Sole Searching: The Ultimate Concert Shoe Guide

David Bowie once said, “Put on your red shoes and dance the blues.” Choosing the best pair of shoes or footwear for a concert can be a pretty daunting task, especially when you’re only a few hours away and don’t know which pair to wear. You have to keep in mind how it suits your style and aesthetic while also considering the vibes your favorite artist or band is bringing to their concert. But again, people won’t attend a concert just to gaze at your shoes.

At the same time, you don’t want to wear something that feels like a nightmare when you’re standing in line for hours at the merch booth just to get that overpriced tee you’re desperate to cop or waiting at the food stalls because you skipped breakfast to avoid getting stuck in traffic on the way to the venue. Having the comfiest pair that gets you through the night will always be priority numero uno.

From the stylish colorways of Onitsuka Tiger’s Mexico 66 to the comfiest and customizable Crocs clogs, Billboard Philippines has got your back with the best footwear to keep you comfortable and ready to dance the night away at your next live music experience

Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66

Kicking off our list is a certified hot fashion item these days. Originally created in Japan as a running shoe for athletes, the Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 debuted at the 1966 Olympic pre-trials in Mexico City. Today, it is more than just a trendy fashion item — it makes a bold statement by offering comfort and style.

The yellow and black colorway even appeared in Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill: Vol. 1, worn by Uma Thurman, paying homage to Bruce Lee’s look in 1978’s Game of Death. Coming with a variety of colorways that fit almost every mood and preference, the Mexico 66 fits just about any outfit for live music events. You’re not only getting the perfect combination of style and comfort, but you’re also able to enjoy the concert without worrying about your feet.

Adidas Handball Spezial

If you’re not feeling the Adidas Samba, the perfect alternative would be the Handball Spezial. Introduced in 1979 for handball athletes, these low-profile trainers are now known for their retro style and comfort. You don’t need to be a professional athlete to sport a pair. Take it from Hollywood star Paul Mescal (Normal People, Aftersun), who happens to be an Adidas ambassador at this point, rocking the Spezial for his outdoor errands.

This dependable suede shoe is perfect to pair up with your casual and perhaps semi-formal concert outfit. For neat freaks out there, this shoe is a bit of a dirt magnet with its premium suede feel. It may not be advisable to wear at an open-air live event or an intimate gig where drinks may be spilling over left and right.

Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star Canvas

When all else fails, nothing beats the classic. The Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star Canvas is probably the lazy way out as you rummage through your shoe rack, just hours before the concert. Created in 1917, the Chuck Taylor was initially designed as a basketball shoe. Around the ’50s, it was popularized by Hollywood icon James Dean as a shoe for the rebel and outcast crowd.

Since then, they have become a perfect fashion statement that echoes your niche indie music taste. You may have seen a lot of gig-goers rock the classic Chucks at gigs, because at the end of the day, these iconic shoes never go out of style. From the canvas feel, the Converse logo ankle patch — a black or white high-cut pair goes very well with almost anything.

New Balance 574 Core

New Balance successfully shifted from being referred to as a “dad shoe” and becoming a streetwear staple. One of their top products is the 574 Core, which has touched the reaches of “trendy” and “go-to” for casual everyday wear.

The 574 Core is a reliable hybrid shoe that provides a nifty balance between style and comfort, while also thinking green. It is designed with an upper made from over 50% recycled content, pushing towards the statement of being an eco-friendly shoe. Rocking a pair at a music fest skyrockets your drip from being basic to cool.

Nike Air Force 1

The Nike Air Force 1 takes you back to the colorful and vibrant world of the ’80s while still being timeless. The smooth leather design, classic ’80s build, and white look all come together to make this shoe an all-around “hype” shoe. Introduced in 1982 and designed as a basketball shoe by Bruce Kilgore, we can boldly say that the Air Force 1 paved the way to the sneaker culture we know today.

Whether you’re in or out of the basketball court, going to a concert feels like an intense sport where you have to allot your time and energy walking and bumping into attendees left and right. If you’re a simple sneakerhead who’s not head over heels about the hype and all, the Air Force 1 delivers a powerful statement in offering something simple yet stylish.

Renegade Folk Lolita Mary Jane Flats

If we’re talking proudly Filipino made, then the Renegade Folk is something to look out for. For the ladies out there, the Lolita Mary Jane Flats is RF’s take on a classic — mixing the fun with long-lasting comfort. Made with genuine leather and rubber soles, they offer variety and blurs the fine line between being a formal and casual shoe.

Considered as a solid pair of office shoes, heading out to go to a live music event after work wouldn’t be much of a problem. You can go straight from a stressful day at work to rocking your socks out at a gig or concert you’ve been dying to relieve your stresses at.

Crocs Clogs

There was a time when you’d see the Crocs Clogs practically being worn by everyone. But it grew quite a reputation for being an “ugly” shoe. Luckily, it has made a comeback, appealing to a new generation of consumers who prioritize comfort over style. But then again, the clogs thrives on being a colorful and customizable footwear that goes beyond on what “ugly” is supposed to be.

When you’re a twentysomething who’s feeling a bit “old” to stay up late with one’s social battery quickly running out, you can never go wrong with a pair of Crocs. You also get to bring out your personality with your choice of Jibbitz charms, which in itself can be a quick conversation starter when meeting new people at the music event you’re going to.