Many of Drum Corps International’s corps are on the verge of “move-ins” which will officially begin their intensive month-long spring training rehearsals in preparation for the June 24 start of DCI’s 50th Anniversary Summer Tour.
Recommended by Marching Arts Safety & Health Project podiatrist, Dr. Tom Freeman, the following list contains the top five shoe styles as purchased by corps members preparing to embark on the 2022 DCI Tour.
Dr. Freeman’s complete list of recommendations is made up of more than 100 shoe styles from different brands covering a wide variety of price points, all designed to stand up to the distinctive needs of marching musicians on the rehearsal field.
“The demands of this activity are well defined,” Freeman explains. “We have to have medial and lateral stability which leaves out running shoes that are designed for straight lines … The mid foot and rearfoot have to provide stability so each of the shoes chosen has met our parameters to give us that structure and work with our insoles. The forefoot has to be rugged enough to withstand turns and stops but still be flexible enough to perform the choreography demanded of our athletes. Most of all we have to absorb the shock of what we do. Trends toward lighter and more flexible shoes do not work here.”
Freeman recommends corps members have access to two to three pairs of shoes for the summer with the “perfect scenario” being a pair for spring training and replacements for mid-tour and late-tour.
View the complete 2022 List of Recommended Footwear
1. ASICS Gel-Venture 8
2. New Balance 510
3. New Balance 608
4. Adidas Terrex
5. Nike Air Monarch
View the 2022 guide to shoes for marching musicians
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