2025 Recommended Shoe List for Marching Musicians
Guide to Shoes for Marching Musicians
For nearly two decades Dr. Tom Freeman, a podiatrist who works with DCI's Marching Arts Safety & Health Project, has created an annual list of recommended footwear designed to stand up to the rigors of participating in a summer season of drum corps. Freeman says of the updated 2025 list:
This is the 2025 recommended shoe list. The most important piece of equipment you will take to spring training and keep through the summer are your shoes. They will determine whether you get on the field in May and stay out there performing daily until the DCI World Championships in August. They are your only connection to the Earth below and are a tool to control forces, protect your body, and keep you uninjured.
The science of shoes is evolving rapidly. This winter we met manufacturers and talked about what we were seeing and how it relates to our activity. Choosing a shoe requires it to address the mechanics of our activity, be stable during choreography while accounting for the nature of long days, weather, heat and surfaces we encounter.
There is much movement in research and design of shoes ranging from minimalist design to ultra cushioned shoes and there are opinions on each. This list provides a guide to take to the store with you that is specific to THIS activity. It gives you the best chance to get through the summer uninjured. We are on a football field, but we are not in cleats. We are running, but the choreography makes traditional running shoes a bad choice as they lack the lateral stability for movements that choreography requires. These shoes are selected with the performing arts specifically in mind.
Diving into the list there are many shoes. There is not one shoe that is the best. There are many good shoes, but the best advice is “Find one that fits and does what you need it to do.” Take the list and head off to the store to try many brands, colors and styles from the list to figure out which fits YOUR foot and feels good. Try them on, walk around, use one thumb width between your longest toe and the end of the shoe to find the correct fit. If you are heavier or carry a tuba or tenor drums you will want the sturdiest and most control you can find. You WILL need 2 or 3 pairs to get from spring training to Indy safely. There are shoes on the list with a $ sign. Those are great shoes that are economical. Seeing someone with 3 pairs of value shoes is much better with a lesser chance of injury than a performer who tries to make one pair of more expensive shoes last the entire tour.
Socks are equally as important with “moisture wicking” being the term to look for. Dri-FIT, Climacool and HeatGear are all trade names for “moisture wicking” fibers. Make sure you have enough of these specific socks and change them often as you need to prevent warts, ingrowns and rashes. Compression socks are helpful. DCI and Apolla have partnered to offer socks for compression/injury prevention. As research goes forward in athletics, compression and support are important and evolving concepts.
In summary:
• Take the recommended shoe list to the store and try on several pairs. Walk around/march in them to get a feel.
• Check fit and stability in the store. When you find the right shoes, buy 2 or 3 pairs to get you through the summer.
• Get socks that are labelled “moisture wicking” to help you avoid warts, blisters and ingrown.
• Have a great summer! Report injuries and problems early. Ice often and early.
View full shoe list (link to downloadable PDF)
Recommended Shoe Buying Guide
We may earn a commission when you shop through the Amazon affiliate links below. Proceeds will support the ongoing work of the Marching Arts Safety & Health Project (MASH), including the MASH scholarship presented annually as part of the DCI World Championships. Pricing below may vary by style, color and size.
Athletic Socks |
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Drum Corps International has joined forces with Apolla Performance Wear in an effort to elevate performance and performer health as part of DCI’s Marching Arts Safety and Health (MASH) initiative. “Apolla Performance Wear takes center stage as the recommended sock by DCI, a testament to our unwavering commitment to superior quality, comfort, and support,” Apolla CEO Brianne Zborowski said. “Designed for performers who push their limits, Apolla socks offer unparalleled arch support, ankle stability, and energy absorption, ensuring every step taken on the field is one of confidence and strength.” Apolla socks are specifically engineered to meet the rigorous demands of marching arts performers. Their patented compression technology offers:
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Orthotics & Other Accessories |
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Spenco Polysorb Cross Trainer Athletic Cushioning Arch Support Shoe Insoles |
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Additional Resources
2025 Printable List of Recommended Shoe Styles
More from Dr. Freeman on the best shoes for marching music
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