WIDE feet!!! and ballroom shoes

[poopy]

Ok so I have been reading some of the shoes threads and haven't seen anyone with as "wide" of a problem as I have....

The only major brand of ballroom shoes that I have found selling in WIDE widths is Capezio...and well the wide width was still too narrow for me. I'm specifically talking about the Latina 3". When I put them on I could hear & feel the bones cracking on in my footbed because they were so squished by the narrow front of the shoe.

And no I'm not fat, I'm 5'3 and 105 lbs. I wear size 4.5 so its hard enough finding shoes that come in 4.5 WIDE....and Capezio was all I could find. I measured the width of my footbed at its widest point- its 3.5"...what are your guys'?

Anyone else have this problem?

[delamusica]

http://www.dance-forums.com/showthread.php?p=327673&highlight=shoes#post327673

I wear a 2.5, by the way.

If you search for wide shoes and select display results by posts instead of threads, it might help you find more of what we've already discussed here.

[poopy]

Are those dancesport-international.com shoes actually WIDE?? Since the wide Capezio shoes were narrow as hell I am skeptical about ordering these "wide widths." I also actually prefer to order from websites in the US that have reasonable return policies. Thanks for the suggestion though.

[danceronice]

Good luck. I am going to have to try special-ordering wide width shoes once this Latin pair wears out, as I have very odd feet (D ball, A heel) and right now, after about an hour of wearing my current pair, I'm in agony. I've actually come close to keeling over in group class because my feet hurt so much after two hours. And I need to go down a half-size--they're still too long and too loose in the heel. But if I did that I couldn't even get my feet into the front of the shoe. I've been told Supadance makes the style I wear in a wide width, but it's a special order.

Oddly this has not been a problem with my International-brand Smooth shoes. Those fit and broke in quickly.

If you find a brand (besides Capezio, which felt awful when I tried them on--not comfortable or well-made, or even particularly good-looking) that actually fits a wide foot, please share the info! My skates may have cost a lot more than the average pair of dance shoes (by a factor of six or so) but at least they're custom split-widths!

[poopy]

What website did you find the Smooth shoes at?

[latingal]

Welcome to DF poopy. If you are talking about latin sandals, international shoes can be ordered in Wide and Extra Wide (and they may even have extra extra wide if I remember right).

[SlowDancer]

Ok so I have been reading some of the shoes threads and haven't seen anyone with as "wide" of a problem as I have....

The only major brand of ballroom shoes that I have found selling in WIDE widths is Capezio...and well the wide width was still too narrow for me.

This is because Capezio shoes run very narrow, i.e., a Capezio "wide" is actually a narrow-ish medium. I know because I bought a pair for practice shoes and I had to go up an entire size and width. I'm normally a 9 mediium but my Capezios are 10 wide.

[poopy]

Thanks, exactly where (what websites?) can I find these "Extra wide" shoes? I did a google search for the International brand and all the websites selling this brand only carry Medium width. Where do you guys buy yours

[and123]

It isn't that difficult to peel apart the sole and nudge out the part surrounding the ball of your foot a bit, and then glue it back together. It's scary if you've never dissected a pair of dance shoes, but if you have a crappy old pair lying around, give it a go. I have a wide foot too, so either have to buy the kind of shoes with adjustable buckles (which always break at the most inopportune moments) or buy wide width. And you're right - each brand has its own definition of "wide" :rolleyes:.

[latingal]

poopy, I order from this website:

http: //www.dancesport.uk.com/shoes/index.htm (paste into browser line and then delete space after colon)

There are three pages of international latin shoes (look to left of page)

Some of the shoe styles are wider in the forefoot than others (i.e. I found the Melissa's to run narrower than some of the other styles). So the best thing to do is find a vendor that sells the shoes, try on a bunch of different styles and find the one that accomodates your foot best and then order the wides, extra wides or the XX wides if needed from the website (check the individual models in the pull down box for width to see if XX wide is available - I think XX wide is a special order).

I will caution you, the wider pairs sometimes take longer to arrive and I don't know how flexible the return policy is (the company's in England!). I just try to be extra careful that what I order I won't have to send back!!

[latingal]

p.s. and I think International also has a reputation of running somewhat narrow (maybe that's why they've got three wide sizes?). Ooooh, and do NOTE the sizes are ordered in English sizes!!! Another reason to try them on with a vendor here first!

[poopy]

Thanks!! I wish they had a guide on how to measure Extra W vs. Extra Extra W. They don't have a measurement thing on it, only a short explanation that doesn't make sense.

[poopy]

I'd really love to find a vendor here. All the stores I've been to have only carried Capezio, Very Fine & Stephanie so far.

[samina]

i have wide feet & wear wide supadance 1008 court shoes (round-toed)... they work great for me.

[poopy]

Has anyone tried So Danca ballroom shoes wide? I'm wondering how "wide" they actually are

[latingal]

poopy, since you are in LA you may have a chance to try on International, Supadance, and Dance Naturals at big ballroom dance competitions. Shoe vendors usually come to those events and you can try on different types and widths there. I think the next big comp in the area is probably Embassy in early Sept? Anybody know of one sooner? Or perhaps a store that stocks the big brands in the area?

