Best shoes for pedal steel

[Brian Henry]

Any thoughts?

[Earl Foote]

Probably running or walking shoes, or any that allow rotation of the angle. For example pressing the B pedal while covering (but not pressing) the A pedal.

I know there are some guys that play in cowboy boots but they were always a little too rigid for me.

[Lee Baucum]

Probably running or walking shoes, or any that allow rotation of the angle. For example pressing the B pedal while covering (but not pressing) the A pedal.

I know there are some guys that play in cowboy boots but they were always a little too rigid for me.

Great advice about shoes, from a guy named Foote!

[Earl Foote]

Call me any time for shoe advice Lee

[Lee Rider]

Wool socks

[Ian Worley]

Waiting for Erv...

[Colin Boutilier]

Probably running or walking shoes, or any that allow rotation of the angle. For example pressing the B pedal while covering (but not pressing) the A pedal.

I know there are some guys that play in cowboy boots but they were always a little too rigid for me.

I swap out my all-day boots for another pair of boots that fit looser around the ankle.

[Bobby D. Jones]

It seems a lot depends on the make of guitar you are playing. If the guitar has return springs on the pedal cross shafts or on the pedal connector bar on the cross shafts. So the pedals have free play before moving the pulls. Or if the pedals have Zero travel before the string starts movement.

When I played a MSA Classic, (With cross shaft return springs) I could play with socks to police insulated boots.
When I started playing a GFI Ultra, (With no return springs.) House slippers work good.

When gigging I wear soft topped zippered side entry cowboy boots.

[Kenny Davis]

This topic was recently discussed somewhat thoroughly beginning in November of last year through February. If we're not careful it may attain the same status as the popular "How Do You Keep Your Picks From Falling Off" topics!

[Dennis Detweiler]

Or, how to keep your shoes from falling off. The best I found years ago was a pair of JC Penny calf skin zipper side, standard heel boots. I haven't found anything like them since. They were very flexible and comfortable with a fairly thin sole.

[Craig Stock]

Earle are you related to Horton?

[Austin Spendlove]

A very interesting topic indeed. I usually play in Vans sneakers. When we play Always...Patsy Cline at the local theater a few seasons ago, they wanted us in black cowboy boots. I couldn't get the ankle mobility I wanted, so I found a pair of slip-on dress shoes that looked just like boots with my pants covering the top. I've since gotten a good pair of boots that are actually my size, and I can play in them, but I still prefer Vans.

[Erv Niehaus]

Ian,
Minnetonka Moccasins

[Barry Anderson]

I used to be a vans only guy. But lately I've been dealing with some plantar fasciitis in my left foot, which seems to be exacerbated by longer periods of practice time. My foot hurts less when I practice wearing any kind of boot with a heel. Which is to say that, at least for me, maintaining a more neutral ankle angle is becoming as important a consideration as is side-to-side flexibility.

[Earl Foote]

Earle are you related to Horton?

Not as far as I know. But if his estate wants to send me money then yes, we were very close

[Colton Stokley]

I like cowboy boots because of the extra heel. I like R toe shape with rubber soles. The leather soles slip too much for me

I also have some tennis shoes i like because they also have a little more heel than most tennis shoes.

Without that heel, my foot ends up floating. Which is not good.

[Chris Templeton]

Jim Pitman has slippers he uses when he plays pedal steel.

[Jim Pitman]

Ayeh Chris - gotta be flexible especially in the ankle.

[Matthew Walton]

For me, round toe ropers are the best; the 1" heel is just the right amount of lift. I'll play barefoot or sock foot sometimes, and while my left foot is fine, I have a hard time keeping my volume pedal far back enough, so I find myself playing wide open unintentionally.

I do also have a pair of Ariat Hilo shoes that I'll play if I'm feeling a little more casual/wearing shorts. They have enough heel lift that I find them to be not too bad.

[Dave Grafe]

It all depends on the artist and the venue. For classic country on a big stage a dressy western look with cowboy boots is indicated, that's just basic showmanship. For casual rock and roll, small stages or jams you usually get to wear whatever you like. I currently play in one band in which Converse "Chucks" are the only uniform requirement. In general sneakers or slippers seem to me the most comfortable options and that's how I practice, but I have also played barefoot or in mocs a lot, especially back in the last century when I was a young hippie just starting out.

[John Larson]

Moccasin slippers

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