What shoes are best for playing drums? Find answers to frequently asked questions

Barefoot or in shoes?

Drummers are divided - while some prefer playing barefoot, others cannot imagine playing without shoes on their feet. Each of these options has its advantages and disadvantages.

When you drum barefoot, you have a better feel for the pedals and can therefore control them more effectively. What's more, you get tired much slower because you are not accompanied by additional weight in the form of shoes. However, if you're not careful enough, your feet can be at risk of injury, and the friction between them and the pedals can lead to painful blisters.

To prevent this, many drummers choose to play with shoes on. Moreover, wearing shoes while playing drums will give you better hitting power and improve your comfort, provided you choose them properly.

Are you wondering what you should pay attention to to feel as comfortable as possible? You've come to the right place! In our guide, we have collected all the most important aspects of drumming shoes, thanks to which you can make the right choice. Let's get started!

What should you pay attention to when choosing drums shoes?

There are several factors to consider if you don't want footwear to restrict you during training, rehearsals or performances. 

First, make sure your drumming shoes are light enough. In this way, even an exhausting, long workout will not be a heavy burden for your feet, and you will be able to play precisely until the last piece.

Secondly, choose shoes that are made of light and breathable materials. Thanks to this, your feet will not sweat intensively, and you will not feel any discomfort.

Third, look for shoes that will contact the pedal the way bare feet would. Any heels and elevations are not welcome. Choose a flat sole that best suits this activity.

What sole should drum shoes have?

Drumming shoes should primarily have a flexible sole. To check this, you can try bending the shoe in half while holding it in your hand. Thanks to this, you will be able to perform various movements without having to put much effort into them. 

The grip of your shoes affects the power of your pedal strokes. It is worth remembering that this aspect largely depends on the sole, especially the tread and its specificity. However, be careful not to overdo it. Excessive traction can make it difficult to move your foot across the pedal surface.

If you want to hit the pedal quickly, choose a relatively slippery sole. If you prefer your hits to be slower but stronger, choose shoes with a grippy sole, which will provide additional cushioning for your feet, muscles and joints, and at the same time will be more resistant to abrasion.

What material should drummer's shoes be made of?

Although it seems that the material is just an insignificant addition, in the case of drumming, nothing could be more wrong! Imagine that you had to spend the entire rehearsal in a fitted shirt that restricts your range of motion. Nothing nice, even in the case of shoes! 

Any stiff, inflexible material will definitely be a bad choice for drummers. Instead, opt for thin, lightweight materials that easily adapt to the specifics of your foot. Shoe textile material, thin natural leather or suede will be perfect.

Do drum shoes have to be comfortable?

Some budding drummers wonder if drumming shoes need to be comfortable. Indeed! After all, the lack of comfort could distract the musician and make drumming much more difficult.

Remember that the comfort of footwear depends on many factors. Weight and breathability are very important, but so is the perfect fit. Under no circumstances should you decide to wear shoes that are too tight in the hope that they will break apart. Also, watch out for too large models, from which the heel may protrude during the game.

Choose footwear whose presence on your feet will be practically imperceptible.

What shoes to choose for playing drums?

Now that you know what factors to consider when buying drumming shoes, you're probably wondering which models will work best. 

Bet on classic sneakers or boots slip-on. Shoes designed for playing basketball or tennis, which are characterized by high flexibility, low weight and a flat sole with good grip, will also be a hit.

As you can see, the choice of shoes for a drummer is not particularly complicated. We are convinced that with our tips and tricks this task will be child's play for you. Good luck!