High-Quality Footwear
In drum corps, your shoes are your life!
HIGH-QUALITY FOOTWEAR
By Patrice Jones, CPC, CWDS
HIGH-QUALITY RUNNING SHOES:
High-quality, properly fitted running shoes are a must for drum corps. We say running because you will actually be running to increase endurance, but a lot of the marching we do puts the same demands on the foot as running. These shoes are not cheap, and this is the one area where you shouldn’t skimp if possible. You will be in these shoes 12-15 hours every day, and they are vital to your comfort, mood, and physical performance. Ultimately, it’s all about how the shoe feels on YOUR foot, so if you can, try before you buy (run a little, dance, and do some marching). Make sure and take the socks you plan to wear when you try on your shoes. Thicker socks may require a bigger size, and I recommend thicker socks for this sport (See Socks section below). If you already have a shoe that works, stick with it. If you can’t find the same model, look at later models but also check “what’s changed.” Companies often tell you what they’ve change, and it may be something that impacts you. Also, there are many sites that review these shoes and it may be worth looking at that information if you’re trying to decide. Typically, we recommend a lighter color shoe to help keep the heat down, but we do understand that guards may want you to have one black shoe for performances. We indicate which shoes have a black version and what that looks like.
What You’ll Need:
Two pairs of high-quality shoes and 14-20 pairs of athletic socks/compression socks. Socks should be changed out every day and sometimes twice a day if your socks are soaked. Shoes often get wet from rain and dew, so you’ll need a back-up pair, but we also recommend that you cycle your shoes so both pairs of broken-in. We do laundry about every 2 weeks, so you’ll need enough clothing to last at least 14 days.
First, let’s break down the parts of the shoe, so you’ll know what I’m talking about. The image below identifies the parts we’ll be talking about.
There are a few definitions you’ll need to know before you commit to a pair of shoes. You don’t want to drop $150 on a pair of shoes that are wrong for your foot type and needs. Typically, people with flat feet (pes planus) pronate while people with high arches (pes cavus) supinate. That is not always the case but is typically the situation. The alignment of the heel bone with the bones in the leg are what determine pronation and supination, and my goal is to make this information accessible enough to inform your shoe purchase.
I highly recommend visiting a running store. They have knowledgeable salespeople and equipment that can scan your foot and give you this information. You do not have to purchase shoes at the store, but you can take that information to select an option and order online. I will be at the May camp and can also evaluate your foot, after which you can purchase shoes that complement your arch, foot alignment, gait, and marching needs.
Each running shoe below will indicate what it’s good for (neutral vs. stability, etc.). There are many more “neutral” shoes than “stability” shoes, and list below is not exhaustive. They are simply shoes I’ve had experience with, or other drum corps members have used. You want a running shoe because you will be running and moving quickly. Ultimately, every member should also be using an orthotic to provide the support they need for their arches as most drum corps members’ arches fall and require support. People who pronate or supinate or who’ve had previous ankle injuries (weak ankles) will want a shoe with more stability, so their ankle doesn’t roll and cause an injury. When you try on shoes, make sure your toes have ample room. The ideal shoe will allow you to spread your toes for better stability, but not all shoes are designed that way. Once you get the shoes, try forward/backward marching, side-to-side movements, crab step (battery), and dance moves (guard) to see how the shoes perform. I say inside because if something is obviously wrong, you won’t be able to return them if they have visible wear on them, and doing anything outside on concrete or asphalt will do that.
Inserts (orthotics): I can make a bulk purchase of proper orthotics from our DCI podiatrist, Dr. Freeman, and I’ll post on Discord about this. They will cost about $15/pair, so you will need to send that money to RCR if you want to go this route. His shoe list for the year hasn’t been released yet, but I’ll send it to you as soon as it’s available. There are good orthotics you can purchase online or from Amazon, and I’ll list a few after the shoes.
Definitions:
Drop: The drop of a shoe is the difference between the height at the heel and the height at the forefoot in millimeters. Having a higher drop is recommended for members who are “heel strikers.” A higher heel drop (6 to 12 mm) is ideal to propelling your body forward but is not required. Higher drops typically have more cushioning in the heel.
Toe Box: The toe box is the part of the shoe that covers your toes. Ideally, you want a roomy toe box that doesn’t pinch your toes together on the side and allow you to spread your toes, but you also want to make sure there is at least a thumb nail’s width from your longest toe (not necessarily your big toe) to the end. There are brands of shoes that are known for their wide toe boxes (Altra), and they are very comfortable and help greatly with stability! I, personally, wear Altras because they have no drop (except the one example below) and a wide toe box, which means they are as close to being barefoot as you can get. I also have a normal arch and don’t pronate or supinate. Zero-drop shoes require an adjustment period for most, especially if you’re used to wearing a shoe with a 10-12mm drop.
Stack height: The amount of material or sole between the foot and the ground. A greater stack height will provide more cushion, but if you are prone to rolling your foot, you’ll sustain a bigger injury. Hokas are known for their cushioning, but some models have a high stack height.
