Uma Thurman Is Wearing My Sneakers!

My New Faves: Onitsuka Tiger Tai Chi LE Sneakers by Asics.

I am very particular about my footwear as it relates to my drumming.

These are the characteristics of shoes/sneakers that allow me to feel the pedals under my feet. And feeling the pedals in this way makes me comfortable. And comfort is the name of the game. Then I can play without being distracted

Given these criteria, sneakers have usually been my drumming footwear choice. In the ’80s, however, I admit that Capezio dancing shoes worked pretty well (I saw Weckl wearing them). I’ve tried Converse All-Stars Hi-Tops too (I saw Colaiuta wearing them). Not bad, but not my first choice.

The sneakers that usually work for me are track shoes. For the last several years, I have been wearing Puma’s H-Street Running Sneakers. You can read my article on them HERE. But as I wore holes through my most recent pair, I started keeping my eyes peeled for my next footwear victims.

And now, I’ve found them. Made by Asics, the Onitsuka Tiger Tai Chi LE sneaks I stumbled upon at DSW are the perfect drumming shoes.

They set me back $85, are comfortable and meet all of my criteria for drumming footwear. They are also made of leather, not mesh, like the Pumas I was wearing, which hopefully means they will last longer.

Of course, they have to look cool. And they do. Uma Thurman wore them in “Kill Bill.” It’s hard to get much cooler than that. Check out the photo up top. Hers have blood on them.

They come in Yellow, White and Black. I’m sporting the Yellows now, like Uma.

Check out the Onitsuka Tiger website here: Onitsuka Tiger Website.