i discovered the best SM/backstage shoes ever

[adrianej]

They are called Dinkles. Marching bands use them. They are super comfortable and come in flat black. I can wear them for 6 hours of tech and not feel a thing. They rock. newbielink:http://www.dinkles.com/purchase.asp [nonactive]

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

[Tempest]

Ooooo.  I was in marching band.  Yes, good shoes, but *twitch twitch*

[shanakathleen]

I am currently in marching band at school, and while this seems to be quite an interesting and practical idea, I don't know how eager I am to wear mine outside of band. Plus, we've just switched to Drill Masters, which is not as comfortable.

[zayit shachor]

When I was in marching band we used Drillmasters (http://www.drillmaster.com), too.  They look a little dorkier than Dinkles because they have a rolled heel (the roll step is key in marching band, ha).

I love using these backstage because they are super quiet, but shanakathleen's right - they're not as comfortable for long days.

[Baz]

Dinkles?

I've obviously had 'way too much exposure to old British comedy (film and stage) to be able to take the idea of wearing these without comment from crew or company seriously -

"Ooh, err! That's a nice pair of Dinkles you've got there!"

Somewhat diminishes one's status, I think...

[stagebear]

never heard of those, but i do love my capezio split-sole dance sneakers for tech.

[jspeaker]

never heard of those, but i do love my capezio split-sole dance sneakers for tech.

My favorites too!

[jmc]

I like the g'd 'ol Aussie safety boots;-
http://www.istockphoto.com/file_closeup/locations/natural_areas/beaches/2775593_aussie_thongs_on_a_beach.php?id=2775593
Not practical but far better than bare feet!

[J]

I guess I'm in the minority here, but I just go with black or dark tennis shoes.  Since the number of days that you are actually on your feet for 12hrs/day are limited, I'm fine with what I've got. Plus-- I got to look good backstage!

[Scott]

I guess I'm in the minority here, but I just go with black or dark tennis shoes.  Since the number of days that you are actually on your feet for 12hrs/day are limited, I'm fine with what I've got. Plus-- I got to look good backstage!

Ditto on tennis shoes -- black Reeboks seem to work well for me.  It's the extra pair of fresh clean socks to change into 1/2 to 3/4 of the way through the 12 hour day that makes all the difference.

[J]

I have a pair of Steve Madden tenni's that I really like. They are comfortable and make me look damn sexy at my console backstage!

[smejs]

Our Dinkles were white in band...and I don't remember them being that comfy.

That said, I make sure I have good arch support in them (I have inserts), and let alone the idea of an extra pair of socks, I make sure I alternate shoes every other day so they can air out appropriately.

I was shocked this last run to find that my "quiet" pair of shoes had turned "squeaky"!

Erin

[Midnight Blue]

The comic strip "Funky Winkerbean" has a fanatic marching band director as a character. His name is Harry Dinkle. They named the shoes after the character.

[Sarah]

It's the extra pair of fresh clean socks to change into 1/2 to 3/4 of the way through the 12 hour day that makes all the difference.

Amen, brother.

[scotty011]

funny this should be brought up! I too have found my favourite shoes for work! I assume when you guys say "tennis shoes" you mean Dunlop Volleys or similar?

I hit the jackpot the other day and found steel capped volleys! Black ones at that! I actually cannot describe how excited I was! A lot of places I work at have policies requiring tech'ies to wear steel caps as part of their OH&s and I usually make my crew where them regardless so now I can wear steel caps and still look cool!