Ballroom dance shoes??? I need help!?

Question

Okay, I have been using a pair of $15 regular high heels for dancing the past 3 months because I was saving up for a good pair of ballroom dance shoes. Now that I have the money (and my feet hurt) I don't know where to buy a good pair of shoes that will last me for a while. Can anyone help me??

I also have very odd feet. They are very, very, wide and I like to buy shoes that make them look thinner. I wear a size 6-7

Answer 1

Are you looking for Latin (sandals) or Standard (court) or Social shoes (closed toe, but made like a sandal everywhere else)?

It is the best if you can find a local dance shoe store. Fitting your first pair is important. It's not trivial at all.

If that is not possible, you can order from the internet, but make sure they have good return policies, in case you need to return them.

You need something that will be comfortable, not only look good. In general, anything with pointed toe looks slimming, and anything with straps that wrap around the ankle and close at the ankle. In sandals, strappy sandals look more slimming than those with one piece of fabric forming the whole toebox. I find strappy sandals more comfortable, too, because the straps will move a little bit to conform to your foot.

Look into the brand called International. They are the only brand I know that makes shoes with different width without "special order". I have unusually narrow feet, I know it's a headache (or foot-ache?) to have unusual feet. This is the brand I wear. They last me about a year with moderate use (3 times a week) and taking good care of them. It is a professional quality shoe. You can find them on http://www.dancesport.uk.com

Also look into the brand Stephanie. Especially look at their adjustable 2-buckle design. I think they have it on the front page http://www.featherdanceshoes.com If you're a student they have student discount. Their shoes are one step below professional quality in my opinion, but they are cheaper, too. They will last for a while, but probably a little shorter lifetime than International or Supadance. They are softer than Int or Supa, which is a big plus at the beginning, but this is why they wear out sooner.

Whatever you buy, do not, I repeat, do not buy Capezio. Their shoes don't have proper shank in ladies ballroom shoes. In general, you want a shoe with metal shank. It will protect your feet from injuries and will make your shoe last longer.

I can post more details, but I don't know what would be helpful. I can explain more about fittings or more about styles/brands. But if you can - specify if you have narrow/wide ankle, deep or shallow ankle, if you have big arch/small arch/no arch.

Answer 2

Since you ask, I'm guessing this will be your first pair, and there's no store carrying them in your area. If that's the case, I'd suggest you buy your first pair through your dance studio. It will be a bit more expensive that way, and after the first you can buy on-line, but even with completely average feet, you'll have a different experience from buying street shoes. You can't walk around and try them out. Once you've mussed the sueded soles, you've bought them, so you have to get it right in a hurry. Also, many of them are English, and you'll need English size 5 or thereabouts.

Answer 3

well for ur wide feet, try a pair of slimmer shoes tht ur feet may fit into, but they could be really uncomfy and give u blisters and everything, so just thank god for all he's given you and just be blessed tht u have feet unlike some very unfortunate people. try stores tht specialize in dancing shoes, or something, or ask ur dance director if she reccomends any, because tht will be a very reliable source.

Answer 4

I get all my shoes from Toe to Toe. They are in Michigan but travel throughout the country going to shows. I always wait till they come to Chicago which is often and I buy a pair each time because I wear them out to quickly. They have a large assortment of styles and colors an if you know what you are looking for call them ahead of time and they will bring some to the show. Dance shoes are not cheap, you could expect to pay $120 and up but they are worth it. Check them out.
http://www.toe2toe.com/

Answer 5

Tango shoes tend to be closed toe, whilst latin open toe. Most of the time the heel in latin is higher so the weight is pushed over the ball of the foot to help with balance when doing fast spins, a strong pointed toe and other things that latin dancers need. Tango shoes tend to be a bit stiffer as tango dancers dont need a strong pointed toe like latin dancers do.

Answer 6

I have mine custom made

Answer 7

e-bay or get them cutom made

Answer 8

e-Bay