Are you looking for some drumming shoes to step up your game?
You've come to the right place!
In this guide you’ll learn the following:
- What Are Drumming Shoes?
- What Should I Look Out For In Shoes For Drumming?
And much more!
- Affordable
- Lightweight
- Breathable
- Affordable
- Lightweight
- Breathable
- Classic Style
- Durable
- Comfortable
- Classic Style
- Durable
- Comfortable
- Durable
- Comfortable
- Breathable
- Durable
- Comfortable
- Breathable
- Lightweight
- Comfortable
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Comfortable
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Added ankle support
- Precise feel
- Lightweight
- Added ankle support
- Precise feel
My Overall #1 Rated Pick
Updated 6/26/2020
- Durable
- Comfortable
- Breathable
Don’t let the fact that these are designed for the service industry fool you.
They tick all the boxes when it comes to what makes perfect drumming shoes.
They’re durable, breathable, flexible as well as being highly affordable...what more could you want!
Drumming is at its core is a full-body exercise as you’re coordinating all four limbs independently.
The control you have over your feet is equally as important as your sticks, therefore having the right shoes will make all the difference in how your pedals feel and respond.
Being able to consistently and accurately play the bass drum pedal to get those grooves sounding tight and punchy is a must for any drummer.
If your shoes are too heavy, cumbersome, or just plain uncomfortable, it will have a massive impact on your drumming performance (try playing in a huge pair of Doc Martins and you’ll see what I mean!).
In this essential guide, I’m going to take you through what makes a good drumming shoe, as well as giving you some of my top pics to make those feet feel at home on the kit.
Below is a quick list of my top 5 best drumming shoes. Keep scrolling to learn more about my best buying tips and tricks.
Top 5 Best Shoes For Drummers
In a hurry? Check out my top 5 picks below! Keep reading to learn more about these drumming shoes!
What Are Drumming Shoes?
In the world of drumming, there have been some companies that have taken it upon themselves to make ‘drummer specific’ shoes.
These shoes are usually endorsed by a famous drummer and are made to their exacting specifications. Shoes such as the Urbann Boards Neil Peart or Virgil Donati signatures are a prime example.
Now, these shoes exhibit all the characteristics that make a great drumming shoe, they are light, breathable, and comfortable. All attributes that encourage quick and accurate feet!
However, these professional drummers might not always have the best idea of style, to me they seem to prioritize form over function...and often look a little like hi-tech bowling shoes! (each to their own I guess).
They also tend to be in the higher price range, for what is essentially a pair of trainers (albeit well made).
Outside the world of drumming specific shoes, there is a whole host of options that are perfect for drumming as well as being kind to your bank account.
But what attributes actually make a great drumming shoe, and what should you be looking for to find your perfect pair?
Read More >> What Are The Top In-Ear Monitors For Drummers?
What Should I Look Out For In Shoes For Drumming?
Having played drums in pretty much any shoe you can imagine, from flip flops to Doc Martins, I have worked out some of the key attributes of great drummer shoes.
Durability
The rigors of being a drummer definitely take their toll on your shoes. Aside from the playing aspect of drumming, there’s having to lug your heavy drums to and from venues and rehearsals (where the floors are often dodgy/slippy).
This means that having a pair of shoes that are comfortable for playing in but are also rugged and durable is a must.
Flexibility
Playing your bass drum pedal effectively requires a lot of freedom of movement in your ankle.
If your shoes are overly rigid and restrictive then they will restrict the natural motion of your pedal stroke.
This, in turn, will make playing feel uncomfortable, you’ll be less accurate and it’ll encourage you to alter your technique in a negative way (which may eventually lead to injury)
Shoes that are made of flexible material, but still maintain a good amount of support are great for drumming.
You’re looking for that nice balance between flexy and strong, as drumming for long periods of time requires the most comfortable shoes possible.
Breathability
Drumming is an inherently physical activity. It’s been proven that a rock drummer can burn as many calories as a football player in a 90-minute set!
