minimal-style shoe that looks like a black oxford-style dress shoe with very thin soles which allow the foot to move around properly. Much lighter than regular dress shoes, they still have a very proper look so if you’re are a drummer with an office job, you can even comfortably wear them at work.
Buyer's Guide
Shoes for playing drums? Well, yes!
When you think of drumming, you picture a person holding sticks with various drums and cymbals in front. So what exactly is the point of wearing the correct shoes while you're drumming?
If you pay attention, there is a bass drum adjusted on the floor that needs to be operated with the foot. Often, there are two of them, and a drummer must engage both their feet to keep the pattern going - and for that, you need the right shoes.
With the list of the best shoes for drummers shared above, choosing the right one shouldn't be a problem anymore. With this guide below, you will be able to make a more informed decision. So keep reading!
Buying the Best Shoes for Drummers – Things to Consider
Famous drummers like Thomas Lang and Neil Peart are known to use specialized shoes for drumming. If they can, why can’t you?
Some brands make shoes that are specially designed for drumming. But it doesn’t mean that it’s going to be the top choice for all drummers. Everyone has their own specifications when it comes to shoe comfort, especially for pedaling the drum. So if you’ve been eyeing a pair for your use, make sure you ponder over all the critical factors that help you make a smart choice.
Shoe Weight
As sturdy as you’d like your drumming shoes to be, you don’t want them to be too heavy. While some drummers are known to wear shoes made out of leather soles or even full leather boots, it may not be the most comfortable way for you to pedal those drums.
And while pedaling the drum wouldn’t require you to drag the shoe's weight, experts suggest going light actually helps in playing the pedal more efficiently. However, don’t fret about the weight too much because, at the end of the day, it is your comfort that would decide the best shoes for drumming for you. All you need to focus on is a shoe that allows you to go for a more impactful kick when playing.
Pedal Grip
The correct pedal grip is crucial for a drummer. This is an important aspect to consider when choosing the right drumming shoes. Footwear that offers you good friction will let you play harder and faster.
However, this factor is entirely subjective too. Not all drummers like extreme grip. Some prefer a lighter grip to keep the pattern going without exertion. So it depends on how much or how little grip you like on the pedals for drumming. Famous drummers like JoJo Myer and Neil Peart wear shoes with a leather bottom that offers them extra slippage.
Also, going for extreme grip on the pedals has its downside too. Some bass drumming techniques, such as the bass drum slide, are impossible to try if your shoes do not have a slippery sole.
Therefore, choose according to your own pedal grip preference.
Material of the Shoe
When it comes to footwear, most people prefer comfort over everything else. But when it comes to drumming with the right shoes, you need to be extra careful.
Ditch the idea of styling if the shoes you’re considering are too uncomfortable to wear. The constant movement of the feet can lead to blisters around the feet, especially on the back of your heel, if your shoes are too tight, too uncomfortable, or made of cheap material.
Look for high-quality flexible materials when choosing shoes for drumming. The most popular material choices include suede, thin leather, and canvas. Also, make sure you’re wearing the correct size. Shoes that are too loose or too tight are highly uncomfortable for playing drums.
Quality
Depending on the quality and frequency of use, some shoes last longer than others. If you’re shopping online, look where the shoes are manufactured. This is a great way to identify quality because shoes that are manufactured within the US are considered to be of better quality than places with cheap labor.
Also, since you’re buying these shoes for drumming, keep them exclusive for when you play. Put them in a box or a drum case if you have to, and only use them when needed. Do not hesitate in investing in a handful of shoes for drumming to go with different styles.
Sole Flexibility
Just like the width and size of the shoe, the flexibility of the sole is a crucial aspect. Flexibility here refers to how much the shoe can bend without a lot of effort. You need a flexible shoe to keep your feet in the perfect posture for pedaling the drums without feeling too tight or uncomfortable.
To check the flexibility, draw the toe and heel parts towards each other and see if it can be done without too much exertion. That’s your perfect pair of flexible shoes for drumming.
Pedal Playing Operations
The shoes you choose also depend on your specific style of pedaling the drums. Generally, there are two basic ways of doing this – heel up and heel down. If you’re a beginner, you’re probably using the heel down method for practice.
Heel up requires more speed and strength, while heel down allows more control and pace. Keeping in mind the type of drummer you are, get the perfect pair of shoes that give you maximum flexibility with pedal operations.
Best Shoes for Drumming – FAQs
Got more questions at the back of your head? We’ve got the answers for you!
Can I use wrestling shoes for drumming?
Comparatively, wrestling is a much more demanding sport, and shoes designed for it are definitely more durable. This is why wrestling shoes are considered suitable for drummers as well. The sturdy design offers excellent pedal feedback, giving you more uniform and robust kick patterns for maximum accuracy.
What if I want to play drums barefoot?
We do not recommend playing drums barefoot. Always keep your shoes on to have better control over the pedal. You may practice drumming barefoot, but running shoes and shoes designed for drumming can help you rock more efficiently on the bass pedal.
Can I lose weight by drumming?
Drumming requires a lot of physical effort and can be a challenging workout if you’re trying to burn calories and lose weight. And while not a lot of people would play this instrument with the intention of losing weight, it is a great way to stay in shape.
