Can anyone tell me any major differences between brands of ballroom dance shoes? Like which ones are the best or most highly recomended, vs which brands would you highly discourage. Or any advice when purchasing. I have purchased before but I want input on what makes the shoes the most comfortable and workable.
2006-11-13 09:59:14 · 4 answers · asked by Mandy 2 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Dancing
The best are Supadance, International and Dance Naturals.
They have been around for a while (International being the youngest of the 3), they put a lot of research into balancing the shoe correctly. Their shoes last a lot longer than knock-offs.
From less well known, Ray Rose is pretty good, as well as Aida and Paoul. Freed of London is also good, but Ballroom is not their main specialty. Many people prefer these brands because they have what Supadance doesn't have - wider shoes, wide toe-narrow heel and so on. Everyone has a slightly different foot, so whatever fits you best - is the best shoe for you. I have seen good professionals wear those brands along with Supadance, International and Dance Naturals.
My favorite shoe-shopping websites are http://www.dancesport.uk.com/ and http://www.dance-shop.com/acatalog/Dance_Shop_Dance_Shoes_13.html
Stephanie is a new American brand that is gaining popularity. I haven't seen any original designs by them (all Supadance or Dance Naturals knock-offs), but it's an OK shoe for the money you pay. http://www.featherdanceshoes.com/ Fair warning - I think they are a step down from Supadance. Same goes for Dance Amo - looks like cheaper "version" of Dance Naturals. Those are workeable "midlle of the range" shoes.
Whatever you buy, don't buy Capezio. They don't put a shank in their ballroom shoes which makes it too soft. This is dangerous - you can get injured (been there, done that). Standard shoe must have a full shank, Latin shoe must have a half-shank. Shank is a piece of metal inside the shoe that runs from heel to the the middle of the sole in Latin shoes and from heel to 2/3 of the sole in standard shoes.
Things to look for: shoe should fit like a glove. It is supposed to be tight, but not supposed to hurt. There shouldn't be any empty space in your shoe. If a store assistant tells you to add padding - that's bull*, don't do that, find a better fitting shoe. Look for a stable shoe - if your foot wiggles on the heel, that shoe is not balanced well for your foot. Shoe stability sholdn't depend on the with of the heel too much, i.e. it is possible to have a stable shoe with slim heels. (But your foot also needs to be strong enough for that). You should be able to raise on your toes, and your heels should leave the ground by at least 3/4 of an inch for latin and 1 inch for standard. If you cannot do it - the heel is too high for you. Toebox is supposed to be comfortable. There shouldn't be any empty space in it for your foot to slide around - that will cause blisters. Keep in mind that all ballroom and latin shoes stretch, but don't buy anything that's too tight.
2006-11-13 10:00:37 · answer #1 · answered by Snowflake 7 · 6⤊ 0⤋
This Site Might Help You.
RE:
Ballroom/latin dance shoes quality?
Can anyone tell me any major differences between brands of ballroom dance shoes? Like which ones are the best or most highly recomended, vs which brands would you highly discourage. Or any advice when purchasing. I have purchased before but I want input on what makes the shoes the most comfortable...
2015-08-16 19:02:37 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Aida Dance Shoes
2016-10-05 02:57:41 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i have been dancing with Supdance , and Ray Rose , for my Opinion Ray rose are the BEST , excellent quality and very good for Latin and Ballroom .
but as a man this is an Opinion maybe different when it is for women :)))
2014-08-05 09:15:07 · answer #4 · answered by ? 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The best brands are:
Supadance, Dance Amo, and DanceSport International
If they are poor quality they will most likely hurt your feet and you may not be able to perform as well as you'd like. Also, make sure they fit you properly.
But yes, Supadance are my recommendation.
2006-11-13 10:08:31 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Supadance and International are the best.
European brands that make it to the US are pretty good, in general.
2006-11-13 14:46:28 · answer #6 · answered by Everybody's Favorite 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
capizo is a good brand to buy shoes
2006-11-15 08:16:30 · answer #7 · answered by SunShine 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