The Best Drumming Shoes of 2024

Drummers never have the same style and many will make choices based on not only their style but what fits the band too. These choices also reflect on the type of footwear somewhere might wear in the studio or on stage. 

Considering how much fashion has changed in rock and metal over the years, it has also dictated what someone might wear when playing with their bandmates, including all styles of shoes. Below, we will dig into these shoe preferences based on comfort and style.

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The best drumming shoes you can buy

Best Seller: Converse Hi-Top

Is there anything more rock than a Converse? Maybe not and there’s a good reason for it. They are perfect for drumming in. The Hi-Top version comes with the added ankle support needed for anyone who moves their feet quickly repeatedly and could be at risk of rolling over at any second. Mixed with a grippy sole, these are perfect to wear knowing that your feet are well-protected, but you can still feel the pedals as you drum. 

The good thing about Converse shoes is that they mix purpose with style. It’s more than likely that someone in your band will also wear the same, if not similar, type of shoe. Giving you a matching look with your bandmates gives you an added presence on stage and is a great little bonus to wearing them as you drum. 

Pros:

• Stylish
• Excellent ankle support
• Grippy sole 

Cons:

• Sizes are bigger than advertised
• Laces can interfere if they come undone 

Top Pick: Vans SK8-HI Sneakers 

Vans know how to build sturdy and stylish shoes and the SK8-Hi Sneakers are no exception. These hi-top sneakers offer great support across your entire foot making him feel connected with the entire piece. The rubber soles are very grippy and give a great feel when hitting the kick pedal no matter what your style of drumming might be. 

Of course, these still keep the classic Vans look. With high sidewalls and thick sole lining, the shoes look big even if they feel relatively lightweight. They give a stylish look that will be matched by both bandmates on stage and fans cheering on the floor. 

Pros:

• Grippy rubber sole
• Excellent foot and ankle support
• Stylish look 

Cons:

• Feels wider than it looks
• Poor stitching quality

Best Value: Sparco X-Light+ Racing Shoe 

Racing shoes double up as great drumming boots and Italian racing firm Sparco give a great offering with their X-Light+ Racing boot. Despite its heavy look, the boot is lightweight.

This is done thanks to it being made from an extremely lightweight synthetic fabric. This hi-tech fabric is also stretchy and moves with your foot muscles, giving you full control and feel of your feet when they touch a pedal. 

They are extremely durable too, meaning you can wear these for an entire tour and have them still stay in one piece. The maker also designed them with breathable mesh on the sides to help soak up and absorb sweat from inside the shoe, making them comfortable to wear for an entire show. A stylish boot that many might not look for when searching for the perfect drumming boot. 

Pros:

• Very Durable
• Lightweight
• Absorbs Sweat 

Cons:

• Expensive
• Tight fit

Can you wear boots whilst drumming? 

Of course, you can wear boots whilst drumming and some of the best drummers have harnessed it through the years. 

Many top drummers have reverted to wearing boot-like shoes whilst playing, and it has become common for some of the biggest bands in rock today. 

The likes of Tre Cool and Lars Ulrich have become known for wearing high-profile drumming shoes, and these have included hi-top boots as part of their apparel. 

It’s not like drummers pick unknown brands either, as many drummers use top designer brands like Converse or Vans to give them an added edge whilst playing behind their kit. 

What are the types of drumming boots available? 

There are several types of drumming boots available for anyone looking to invest in a pair. These can include: 

• Hi-top sneakers: With their high ankle support, hi-top sneakers give excellent support to your entire foot and lower leg, making it easy to drum for longer periods. They also have the same comfort as regular sneakers. 
• Racing Boots: Believe it or not, motor racing boots are also good shoes for drumming. They are extremely grippy but also very lightweight, giving full control over every movement. Drummers such as Linkin Park’s Rob Bourdon have pioneered this style. 
• Wrestling Shoes: They might seem heavy-duty, but wrestling boots are actually an excellent choice of drumming boot. Extremely durable and still comfortable, these are a good choice should anyone want something a little different. 

No matter what type of shoe or boot you choose to wear, it is always good to find one that meets all your needs, no matter what type it is. 

What makes a good drumming boot? 

No matter what type of drumming boot you want to invest in, they should all have some common traits. After all, the best shoes and boots on the market all have the same thing in mind: making you drum well. 

Some of the most key things to look out for in a good drumming boot include: 

Comfort 

There is nothing worse than drumming in footwear that is uncomfortable. It will not only hurt your foot, but you won’t get the feel you need when kicking the bass pedal. Therefore, find something that is easy to wear and that you can use for hours on end. Therefore comfort is more than just a bonus—it’s a necessity. 

Weight

Believe it or not, the weight of a shoe makes an enormous difference to your playing style. Something lightweight is ideal. Not only does it make it easier to move your foot whilst drumming, but it increases the feel and grip you have on the pedals. It’s a key aspect that helps you define your overall drumming style. 

Support

A good drumming boot should support your body—not work against it. If the sides and heel support good posture, drumming is much more bearable. It will avoid blisters forming on your feet but also protect your ankle should it slip or roll in the middle of a performance. 

By combining all these aspects it will help you select the right boot for your drumming needs and reject anything that doesn’t quite feel right. 

FAQ

Can I wear boots with heels? 

It’s not wise to drum in boots with a pronounced heel, as they can affect your balance when drumming. They are also heavier compared to other boots. 

Are boots better than sneakers? 

There is no difference between someone who drums in boots or sneakers, as the right shoes will offer wonderful comfort and grip levels. Pick a model that looks and feels right for you. 

Do cowboy boots make good drumming shoes? 

Not really, as cowboy boots are very heavy and have many features that are unsuitable for drumming. They may only be good for drumming if they provide a particular look that you are going for. 

Conclusion 

If you aren’t sure whether drumming shoes are for you, it’s best to investigate all their properties. If you search carefully, you will find drumming shoes that have been designed especially for performances in mind. 

You will find that they will not only be easy to wear but give surprising levels of grip and offer decent levels of support for your feet and ankle. That is why many top brands such as Converse and Vans are often worn by stars in the industry. You can also explore some sports shoes too, as they have similar properties that drummers look for in the right shoes.