Footwear's Role in Shooting Pool

DJSTEVEZ

DJSTEVEZ

Professor of Human Moves
Silver Member
My High School football coach used to always say "You play like you practice".
When I'm home playing/practicing on my home table I usually am wearing either just socks or flip-flops (with no socks, lol). When I'm out, I'm usually in sneakers.

Question: Do you think it makes any significant difference what one wears, or doesn't wear, on their feet while they're shooting pool?
 
Absolutely, my ex could play better in heels and definitely break better but that's a very severe example. Never play someone who is wearing flip flops because they're probably from some island where pool is how he makes his living. Other than that it's good to play in the type of shoe you'll be competing in, dress shoes need to be broken in and you want to find out the right mix (socks/insoles/shoes) before you get into a multiple day event and end up with swollen feet!!
 
You get caught up in some 10 to 12 hour action your dogs better be happy -




bill
 
Absolutely! I use to play with a guy that would wear cowboy boots into the bar, room, or where ever we wound up playing. When he worked a game up he would go change his cowboy boots to Sneakers. Players would flock to play when they saw his Cowboy boots! When he changed back into the CB he usually left with the cheese.....:thumbup:
 
DJSTEVEZ said:
My High School football coach used to always say "You play like you practice".
When I'm home playing/practicing on my home table I usually am wearing either just socks or flip-flops (with no socks, lol). When I'm out, I'm usually in sneakers.

Question: Do you think it makes any significant difference what one wears, or doesn't wear, on their feet while they're shooting pool?
Click to expand...

I always put my shoes on at home to play don't feel right if I don't :cool:
 
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Some guys here in Hawaii play without any footwear at all, which is absolutely mind-boggling, they have a hard time playing with things on their feet they say.
 
A solid stable foundation is paramont to successful repetition in golf, tennis, hitting a baseball, and yes, repeating a pool stroke. Proper footwear that fits, is comfortable, offers support is extremely important. People play and have played in anything....but to play our best each and everytime, footwear has an important role.

We all probably knock them around at home with slippers, socks, or anything. IMO, that is me being lazy. I should always wear what I consider my most stable, comfortable shoes. This will vary by person depending on your foot and overall physical condition and or handicaps. I personally like hi end cross trainers, but Ecco or Rockport may work fine for a dressier solution for others, ( there are many other brands too).

Would a golf pro warm up on the range in sneakers?
 
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Judd Trump bought some expensive designer shoes and came out to play.

http://forums.azbilliards.com/showpost.php?p=3965967&postcount=7

Trouble was that when he leaned over the table to reach a shot, the soles would slip. Played in stocking feet.

Dominic Dale showed up at one tournament wearing very tight pants.
He kept his chalk in the front pocket.
As the match progressed, the back of his hand was rubbed raw by constantly extracting his chalk and putting it back.
In subsequent matches he used a pouch on his belt.

So always sort out your wardrobe in practice, not at a tournament. :D
 
Oh yeah

DJSTEVEZ said:
My High School football coach used to always say "You play like you practice".
When I'm home playing/practicing on my home table I usually am wearing either just socks or flip-flops (with no socks, lol). When I'm out, I'm usually in sneakers.

Question: Do you think it makes any significant difference what one wears, or doesn't wear, on their feet while they're shooting pool?
Click to expand...

When I was money playing somewhere I came up on a pair of tennis shoes that had a hundred rubber cleats/spikes on the bottom. They perfectly distributed the weight. I put them on and played some of the best pool I had played because I was comfortable. I kept those shoes way beyond when I should have gotten rid of them. I got more career minded and my wife through them out but I will never forget them. I wouldn't gamble without them.

Answer: I go for even weight distribution in my footwear that I play in. If your shoe isnt right you will pinch off your alignment and not get setup right, so ideally your shoe needs to be able to slide or adjust a little. If it grips the floor to hard you cant micro adjust. Once youve done it a few times your feet will go there automatically.
 
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One of the best American Players, slightly below some people's radar, at Tunica was stretching for a critical set winning shot, when his feet went out from under him (leather soles) He recovered on that shot but then for his next match, i heard him discussing whether he should switch to rubber sole shoes. A MAJOR part of the discussion was that his alternate shoes "didn't LOOK as good" I couldn't believe my ears but hey everyone is different.
 
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1st consideration after your cue in my opinion. Long sessions are brutal on your feet & if your foot wear isn't up to snuff you'll get got.
 
You have to practice a significant amount of time with whatever shoes you plan on playing in.

A big culprit is change in heel height. Even the slightest change of height can throw your game off. You may not even realize it's happening ---- you don't feel right at the table and you can't figure out what it is.

.
 
Socks at home for sure. Maybe that's why when I play out all the tables seem a little low? Ha
 
I'm still searching for my ideal pool footwear. I think something low and minimal with very little heel lift is best for me. I played in socks recently and loved the feel of the table being relatively higher compared to playing in thicker shoes. Thankfully the whole barefoot running/minimalism trend has mad a lot of shoes of this style available. Most are ugly tennis shoes, but they can be comfy. I have a pair of Nike Frees that are an okay option.
 
I play and practice in padded socks and retired jogging shoes. I want to concentrate on the balls, not my feet hurting.
 
I'll just say that Earl almost forfeited a match when he realised he was wearing the wrong shoes & went back to his room to change shoes.

Like in most sports it all starts from the feet up.

Practice the way you'll be playing.

One does not want any distractions or differences that one can easily avoid.

Best 2 All,
Rick
 
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