As a drum corps member, your feet are your most important tool! They keep you moving through the summer both on and off the field. But you get to the store and there are so many choices! Blue vs yellow. Heavy vs light. Cushioned vs firm. To give you a jumpstart we have compiled a guide of the top 10 shoes to consider for your summer. (And a few tips to help you shop)
Before we dive in, here is a diagram to help you better understand the anatomy of a shoe.
Without further ado, your “Top 10 Shoes for DCI 2018”.
1. Brooks Glycerin 15
Brooks shoes are unbelievably comfortable. They are cushioned in the upper to give your foot all around comfort. These are slightly firmer than the Ghost model, choosing between them comes down to personal preference.
2. Hoka Clifton 4
This shoe comes with a lot of cushion while being very lightweight. With lots of cushion in the rearfoot it is great for hornline members who want to protect their heels from repeated impacts.
3. Brooks Ghost 10
This model of Brooks shares many of the same qualities as the Glycerin as far as comfort goes. However, they are softer underfoot between the two Brooks models. Cushioning in the heel and toe makes this perfect for any member.
4. Adidas Adizero Tempo 9
This Adidas shoe is smaller, lighter, and firmer than most shoes on this list. This is a great shoe for someone who has strong feet and needs less cushion. Although it can be worn by anyone, the cushioning in the forefoot makes it best for a percussionist who spends most of the show on the balls of their feet.
5. ASICS Nimbus 20
ASICS are known as one of the most durable shoes on the market. I personally wore them for both of my summers of DCI. This model is one of the most cushioned shoes in the ASICS line-up.
6. ASICS GT-1000 6
Another model of ASICS to make the list in part due to durability. This shoe has firmer cushion than most on the list, but is still comfortable and will fit someone who likes a little more support.
7. Saucony Ride 10
The Ride is a shoe with a good base to help spread the force throughout a greater area. It is another shoe that is good for heel-strikers (hornline), but has a smaller drop to feel more balanced.
8. NIKE Pegasus 34
A list of shoes wouldn’t be complete without a pair of Nikes. A good all-round shoe with support throughout. It would function well for all members of the corps.
9. Hoka Cavu
This Hoka is the lightest shoe on our list at just over 8oz. It is both cushioned in the heel and firm at the ball of the foot making it a great choice for any marching member. This shoe also has the smallest drop on the list. Which can help give the achilles more flexibility.
10. ASICS Dynaflyte 2
This shoe is one that I suggest after lots of personal experience. I wear this shoe everyday and it seems to get more and more comfortable. The Dynaflyte has the latest cushioning from ASICS and is also one of their lightest shoes. With cushioning in the forefoot, it is great for a percussionist who wants a little softer landing.
*Note: Every foot is a little bit different. Do not buy a shoe just because we suggest it. If it works for you, then use it! This is designed to give you some guidance.
Pro Tips
Try shoes on in late afternoon (When your feet are more realistic to your foot size)
Run/march a little in the store.
Try on more than one pair, despite how much you love the first pair.
Do not worry about how “cool” they look, they will get dirty and no one will notice.
You will need MORE than 1 pair of shoes. Each summer will take at least 2-3 pairs of shoes.
See our video about changing shoes:
https://www.facebook.com/MarchingHealth/videos/1968376193380532/
Consider using Amazon at mail-drops if you don’t have enough room in your bag.
Feel free to try a model behind, they are similar and often cheaper. (Ride 9 vs Ride 10)
Find a store that allows for returns/exchanges after a period of use.
Try running specific stores like Roadrunner, Fleet Feet, or your local running store.
References
Kong, P.W., N.G. Candelaria, and D.R. Smith. Running in new and worn shoes: a comparison of three types of cushioning footwear. Br J Sports Med. 43:745-9, 2009.
Dicharry, J.M., et al. Differences in static and dynamic measures in evaluation of talonavicular mobility in gait. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 39:628-34, 2009.
Richards, C.E., P.J. Magin, and R. Callister. Is your prescription of distance running shoes evidence-based? Br J Sports Med. 43:159-62, 2009.
Ogon, M., et al. Footwear affects the behavior of low back muscles when jogging. Int J Sports
Med. 22:414-9, 2001.