This level of activity will invariably lead to one thing...perspiration.
If your shoes aren’t in any way breathable your feet will very quickly start to sweat.
This can make playing very uncomfortable, and can also lead to blisters.
Finding a shoe that can wick away that perspiration means you’ll feet light and airy for the whole of the gig!
Style
Arguably the most important factor for many people, style is a very important factor when picking drumming shoes.
Being a musical artist also extends to the clothes that you wear, not just the music that you play.
Feeling comfortable in how you look can have a massive impact on how you perform on stage!
Obviously digging out the high-heels or the steel-capped boots with 8-inch thick soles might not be the most practical drumming solution.
But you should wear shoes that make you feel good, which will always have a positive impact on how you play!
For me, it’s about finding that nice balance of style and practicality.
Read More >> How Do You Learn To Play The Drums As A Beginner?
Our Reviews Of The Best Shoes For Drumming
Now I know these are technically ‘food service’ shoes but bear with me.
When you think about what someone in the service industry wants from a pair of shoes, it’s pretty much the same as a drummer.
A bartender that’s on their feet all night needs shoes to be lightweight, durable, breathable, and smart...all things that directly translate to great drum shoes.
These Skechers Cessnok shoes are all those things and are extremely affordable to boot!
Pros
- Affordable
- Lightweight
- Breathable
- Durable
Cons
- Not much!
Skate shoes, in general, can be a bit thick and clunky, but for drumming these slimmer style shoes just feel great to me.
The classic Waffle outsole also means you’re not short on grip either.
The Vans Slip Ons are very similar to the Converse Chuck Taylor All-Stars in terms of classic, reliable shoes (I’ve always just preferred the look of Vans).
Ok, they aren’t the most breathable or lightweight, but they’re rugged and also just look great no matter what you’re wearing. A true classic.
Pros
- Classic Style
- Durable
- Comfortable
- High-quality materials
Cons
- Not very breathable
- Very flat sole
As you can imagine it’s manufactured to be light, durable, and comfortable...all great things to help a drummer’s feet.
For me however it’s not winning any style points, but some may disagree!
DISCLAIMER: These shoes will in no way make you play like Virgil Donati.
Pros
- Durable
- Comfortable
- Breathable
Cons
- High Price-point
- Not the most stylish
But wrestlers also need to be nimble and light on their feet, so these shoes are lightweight and breathable too thanks to their thin rubber sole and mesh material.
This all translates to a shoe that’s going to give great pedal feedback, meaning your kick patterns will be more accurate, and drumming for long periods of time will feel like a breeze.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Comfortable
- Durable
- Made by renowned manufacturer
Cons
- Probably not great to wear out
- Acquired taste in style
In many ways, driving a racing car is like playing the drum kit.
It takes a high level of coordination between all four limbs, as well as having very precise control over the pedals.
This means that motorsport racing shoes could be a great option for a drummer looking for lightweight and sensitive shoes (due to the thin sole), allowing you to accurately feel the pedals under your feet.
These Sparco shoes are super comfortable as well as having added ankle support due to their high top design.
They also have the bonus of being fire retardant...for those extreme metal pyrotechnics!
If these are too pricey for you, check out the Puma Speed Cats as a more affordable alternative.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Added ankle support
- Precise feel
- Fire retardant
Cons
- High price point
- Not great for wearing out
My Top Pick: Skechers Cessnok Food Service Shoe
They're such a great value for the money, check out the lowest price on Amazon right now!
Final Thoughts On Shoes For Drumming
Finding the right shoes is a very personal thing. What works for me maybe horrible and uncomfortable for you.
However, if you follow the tips in this guide, there are many more shoes out there that will be excellent for playing your drum set. Running shoes can also be a great option, as long as they’re flexible and lightweight enough!
This list of five shoes will give you a great start in finding the perfect pair for your drumming needs.
So there you have it! My essential guide to drumming shoes.
