The PIO group that I'm currently performing with was able to snatch an amazing rehearsal facility for the entire season. However, we march without shoes. This wouldn't be much of a problem, except that the ground is concrete and extremely hard on the feet even with the floor on top.

After a good few hours through a ten-hour rehearsal, needless to say, I'm in significant amounts of pain..to the point where if I open my mouth I will start screaming!

You probably already guessed my question; what can I do to ease the pain?? I've already tried wearing multiple pairs of socks. (the most I could fit is three) That was no help at all, and they slid off several times. Should I put insoles in my socks?

I want to avoid going to the staff and asking if we can rehearse in shoes..because I don't want to be "that guy". I'd rather push through the pain and be respected than be the guy that gave up. (Although I see several benefits from marching in shoes. We would march better, play better, and we would have more energy throughout the day.)

Thanks =]

I think it's a terrible idea to march without shoes, honestly.

Putting insoles in your socks MAY work, but I doubt it. I could see it turn out where they just slide around a lot and add to the problem. You'd probably just be better off wearing something like flip-flops with socks on over them than an insole that's unattached to your foot.

If you're willing to pay a good bit of money and kind of cheat in a sense, you could try these:
http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/
Those things may look weird, and they're not cheap, but they are EXTREMELY comfortable, and it may be an alternative for you... I guess.

Finally, the only thing I can suggest is take good care of your feet when you're not rehearsing. Use one of those little foot soaker things with hot water, take motrin, massage your feet (if you're single ), do whatever it is that you have to do to try to ease the pain. That's about all I've got for you, man.

Hope that helped a little.
B

EDIT: Oh, one other thing. Try getting a hold of a local podiatrist in your area, they may be able to suggest something to you if you just call up and ask them. *shrug*

Personally what I would suggest is talking with your director. It's annoying to be "that guy", but wouldn't you want to be him later on rather than "that guy" who dropped out because he didn't say anything? A hurt pride can be healed, but a permenant injury to your body may not. Taking care of your health is VITAL in indoor and all marching ensembles. You should really find a solution, talk it out with your director, and keep performing without pain. Just speaking from past experiences from a little guy marching a 30 in PIO last year. Speak up or get hurt.
I personally own a pair of jazz shoes, and they are awesome! I felt so awkard walking into a ballet shop and asking about what shoes I could use for playing drums, but it was a great investment. http://www.dance4less.com/jazz_shoes.htm
Jazz shoes are ideal for toe down marching. They have padding on the ball of your foot and heel. They usually pretty well fitted, and it takes the shape of your foot amazingly well. If your really marching barefoot, then using these shouldn't alter your technique very much to notice a difference. Hope some of this helped!

I agree that you need to talk to your director. Just approach the subject in a way that doesn't sound like your complaining. It will go over better with your staff. Who knows, you may not be the only one in your group feeling that way. You could be doing the group a huge favor. Maybe you can work out a comprise to do full runs in bare feet like in a show setting but march in shoes during the rest of rehearsal. As a director, I would rather my students take care of their bodies because in the long run you'll be better players and last longer throughout the day.

[quote=bcaviness

If you're willing to pay a good bit of money and kind of cheat in a sense, you could try these:
http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/
Those things may look weird, and they're not cheap, but they are EXTREMELY comfortable, and it may be an alternative for you... I guess.


[/quote]

I was definitely going to mention the five-fingers. I have a pair, and I wear them walking around campus and to the gym... these guys are amazing! They're not that expensive, though. I do recommend the "Sprint" version, since that little strap that keeps them secure sure comes in handy.

I have worn the five finger shoes and they are perfectly for what your instructors are wanting out of you. I would suggest to talk to them and make sure you can wear those. Having to practice ten hours with no shoes on in a concrete floor can really mess you up in life later. Something that you could mention is adding these shoes to the show and see what the instructors say. I can see them being an addition to indoor and outdoor soon if people start using them.

Athletic tape does wonders for my wrists and ankles so there is a good chance that it could help your feet. Just wrap it around the ball and big toe of your foot.

Sorry this is the only advice I have...

Marching without shoes is a horrid idea.

BE THAT GUY! You'll save your self, and the other members of your group a lot of future pain. I marched barefoot all 4 years of high school for our indoor shows, plus 3 years after that, and my feet are so torn up from it all. I have to spend tons of money on shoes because my feet need so much support now other wise i can't walk by the end of the day. Talk to your staff, and tell them what's going on. Don't risk your future health for this, you'll have to live with bad feet the rest of your life...