Drum corps season is quickly approaching, and shoes are one of the most important items you’ll bring on your drum corps tour this summer. Members and staff, alike, will be getting tens of thousands of steps per day from spring training through Finals Day. One of the best ways to improve comfort while you’re on your feet, and decrease risk of overuse injury is selecting the right shoes for you!
You may wonder, “how did Marching Health come up with this list?” We have employed our team of sports physical therapists, athletic trainers, and visual instructors to try out a wide number of shoes over the last few years. Several of these models and brands have stood out above others. We also have partnered with two running shoe stores, a marching band shoe manufacturer, and a leading orthotics company to go in-depth on the make-up of each shoe to learn more about why these models are successful in the marching arts. If you follow our social media accounts, you’ll soon see videos of our team testing different shoes by marching in them and discussing their features (stay tuned!).
We want this list to SERVE AS A GUIDE for you in your search for quality shoes. Trying on these shoes and those similar will give you a better understanding of what shoes fit your feet. The #1 rule when selecting shoes for marching is that the shoe must feel good on YOUR feet. Lists of “Top Shoes” do not necessarily mean this shoe is great for you personally, so, please, do not buy a shoe that does not feel good on your foot just because you saw it on our list.
You will need more than one pair of shoes over the course of the summer. We recognize that this list is one with higher-end prices. Your feet are worth the investment over the summer. However, if you need to find more budget-friendly shoes, stay with these brands that are known for their reliability. Trying some of these shoes on, even if you don’t intend to buy, will help guide you to the feel of shoes that work best for the marching activity.
Before we dive in, take a quick look at this shoe diagram to familiarize yourself with shoe anatomy and terminology. The obvious parts of the shoe are the “lower” cushioning and the “upper” of the shoe. “Drop” is a term used to describe the difference between the height of the heel cushioning and that of the forefoot. Variations in “toe box” describe the width across the forefoot of the shoe, which allows your toes room to spread. “Midsole” is the area between the Upper and Outsole where additional support may be added.
Without further ado, here is our list of Top Shoes for 2024! (drum roll, please)
Nike Pegasus 40:
The Pegasus, named after the Greek horse-god, is a lightweight shoe, which can be a nice element on long rehearsal days. It has a high heel toe drop at 10mm and features a moderately cushioned midsole foam. Compared to other shoes on the list, the Pegasus 40 may have a narrow fit. It is important to note that the foot will naturally swell during physical activity and sufficient width is important when considering which shoe is best for you. This shoe is considered a neutral shoe, and has a stable ride.
Brooks Ghost 16:
The Ghost provides firm support, but also with enough cushioning to be very comfortable. This is often an excellent choice for those who feel good in a shoe with a lower stack height and more ground feel. The ghost is a neutral shoe and has a high drop at 12 mm. Some of our staff have worn the Ghost for many years and consider it a reliable and time-tested shoe.
New Balance 880v14:
The 880 is a neutral shoe with a 10 mm drop and is one our staff favorite picks! The 880 is a mid-cushion and mid-stability shoe that can fit a variety of feet. It has a sturdy, yet soft, feel during forwards and backwards marching and can handle long rehearsal days comfortably.
Brooks Glycerin GTS 21:
The Glycerin GTS 21 is designed to be a max cushioned stability trainer. This is a fantastic option for those looking for more cushion without sacrificing support. This shoe is essentially the higher cushioned version of the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 (Also on this list).The GTS GuideRails on the medial and lateral sides of the shoe provide moderate stability for the user. The shoe is also made in a non-stability variant called simply the Glycerin 21, for those more sensitive to added stability in a shoe.
Hoka Clifton 9:
The Clifton is one of the most lightweight shoes on our list, but provides a significant amount of cushioning for comfort. The cushioning doesn’t compromise the quickness of the shoe and will keep up with marching even at fast tempos. The Clifton has a rockered underfoot, which creates a smooth heel-to-toe marching pattern. The upper has good ventilation and fit security which can provide more comfort when rehearsing outside in the heat.
