Double Bass Shoes?

[turf3]

For me, Converse All Stars are horrible shoes. Pointy, narrow, and flat totally unsupportive soles. Plus their sizing is really weird (I wear a size 10 in normal shoes and something like a 7 in Converse).

I had a couple pairs back when they were hip the first or second time but gave them up due to pain.

 

[chilensko]

There are special shoes for bartenders. I never tried myself but I remember that my bartender told me that they were incredibly confortable.

 

[dylanjohnson]

Thanks for the recommendations, everyone! Great info and experience here.

 

[longfinger]

Check out better quality insoles to insert into your shoes. If your feet need special support, consider orthotic insoles, perhaps even custom ones.

Also, consider using a stool for long gigs. Playing sitting down takes a little adjustment, but works really well too.

 

[Pilgrim]

Good point about insoles. Most of what comes in new shoes and tennies is little better than a layer of tissue paper. At least some tennie now come with actual molded foam rubber insoles, which provide some decent padding and an arch.

 

[dylanjohnson]

I have two cycling buddies who are both podiatrists. They turned me on to compression socks for standing for long periods. That and good shoes really help.

Compression socks have saved the day for me. I had been experiencing some swelling in my legs after gigs and it's amazing how much better my feet feel after gigs. I've bought some shoes called Birchburys which are dress shoes with a wide toe box and a fake heel. I needed pretty formal shoes, and these seem to be fitting the bill.

 

[jthisdell]

I recently bought some Oboz boots, very comfortable with a quality insole. I use Super Feet insoles in all of my shoes but on the Oboz I feel great just using the insoles that came with them. Liked them so much that I bought a pair of Oboz walkers, same sole and insole but a ventilated, non-waterproof top. Took these to Amsterdam on vacation, was on my feet a lot (museums, traveling, sight seeing, cycling) and my feet always felt great. As I said above, I have had plantar fasciitis in one foot, am working on it in the other and had a stress fracture on one ball and these shoes have been truly great. Highly recommend.

True to the Trail - Bozeman, MT

 

[marchone]

Once I hit 45 my legs and feet starting killing me on gigs after 4 hours of playing. Do you all have any good shoe recommendations for semi formal/formal gig shoes? I haven't found anything great!

The same thing happened to me in my mid-40s. Up to then I wore cheap shoes and never had a problem, till I gained weight in middle age.

Because I needed dress shoes in my line of work as a chef/owner (dining room appearances), yet required all day standing and walking comfort, I eventually found a shoe that was made on a last that could have been made for me. It happened to be a Crockett & Jones Chelsea Boot, but that is not necessarily a personal recommendation for you. You need to find one that fits you perfectly.

The shoe last was the key. Find one ready made that matches your feet (cheapest solution), or have one made for you (most expensive).

In the meantime, try getting a kitchen or office floor mat to stand on.

 

[lowendrachel]

I have lots of slipped on shoes.

 

[JRA]

i used to wear 'pimp-style shoes' until i got old enough to defend comfort over style --- so these days (~20 years?) i wear skechers, black for stage drag, but as comfortable as i've ever worn. i still have the 'pimp' shoes in case i need to sneak away in style.

https://www.amazon.com/Skechers-Spo...ocphy=9015733&hvtargid=pla-373165369098&psc=1

 

[John Chambliss]

Compression calf sleeves really help me and are a bit easier to deal with than full socks for gigs and long drives. I do use the full compression socks on long airplane flights!

 

[matdras]

My Cole Haan’s have outperformed every other dressy-ish shoe I’ve every owned. Approximately 40 miles logged in Vegas during a work conference week with no issues to speak of. Not exactly cheap, but those results were impressive. Just my two cents…good luck on the hunt!