MY HUMAN I am in nearly the exact same situation as yourself. I've had 3 red octane pads that averaged about 15 years of heavy service before the last one finally started to have issues. I also strongly prefer playing soft pads in socks to playing hard pads in shoes. After so many thousands of hours playing that way, the idea of changing doesn't appeal to me, even if most hardcore DDR players still around prefere L-tek. After a lot of research I ordered two of the below
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00H1B9B6A/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Now these pads seemed like a decent successor to the red-octane pad in form at least, but BOTH pads I ordered had arrows that didn't have the proper sensitivity, you had to stomp to get a register, so no good. Now thankfully getting them through amazon meant I was able to return both for a full refund. I'm still looking for something myself, but I'm terrified of spending $80 for a mat from somewhere other than amazon, and not being able to return it when it arrives busted. If you order one from the links omgukk listed I would love to know what your experience is.
There are some on amazon, these two both seemed promising
I ordered two of these and had issues with both and returned them, though now it's unavailable.
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00H1B9B6A/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
These seemed good but are expensive as hell and not prime eligible, which means returning them could be a bitch, so I've hesitated to order one, let me know if you fine one as I'm looking as well.
https://www.amazon.com/D-Force-Deluxe-Dance-Pump-USB/dp/B00H1B9B6A
I've had one of these for a couple years so it's the only one I can recommend.
For any soft pad you get, i FOR SURE recommend getting a piece of plywood cut to put the mat on top of. Greatly increases note detection and prevents the mat from sliding
I just got this pad in the mail from Amazon today.
I'm going to try it later tonight, and I can let you know how it works! It was recommended on the Stepmania Controllers page, in addition to the sticked thread on the DDR subreddit.
Hey! I actually have been using these D-Force pads from Amazon. (Links below) I have used the basic one for about a month now, and I want to say that it has been holding up very well. My little cousins have stomped on it, and I’ve been playing level 7-9 songs on it (Max 300, Healing Vision, etc). Getting AA scores. They’re durable enough.
However, the basic edition is finicky on harder songs. The up arrow gets stuck sometimes when quickly triple tapping it. Not sure why. The company was extremely nice and allowed me to exchange it for the deluxe version (paid the $40 difference), and let me keep the old basic pad too!
Currently I’m using two of the deluxe pads. They’re essentially the same as the basic, however come with hard foam padding so it’s more comfortable, accurate, and doesn’t slip around on carpet as much. I intend to write a full review of these soon.
Basic edition: (~$40)
D-Force Nonslip USB Dance Pad https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HBUJ0N0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_.h7ODb6WFWZXM
Deluxe: (~$90)
D-Force Deluxe Dance + Pump USB Dance Pad https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00H1B9B6A/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ui7ODbD2N0ZBQ
Quick update: it arrived yesterday and does not appear to be working. I’ve tried two Macs and various pieces of software and nothing seems to recognize it. Unless I come up with something soon, I may need to return it.
Edit: Returning it. Now, I’m going to try D-Force Deluxe Dance + Pump USB Dance Pad, purchased from Amazon. I’ve read a lot of good reviews on Reddit, so hopefully it works well for me! (And I grabbed the SquareTrade warranty for longer term coverage.)
My wife and I bought these a year ago. They might be out of your price range, but if don't mind spending some extra cash, I recommend them.
I have the padded version of the D-Force and really like it.