My feet have been killing after standing and bouncing around onstage. Are there any shoes you know about that would help?
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Shoes For The Big Guy
- Thread starter Npunk42
- Start date
There's not a one size fits all answer here. (Pun partially intended.) For me, I have very high arches and am often nearly disabled the day after a 4 hour gig.
I've noticed that it's not as bad if I have a little room to roam on stage. Stuck in one little spot is the worst.
I've found that Birkenstock shoes work best for me. But I'm not totally immune from pain the next day even with those.
I'd previously found some relief with using a work mat (used by workers that have to stand in one place all day), but not in combination with comfortable shoes (go figure).
I saw a pediatrist who provided me with a list of shoe manufacturers and models that provided the best options for my foot style - I'd suggest you talk to your doctor.
I've noticed that it's not as bad if I have a little room to roam on stage. Stuck in one little spot is the worst.
I've found that Birkenstock shoes work best for me. But I'm not totally immune from pain the next day even with those.
I'd previously found some relief with using a work mat (used by workers that have to stand in one place all day), but not in combination with comfortable shoes (go figure).
I saw a pediatrist who provided me with a list of shoe manufacturers and models that provided the best options for my foot style - I'd suggest you talk to your doctor.
Shoes are important but consider getting a cushioning pad to stand on (the type you see for kitchens). Woodworkers and chefs use mats since they’re standing all the time.
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I'm about 6'1" and 300 pounds.
I've been very pleased with these. We go to Disneyland about twice a year for 3 or 4 days.
Lots of walking. About 15 miles a day. I buy a new pair before the Disney trip. No soreness
or pain.
Also have band practice every Friday night for about 3 hours after working all day and they are very
comfortable.
I'm about 6'1" and 300 pounds.
I've been very pleased with these. We go to Disneyland about twice a year for 3 or 4 days.
Lots of walking. About 15 miles a day. I buy a new pair before the Disney trip. No soreness
or pain.
Also have band practice every Friday night for about 3 hours after working all day and they are very
comfortable.
I weigh 85 Kg, not very heavy, but I had to figure out the best shoes for running. I learned fast to avoid shoes that 'assist' against pronation, they damage the joints all the way up the leg, including hip joints, given time.
If you pick soft but very durable running shoes with a slightly wider width than the 'ideal' fit, you'll have the lowest strain you can easily achieve. They are likely soft enough to mean you won't need extra matting to stand on. If you have any arthritis, they'll reduce impact on it. If the webbing of the upper wears a bit thin, let it, so long as the rest holds, the more it is allowed to accommodate your feet, as they are, the better.
If you take frequent short breaks when possible, that will help, and if you're on your feet all day, then getting extended rest will help. If you take ibuprofen, best minimise it and take it before you rest or sleep, not before you put strain on your joints. You'll get more mileage out of a dose, and you'll have better feedback in your nervous system when you needed it, so you'll be reducing the strain that way too.
When I play the bass standing, I have to move about, just to ease pain. We're built to move, so make the most of any mobility you have. Maintain an even strain...
If you pick soft but very durable running shoes with a slightly wider width than the 'ideal' fit, you'll have the lowest strain you can easily achieve. They are likely soft enough to mean you won't need extra matting to stand on. If you have any arthritis, they'll reduce impact on it. If the webbing of the upper wears a bit thin, let it, so long as the rest holds, the more it is allowed to accommodate your feet, as they are, the better.
If you take frequent short breaks when possible, that will help, and if you're on your feet all day, then getting extended rest will help. If you take ibuprofen, best minimise it and take it before you rest or sleep, not before you put strain on your joints. You'll get more mileage out of a dose, and you'll have better feedback in your nervous system when you needed it, so you'll be reducing the strain that way too.
When I play the bass standing, I have to move about, just to ease pain. We're built to move, so make the most of any mobility you have. Maintain an even strain...
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This is not for everyone, but....
A few years ago all I would ever wear were Merrell or Keen hikers. I felt as though I "needed support" and "needed cushioning".
I won't get into what, but I switched to minimalist shoes for the most part. No arch. Little or no padding. The closest thing to regular shoes I wear are Vans. I have, and frequently wear, several "barefoot" shoes. These have less about 1/8" sole. I'm constantly walk around barefoot when I'm able.