Midsole Stiffness: Stability shoes (good for anyone who supinates or pronates) have a stiffer midsole. This midsole is the bulk of the sole (between the upper and outer sole) and the most important part for stability and cushion. Stack height and drop are part of the midsole design.
Pronate: To turn the sole of the foot outward.
Supinate: To turn the sole of the foot inward.
Pes planus: Flat feet or loss of the arch on the inside of the foot. People with flat feet typically pronate.
Pes cavus: Feet with high arches. People with high arches typically supinate. Strain is usually seen on the heel, ball of the foot, and outside of foot.
All three views above are of the right foot. As you can see, the one on the left has no arch which causes the inside of the ankle to rotate in, putting the stress on the inside of the foot. The image in the center is a “neutral” foot (probably with a normal arch) which doesn’t turn one way or the other. The image on the right rolls to the outside of the foot or supinates. Not everyone with no arch (flat feet) or a high arch pronates or supinates, so it’s important to assess what your foot does.
To go (further) down the rabbit hole on running shoes, Click here.
RECOMMENDED SHOES:
These are a few recommendations based on personal experience from myself and other drum corps members. I am not a podiatrist. If you have specific questions or concerns about your feet, I highly recommend consulting a podiatrist or your medical provider.
Most, if not all, of these shoes can be found on Amazon. Usually, the previous year’s model can be had for a cheaper price but the sizes, colors, and widths may be limited.
AltraFwd Experience:
Altra makes high-quality shoes designed to accommodate the natural design of the foot, not squish it. Their wide toe box is famous and may take some adjustment. My shoe of choice is Altra, and I’ve worn many other brands and models. This is a new model, and my child, a colorguard member this year in ORIGINS and Troopers is wearing it. She reports amazing things – comfortable, room to spread her toes (important for dance moves and crab step - battery), great for toe-heel marching and jazz running and doesn’t inflame her shin splints. She has high arches but does not supinate and uses an insert. Most of Altra’s shoes do not have a rockered shape and are zero-drop. I own this one as well and use it for running and work outs. This one is different: it is rockered and has a 4mm drop to help with a smooth, quick toe-off. We spread our toes to help with stability, and you will have no problem doing that in any of the Altra shoes. This is a neutral shoe and is a great choice for many of those doing drum corps, including guard. Also, it comes in an all-black option!
Altra Torin 7:
The Altra Torin 7 has a high amount of cushion with a 0mm drop. This is a drum corps favorite with a slightly less rockered bottom than the AltraFwd. With the 0mm drop, you’ll have to work a little harder on the toe-off motion, but this is still an excellent choice for many drum corps members. The wide toe-box increases stability and allows toes to spread, especially crucial for guard and battery (crab step) and helpful in all side-to side movements. It comes in black with a white sole.
Altra Via Olympus 2:
The Altra Via Olympus 2 offers a higher stack than the other two Altra recommendations and has more cushioning. This shoe also has a rockered shape for a smooth, quick heel-toe movement and jazz running, and it’s known for its secure heel collar. This shoe has a 0mm drop, but the rockered sole helps with forward motion. Comes in black with black sole.
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23:
This model is what we call a stability shoe. If you have issues with rolling your ankle or know you pronate or supinate, this may be a good choice. It has a medium amount of stability with cushion and is especially helpful when you get tired. This shoe has a 12mm drop (maximum) which will help propel you forward in your roll step. This shoe also has an excellent heel counter to hold you heel firmly in place and comes in narrow, medium, wide and extra-wide widths. This shoe comes in narrow, medium, wide, and extra-wide widths and offers both an all-black and black with white sole/logo options.
Brooks Ghost 16 (release date of 5/1/24):
The Brooks Ghost 16 will be released soon and has a low stack height with a medium amount of cushion. Despite the low stack height, it still has a maximum drop of 12mm which makes this a good candidate for anyone with high arches or those who tend to heel strike. It is a neutral shoe which makes it a good choice for those with strong ankles and no pronation/supination. This ghost is lighter than its predecessors. Previous versions of this shoe were a drum corps favorite and provided firm support. An all-black and black with white sole/logo will be available. There should be two widths, regular and wide, but we won’t know until 5/1.
Brooks Glycerin GTS 21:
This shoe has a 10mm drop and has the highest level of cushion for Brooks. This is a stability shoe and would be a good choice for those who have of history of rolling your ankle or who pronate/supinate. The GuideRails technology from Brooks helps to keep excess movement in check. This shoe comes in medium or wide widths and offers both an all-black and black with white sole options.
Diadora Mythos Blushield Volo 4:
This is another neutral shoe, which might feel great if you have a wider foot. There is flexibility in the toe which will help with the roll step. It is durable and lightweight. The stack height is much less than a HOKA, but it still has good cushioning for long days on the field. This shoe has a high heel drop (10mm) with a high amount of cushion and removable insole. There is only one width for this shoe, and it only comes in three different multi-colored options – no black.
