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Comfortable Performance Footwear??


sventvkg

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Okay I'm getting back into the performance arena here this weekend and for the first time in many years I'll have a heavy PBass over my shoulder for hours. That said and the fact that I'm about to be 43 and don't have the best back and knees anymore I'm in need of some very comfortable performance footwear. I'm hearing great things about Merrell chameleon 4 stretch shoes. I don't I think they will work for weddings and more dressier gigs however but for casinos and club book the probably be fine. Normally are used to wear Converse All-Stars Dr. Martens boots, etc. I think I need to move up to something more substantial as far as comfort wear. Any advice? Thanks.

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I'm not going to be much help. I usually use sandals unless the snow is deeper than an inch. I agree with you that comfortable shoes are very important. Consider sitting down as part of it? (I'm 60 and have never thought that P basses were heavy, but almost every other bassist I know considers them heavy.) I'm not sure what brands help, but I've got a high instep and a wide foot, so comfortable shoes have always been hard for me to find. (And I can never consider buying shoes online. I want to try them on and spend some time in them before buying.) I would seriously find some type of chair that suits you while playing. (Preferably something that folds up and you can carry with you.)

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I had to stand mostly in place around the field for about five to six hours at a time at Spartan Stadium this year. I picked up a set of the ridiculously overpriced Dr. Scholl's semi-custom inserts. Wasn't impressed initially, but they did make a distinct noticeable difference. I'm sure there are probably better values out there, but they do work.

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Don't know about your style but shoe brands I've liked best over the years (light weight, foot support and comfort) are Rockport (many styles), New Balance walkers, and some Clark's.  Many online shoe companies have a try before buy policy.

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Anything that is pricey is most likely also designed well... Until you get to 'fashion-only' kind of brands. 

Frye, Ariat, Luchesse, Clarks, Ecco... All great brands that you can find 'cool' looks and good foot technology. I used to wear the Hush Puppies 'Leverage' and it was a great look and comfortable all day/night. There are some comfort brands (a few, few) that are making shoes that actually look good too.

I am on the side of looks first but comfort is a secondary importance. I cannot bring myself to wear just 'comfortable' shoes. My boots are my most comfortable footwear (and with my type of foot, a great option for foot/back health). If it came down to there being no good-looking shoes that were comfortable, I'd bring the cool ones to shows and strap them on for the downbeat. It is equally important that I look like a rock and roller and not an old guy trying to pass time in a band (to me, the audience and the majority of the booking agents out there) - I'm sniffing 40, so I have to make sure I stay cool.... 

There are options that meet all the criteria, but just a handful...

white bootsWhite Fluevog boots ($255 retail) - cracked leather - 16 eyelets - comfortable up to about 9.5 horus in a day

blackcherryBlack Cherry Luchesse boots ($300+ retail) - comfortable for about 11 hours in a day - the day of this picture we got to the fairground at 10am - played our set at noon and my feet were only a little rough at 9pm when Matchbox 20 took the stage and I had a total of over 23,000 steps on my fitbit that day!)

Plus, see how F'in cool they look!

 

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If dressy is required I'm stuck with some black leather Dan Post cowboy boots. If I polish & shine up up they look good but not the most comfortable for a 3-4 hr gig. I'm kinda shopping for a comfotable pair of black dress shoes right now.

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I picked these up a few weeks ago and wore em for one bar gig and they were great. Lightweight, good support, and I think they look pretty cool.

shoes_ia94198.jpg

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