5 Best Drumming Shoes

Drumming Shoes Buyer’s Guide

Wearing the right pair of shoes is important for most drummers. After all, you want to feel comfortable to play at your best, and the right pair of drumming shoes will offer a good level of grip and support whilst you play.

I’m going to say right here that you do not need specific drumming shoes to play well. Plenty of pro drummers play barefoot, after all, I believe that’s how you can achieve the greatest control over the pedals.

Personally, I enjoy playing drums both barefoot and with proper drumming shoes. But the important thing is that if I do wear shoes, they have to be the right kind to play drums with.

In some situations, playing without shoes can be beneficial, but there’s always the chance that you could get an impact injury or experience some discomfort without the protection of a shoe.

What To Look For In Drumming Shoes

The most important things for me when looking to buy a pair of good drumming shoes are:

• Build quality
• Pedal grip
• Comfort
• Durability
• Weight

You can expect any of the top brands, including Nike, Puma, and Adidas, to deliver high-quality products. They are loved by everyone around the world, and they feature a durable construction designed to be worn for everyday use.

But what’s more important is the design and style of the shoe. Running shoes, skate shoes, fashion shoes, and basketball shoes all feature completely different designs. I’ve found that the best drumming shoes feature flat rubber outer soles.

These shoes offer a high level of pedal grip and will simulate a natural pedal feel as if you aren’t wearing any shoes at all. So for that reason is why I have featured shoes that utilize a flat rubber outer sole. And that’s why these types of shoes are universally preferred by drummers.

All of the drumming shoes within this guide are ideal for wearing for playing the drums and wearing out and about. 

The goal is to wear shoes whilst drumming that can translate your musical ideas with ease through to the pedals, while also being stylish and complementing your outfit choice. 

Comfort vs. Durability

When it comes to drumming shoes, comfort is of paramount importance. You ideally want something that feels comfortable and flexible on your feet, but at the same time, they need to be durable enough to last for a long time. 

It’s possible to find shoes that combine these two qualities, but you may feel that your drumming style means that either comfort or durability is more important, and this could influence your choice of shoes. 

If you’re someone who plays your kick drum pedal with a lot of energy and power, then you may feel that robustness is the most important thing you’re looking for. 

On the other hand, if you’re more of a feel drummer, then you’ll probably be looking for something with enough cushioning to support your feet and get the most out of your playing.

Drumming Styles & Shoe Choices

The genre and style of music that you play should also be considered when deciding on shoes to wear while drumming because different designs may lend themselves more suitably to different kinds of playing.

If you’re a jazz or metal drummer, for instance, you’ll probably want to be looking at something that offers good pedal control for precise footwork and agile heel-toe techniques.

Classic rock drummers, on the other hand, may need something more heavy-duty with a thick sole and firm construction so that you can stomp around the kit with confidence and power.

If you play a mixture of styles when drumming, then a good middle-of-the-road choice might be best, as it will provide a suitable balance between grip on the pedals and cushioning for your feet.

Breathable Designs & Materials

It’s also worth bearing in mind the materials and designs when looking for drumming shoes. In an ideal world, you want to find a shoe that will keep your feet cool, which can be achieved by using breathable materials. 

Mesh designs are a great choice in this regard, as they will allow air to circulate around your feet to prevent them from getting too hot and clammy. 

It’s common to sweat and get hot while playing the drums – this is simply a byproduct of the physicality that comes with playing the instrument. However, you’ll want to try and minimize this as much as possible to ensure maximum comfort – particularly when playing for a long time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Skating Shoes Good for Drumming?

You’ve probably noticed from the options featured in this guide that many of the shoes recommended for drummers are a similar style to skating shoes. This is because skating shoes need to be both lightweight and durable, which are two important qualities needed for drumming shoes too. 

Heavier skating shoes are not so suitable for drumming, but the more flexible shoes can provide the perfect blend of protection and mobility needed to play your foot pedals. 

Do Drummers Have Strong Legs?

Drumming is an intense physical activity that requires a person to use all their limbs simultaneously. While drumming mainly involves arm and hand movements, using your legs is also a very important part of playing this instrument, and therefore drummers develop very strong calf muscles. 

A drummer uses their legs and feet to play the kick pedal and to alter the position of the hi-hat clutch through another pedal. The constant movement engages the musicals in their lower and upper legs, resulting in the muscles become very strong over time.