HOKA Challenger ATR 7:
This is a very light, neutral shoe with a medium level of cushioning, a 5mm drop, and a rockered bottom. It will do well with toe off and propel you forward. This shoe is different than many others on this list because it has more grip on the sole (good for road and trail). If you tend to slide on grass or want more grip, this shoe will help. It also has a higher heel pull which irritate some, so make sure your socks are a little higher. The Challenger ATR 7 comes in regular and wide widths and has an all-black option.
HOKA Clifton 9:
HOKAs are known for their lightness and cushioning and are used by people who are on their feet all day like medical professionals. This shoe will perform well for quick marching and has a rockered sole which helps tremendously with heel-to-toe marching. It’s well ventilated and stays securely on the foot. It has a 5mm drop and an increased stack height from previous versions. I have personally worn Clifton 8s, but now prefer the Altras. This show has an all-black and black with white sole and gray logo option.
New Balance Fresh Foam X 860v13:
This is a stability shoe which means it’s appropriate for those with a history of rolling their ankle and pronation. It has a 10mm drop which will help with forward motion. This shoe comes in narrow, standard, wide, and extra-wide and offers both an all-black model and a black with gray sole/logo option. If you like this one, make sure your toes aren’t smushed!
New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v14:
This is a “neutral” shoe which means it’s a good shoe for people who don’t pronate or supinate. It has an 8mm drop which will help propel you forward. These shoes have an average foot width, arch height, foot height, and heel width. This shoe comes in standard, wide, and extra wide and has a black with white sole/logo option.
Nike Pegasus 40:
Another neutral, lightweight shoe with a narrower fit, especially in the toe box. This model does come in an extra-wide version. This shoe has no energy return but is stable. It has a high heel drop (10mm) and is one of the heavier shoes on this list. This is a solid shoe but none of the Nikes are on my favorites list.
Saucony Glide 17:
This shoe has high level of cushion with a moderate drop of 6mm while still being responsive. It also provides a high level of support to help with fatigue throughout the day. This shoe would be a good choice for anyone who pronates or supinates. It has a rockered sole to help the heel-toe marching and comes in regular and wide widths. There is a black with white sole option.
Saucony Triumph 21:
Despite having the maximum amount of cushion offered by Saucony, the Triumph 21 is responsive. It’s a neutral shoe that offers a moderate amount of stability. It has a 10mm drop and comes in regular and wide widths. This shoe does offer a black option with white or black sole.
ATHLETIC SOCKS:
Most athletes forget about the socks and buy whatever’s convenient, but appropriate socks are extremely important to the foot health of drum corps members. Unfortunately, this also means high-quality socks are not cheap. NEVER choose an all-cotton or pure wool sock because they trap moisture. The result is blisters and breakdown of the skin. Breakdown of the skin means you’ll be off your feet for days until they heal. There are about 250,000 sweat glands in a pair of feet and the average person produces about half a pint of sweat per day. Drum corps members are in shoes for an average of 10-12 hours per day, much of that outside in the heat moving around. They can produce an enormous amount of sweat!
Sock Material:
The first thing to check when choosing socks/compression socks is the material. All-cotton and pure wool should NEVER be used. Cotton blends with a high amount of cotton should be avoided. Low-cotton blends may be ok but can still trap moisture and lead to blisters. My recommendation is to stay away from cotton blends altogether.
Look for socks made with breathable fabrics like acrylic, nylon, or merino wool (my favorite). Synthetic material like nylon and acrylic dry quickly. Merino wool is breathable, nicely cushioned, durable, moisture-wicking, and odor resistant – everything a drum corps athlete needs! Bombas are the brand I use and recommend, but there are others.
Sock Height:
Socks should ALWAYS be high enough so that no part of your shoe is touching the skin. The sock protects your skin against shoe friction. I know many people don’t like for their socks to show, but in this sport, do yourself a favor and don’t wear no-show socks. Blisters hurt and you will still be expected to march with them after the Health Team patches you up. If you have any history of shin splints or swelling in your ankles or feet, I highly recommend compression socks or sleeves. Compression sleeves are appropriate for many but may not help everyone with swelling in your feet and ankles. Compression socks will be knee high and friction from shoes won’t be an issue. Remember, compression socks/sleeves help tremendously with shin splints.
Sock Thickness:
Thinner socks typically provide better breathability, but thick socks offer more protection and comfort. Since drum corps members are doing this activity all day long for months, thicker socks are better. Make sure to take sock thickness into consideration when choosing shoes. You may need to go up a half or whole size to accommodate them or get a wider width.
Moisture-Wicking:
Moisture-wicking socks are fantastic for this sport. Some makers have a double layer feature that pulls moisture and heat away from the skin. Moisture-wicking is crucial to foot health and helps prevent blisters and skin breakdown. Most if not all of these can be ordered on Amazon which is often the most efficient way to get all the gear for drum corps.
RECOMMENDED SOCKS:
Wrightsock offers excellent single- and double-layer socks.
Check out Bombas for athletic (running) and compression (performance) socks. Check out women’s athletic socks, women’s compression socks, men’s athletic socks, and men’s compression socks.
Physix make great compression gear that also meets the “sock” needs for drum corps. Check out their products here. Click here for calf compression sleeves.