Members sventvkg Posted February 4, 2014 Members Share Posted February 4, 2014 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members StratGuy22 Posted February 4, 2014 Members Share Posted February 4, 2014 Chucks are cool as all get out but god damn they are terrible shoes. I just have a half decent pair of dress shoes, but not pointy ones. Similar to a doc marten toe but not as pronounced. They are pretty good. Don't know the brand, under $100. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members WynnD Posted February 4, 2014 Members Share Posted February 4, 2014 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.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members SLScott86 Posted February 4, 2014 Members Share Posted February 4, 2014 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members dezmoduo Posted February 18, 2014 Members Share Posted February 18, 2014 Love Frye's and not cheap at all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members maarkr Posted February 19, 2014 Members Share Posted February 19, 2014 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Lee Knight Posted February 19, 2014 Moderators Share Posted February 19, 2014 Docs. The shoes, not boots. I prefer the all black including the stitch... One size too big with major Dr Scholl gel pad. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members FormerlyBassred Posted February 19, 2014 Members Share Posted February 19, 2014 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 Fluevog boots ($255 retail) - cracked leather - 16 eyelets - comfortable up to about 9.5 horus in a day Black 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! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members SLScott86 Posted February 19, 2014 Members Share Posted February 19, 2014 Good foot technology is only really beneficial if matches your feet. This is where you can't beat going to a good shoe store. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members SLScott86 Posted February 21, 2014 Members Share Posted February 21, 2014 Tell me why I shouldn't love these Ultimate 81s? There's nothing to them, yet I'm mildly obsessed with how lightweight and breathable try are. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members stevmac1 Posted February 21, 2014 Members Share Posted February 21, 2014 I think they're called Converse Star Skater. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Bajazz Posted February 26, 2014 Members Share Posted February 26, 2014 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members TIMKEYS Posted February 27, 2014 Members Share Posted February 27, 2014 I wear a pair of these. different for sure, but as comfy as tennis shoes. bout a 100 bucks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Vito Corleone Posted February 27, 2014 Members Share Posted February 27, 2014 Bajazz wrote: Nice! Gotta say they don't look at that comfortable though! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Pine Apple Slim Posted March 8, 2014 Members Share Posted March 8, 2014 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. 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.