Diadora Volo 4:
The Volo is another neutral shoe that is very lightweight, but has a layer of synthetic fat which gives a level of cushioning and impact absorption for long rehearsals. The Volo has a roomy upper which accommodates wider feet. This shoe has a stable neutral platform, but enough flexibility in toe off when performing a roll step. This shoe may be a good fit for hornline members who need a comfortable, durable, yet lightweight shoe.
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23:
The Adrenaline has made our list again and for good reason! The Adrenaline is another stability shoe that offers a moderate amount of stability and cushion provided by Brooks’ GuideRail system. This system offers support when you need it especially as fatigue sets in during rehearsals. The adrenaline has a 12mm drop and our staff felt that this was good for a roll step with marching because it pushed them forward with movement. The heel counter is firm which does increase stability and can help with ankle control. This shoe is a classic and could be a good fit for many feet.
Diadora Vigore 2:
The Vigore is a stability shoe, but of note, has more medial stability which could benefit those who tend to overpronate in the gait cycle or have lower arches. Like the Volo, it also has a layer of synthetic fat which provides cushioning without sacrificing energy return.
Altra Torin 7:
Altra is a brand that makes low to zero drop and wide toe boxed shoes, which makes it different from the other shoes on our list. This shoe may not be for those who are used to a more traditional running shoe, as it may take some getting used to. Again, it is about how YOU feel in the shoe. However, the zero drop and wide toe box may be helpful for drumline members who are crabbing and on the platforms of their foot primarily while marching. The width of the toe box increases the spread of the toes which could increase stability with side-to-side movement.
Saucony Triumph 21:
The Triumph has a smooth heel to toe roll with maximum cushioning, however this level of cushion may feel unstable if the user has less ankle strength or stability. This shoe feels cushioned, but with also a good energy return during push-off when tested with jazz-running.
INOV8 Trailfly
This INOV8 is made as a hybrid trail shoe, with an excellent stack and a 6mm drop. This shoe is appropriate on both grass and asphalt for varied practice surfaces. The Trailfly will have great durability and versatility for a long summer of marching.
ON CloudMonster:
The Monster is another high cushion shoe which feels extremely comfortable when on your feet for long periods of time. Of note, there is even a notable amount of cushion in the toe which felt comfortable with backwards marching when our staff tried this on. This could be a good shoe for hornline members, but may be somewhat unstable for those with a history of ankle instability. Front ensemble and drum majors would likely love this shoe for its soft, cloud-like feel while standing stationary.
Saucony Guide 17:
A cushioned lightweight shoe that is quite responsive that also offers medial pronation support. This stability should help those who have a more flexible arch. This shoe is versatile and offers maximum cushioning.
Hoka Arahi 7:
The Hoka Arahi 7 is a moderate cushion/moderate stability shoe from Hoka. It offers lateral control and stability through the “J-Frame” in the midsole. It offers a similar degree of stability to Brooks’ Adrenaline GTS and Glycerin GTS but in a lighter package. The heel to toe drop is on the lower end at 5mm.
Hoka Challenger ATR 7:
The Challenger 7 from Hoka is an all-terrain shoe, offering a sturdy shoe in a light package. Different from other shoes on our list, the Challenger features a thick grippy outsole ideal for mixed terrains- whether you are on bumpy grass fields or a freshly paved parking lot field. The Challenger has a 5mm drop and offers moderate cushioning.
Remember, these shoes are great for certain people but may not be the ideal shoe for you. This is not an exhaustive list of the great options that shoe companies have to offer. Other top brands, like Asics and Adidas, have excellent shoes that we did not get to research. Shoe companies are always adapting technology and are trying to offer the best shoe for your money. Go and try on some shoes at your local running shop, or a store where a knowledgeable associate can analyze what your feet need. Happy marching!
Disclaimer: Marching Health intends this material for educational purposes only. Marching Health is not liable for any injury, loss, or damage due to use of information from this content.