I am on the fence. There are certain shoes that are NOT good for drumming. I like to play barefoot IF I can get good grip on the playing surface. Grip tape would tear up my socks, which is not good. I can play in Chuck Taylors, and have several pair (including my OWN EVH stripes).
I just got some custom-ordered Chuck Taylors, possibly the weirdest looking shoes EVER produced. Look at www.randomdougstuff.blogspot.com for pics of those shoes.
So, what's your preference?
I like shoes, but I'm quite picky about them (when they're used for drumming. Otherwise, I don't care). I want them light and flexible, usually with thin soles. Usually some sort of sneakers or something...
Barefoot (with or without socks), I tried it sometimes, but I don't like it. Possibly due to the relief on the pedals I tried it on. It wasn't very comfortable, or so I think to remember :p.
Also, this doesn't normally happen, but if I get over-enthusiastic, I don't want to bump my bare toes into something :P.
Lastly, I don't know if I could still play if I was being intoxicated by my feet ;) :D...
Preferred drum wear: Shoes (I'd say with socks), and shorts :D...
Or a giant chicken suit, but neither is much appreciated, so I usually have to fall back to ordinary clothes to cover up my divine body...
I am on the fence. There are certain shoes that are NOT good for drumming. I like to play barefoot IF I can get good grip on the playing surface. Grip tape would tear up my socks, which is not good. I can play in Chuck Taylors, and have several pair (including my OWN EVH stripes).I just got some custom-ordered Chuck Taylors, possibly the weirdest looking shoes EVER produced. Look at www.randomdougstuff.blogspot.com for pics of those shoes.So, what's your preference?
Those shoes are ridiculous, although I have a pair of hot pink vans low tops that can compete haha.
As for drumming. I prefer socks unless I'm playing heavy double bass. My Yamaha pedals are very smooth on the top nothing to dig into your feet, very comfortable.
I dont wanna bogart the topic, just add my 5 cents minus 3.
I used to play in socks. I was getting sick of having to go buy a new package of socks every month or so due to wearing out the soles of my socks, as I do heavy double bass work. I started playing in my regular sneakers that I wear every day, and WOW. The difference is huge! More articulate, more power when I need it, better bounce control for my 32nd notes, and better control over my 5 and 7 stroke rolls.
I also tried a pair of so called "drumming" shoes. They were actually not much better than socks. Albeit they were nice and light and airy, but they were missing the heavy thick soles Ive come to rely on.
D' Drummer
Lightweight flexible Pumas...or flip flops.
I prefer Vans. I also have a nice flexible pair of Rockports that work for me. Flipflps are a little loosey-goosey for me. I have a pair of walking sneakers that I just can't play while I'm wearing them. But to be honest, my drumming isn't all that so I'm not sure it matters a whole lot for me.
Whatever I have on, or not, at the time. Makes no difference to me. I voted "shoes" 'cause I usually have them on when playing out. Barefoot at home, usually...
Several years ago my wife bought me a pair of Cole Haan "Drivers" (I think they were expensive??) to wear around the house in the evening and when we take long driving trips. Turns out they are excellent drummin' shoes. They have a very narrow sole so they don't jam in between the uprights on the Speed King and they are very soft and flexible...they work great.
Shoes for me. Like it's been said here, I don't like knocking my toes when I get a bit excited! I had a pair of boxers boots once. They were brilliant! And the kinda looked cool too.
Believe it or not... ballet slipper.