My knees don't hurt anymore. My feet don't hurt anymore. I do 300 lb squats essentially barefoot. I'm 6'1" and weigh 215 lbs. Pain free.
Do yourself a favor. Get a cheap pair of Converse Chucks or Vans and try an experiment to see if perhaps you need to go the other way, rather than thicker and more squishy. For a zillion years we didn't walk around on squish until Nike made the first ramp-shaped squishy shoes in the 70s. Up until that we ran marathons in flat shoes with no padding just fine. My joints are much healthier these days. And you can just about bounce a bullet off my calf muscles.
A few years ago all I would ever wear were Merrell or Keen hikers. I felt as though I "needed support" and "needed cushioning".
I won't get into what, but I switched to minimalist shoes for the most part. No arch. Little or no padding. The closest thing to regular shoes I wear are Vans. I have, and frequently wear, several "barefoot" shoes. These have less about 1/8" sole. I'm constantly walk around barefoot when I'm able.
My knees don't hurt anymore. My feet don't hurt anymore. I do 300 lb squats essentially barefoot. I'm 6'1" and weigh 215 lbs. Pain free.
Do yourself a favor. Get a cheap pair of Converse Chucks or Vans and try an experiment to see if perhaps you need to go the other way, rather than thicker and more squishy. For a zillion years we didn't walk around on squish until Nike made the first ramp-shaped squishy shoes in the 70s. Up until that we ran marathons in flat shoes with no padding just fine. My joints are much healthier these days. And you can just about bounce a bullet off my calf muscles.
Personally I have problem feet so I buy them at a proper shoe store where the associates know how to fit shoes (and usually look like retired math teachers). Good luck finding one.
I avoid outlets and big-box stores.
I avoid outlets and big-box stores.
Red Wing Safety Boots - Men's 5-inch Hiker Boot
My dad used to work in a chemical plant and got several spares for free. He gave me a spare pair that I used at work for nearly a decade. I have a pair that experienced light use and he gave me his last pair upon retiring since he didnt need them anymore. I have never felt a more comfortable and supportive shoe in my life (I recommend getting the insoles too). Not sure how easy they are to acquire in your area, but it's also useful in case you get a bass drum or les paul dropped on your foot
My dad used to work in a chemical plant and got several spares for free. He gave me a spare pair that I used at work for nearly a decade. I have a pair that experienced light use and he gave me his last pair upon retiring since he didnt need them anymore. I have never felt a more comfortable and supportive shoe in my life (I recommend getting the insoles too). Not sure how easy they are to acquire in your area, but it's also useful in case you get a bass drum or les paul dropped on your foot
What fixed my four-year long foot tendon issue was biting the bullet, spending about $400, and getting real custom-made/fit orthotics from an orthopedic supplier (Hanger Clinic). Nothing else worked. Took about a year for the tendon to heal and to get pain-free feet.
Once I got my foot tendon thing resolved, I went to what you're using because of back pain during and after playing. HUGE relief.
I'll second giving minimalist shoes a go, I use mine a lot and they're great once you get used to them.
I'll also say you might want to look at compression socks which can help relieve some pain when standing for a long time.
Only because it will happen anyway…what are the best shoes for metal? Comfortable ones I hope
Bed Stu makes very comfortable leather lace up tennis/sport shoes that I really on for looks and comfort. Not in-expensive but long lasting and worth it [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
I find the Dr Scholl's inserts are really helpful. But because I have a lot of mini pedals, I need some nice pointy shoes. So I need a modification solution not a direct shoe recommendation.
Plus these look fly.
Plus these look fly.
I had plantar fasciitis. A miserable affliction--hurts the most as you get out of bed in the morning. At first, I went for cushy soled running shoes. Then somewhere I read that what did the trick were shoes with hard soles that gave solid support. Which led me to Dansko kitchen clogs--just like the ones I wore back in the dishwashing days. It's been a few years, and no relapse. And only $125.
Dansko Men's Clogs
Dansko Men's Clogs
I have a neuropathy in both my feet. Playing 3 or 4 hours is great except at the end of a gig. On break, I set down. I use orthotic shoes when I play, but they barely help. I haven't seen anyone mention the same issue unless I missed something. I will monitor this post.
What are you, a package of cocaine? The correct weight measurement for humans is pounds.
Good recommendation but they're not cheap anymore.