[poopy]

Good idea! I'll have to attend the next convention. I found some Supadance wide...now I'm confused. Some websites say to subtract 2.5 from your American size while others say 2. What do you guys think for Supadance?

[and123]

Personally, at least 2.5.

[latingal]

I found some Supadance wide...now I'm confused. Some websites say to subtract 2.5 from your American size while others say 2. What do you guys think for Supadance?

Okay, it depends on the brand, model, type of shoe and how you like to wear them. Really, it's best to try them on somewhere. And...here comes the latin toe hang vs. court shoe/practice shoe discussion.

For latin, you may have heard about the preference of some dancers to have their toes hang over the edge of the shoe a bit. This will affect what size and width you order. For latin sandals (and I prefer the toe hangage), I actually order a International x-wide shoe that is 4 sizes smaller than my american street shoe size (which is 1.5 or 2 sizes smaller than recommended on the websites). In Supadance latins I usually order about 3.5 sizes smaller than my american street shoe.

Court or smooth shoes fit differently for me with a closed toe. For Supandance court or smooth shoes depending on the model I will order either 1.5 or 2.0 sizes down from my american street shoe.

So you see, it's best to try the shoes on somewhere first. There are just too many variables with brands, styles, widths and the structures of our feet.

[poopy]

Personally, at least 2.5.

Grr this is confusing. So 2.5 from "normal american shoe size"....does that mean from your stree shoe?
So its either
-2.5 from street shoe
-2 from DANCE shoe

is this correct?

[samina]

Personally, at least 2.5.

yes.

i wear 9 US, ordered 6.5W UK...

[and123]

(BTW, I assumed you were referring to Latin shoes)

I wear a size 9 street shoe (sometimes 8.5). When I first started dancing, I bought the recommended UK size 7 Latin sandal. TOO long. UK 6 or 6.5 in Supadance is best for me, but it depends on how much "toe hang" you like. For International brand, I buy UK 5.5. I definitely would not go so far down in size for Standard court shoes.

[and123]

and don't even get me started on European sizing (like Dance Naturals) :headwall:

[latingal]

and don't even get me started on European sizing (like Dance Naturals) :headwall:

*grin* wasn't even gonna' bring that up....

[poopy]

Thanks for all your help. Looks like I'm going to be "stuck" (in more ways than the figurative sense) with my Capezios until I can try out a pair of Supas. I need dance shoes fast because regular ones are giving me back problems, but I can't find any dance shoes wide enough! Argh!

[elisedance]

I was recently in England and had my feet measured as 7E one side and 6.5E on the other so I need 7Es. Anyone know what the equivalent is in the W designation - is this 7W or 7WW or what? Why don't the ballroom shoes conform to the street shoe widths? And, yes, anyone know of a company in europe that makes good ballroom pumps in a 7E? I am desperate - the heel for my competition shoes (which I bought indesperation from china - they were not bad by the way) finally gave way and the date is getting rather close!

help! here too... rest of details: satin, skin tone, short heel, any narrowish kine, preferably with a strap....

[Pacion]

I was recently in England and had my feet measured as 7E one side and 6.5E on the other so I need 7Es. Anyone know what the equivalent is in the W designation - is this 7W or 7WW or what?

Elise, I think the American shoe sizing is two sizes larger than the UK's? Of course, influenced by the width/design of the shoe. Therefore, if you measured 7E/6.5E, my guess is that you are probably a 9W/8.5W.

I have a pair of latin danceshoes from Supadance which I absolutely love. Is it possible to get Supadance near you to try the ballroom shoes? Am guessing that that is what you are after, based on the photo in your profile.

[danceislove]

I'd really love to find a vendor here. All the stores I've been to have only carried Capezio, Very Fine & Stephanie so far.

Very Fine does have an adjustable width shoe that I like a lot. I have very wide feet as well. It is Model #C1620 but make sure it is the "Party Party" or "Signature" line. These are much higher quality, not like the regular crappy VF's. Supadance also carries this style (VF knocked it off I'm sure ;))

http://www. danceshoesstore .com/product_info.php?cPath=3_226_372&products_id=856

Looks like I'm going to be "stuck" (in more ways than the figurative sense) with my Capezios until I can try out a pair of Supas.

You can order Supadance shoes from this website and they allow returns.
http://www. showtimedanceshoes .com/index.php/cPath/4

Remove all of the spaces... :rolleyes:

[elisedance]

Elise, I think the American shoe sizing is two sizes larger than the UK's? Of course, influenced by the width/design of the shoe. Therefore, if you measured 7E/6.5E, my guess is that you are probably a 9W/8.5W.

I have a pair of latin danceshoes from Supadance which I absolutely love. Is it possible to get Supadance near you to try the ballroom shoes? Am guessing that that is what you are after, based on the photo in your profile.

Thanks for the stab at it - I was proudly giving my english size in the hope of finding a european supplier - I know my US size, its 9/9.5 and probably a WW (yet to find one that really fits) - but its the width thats so hard and all the shoes are differnt - and all th emakers tell you that they have just the shoe for you. My closet knows different!! What I really need is custom fitted shoes

[Pacion]

I was proudly giving my english size in the hope of finding a european supplier -

Supadance as I (and others) mentioned earlier? :(

Danceislove mentioned Show Time dance shoes' website. One possible benefit I can think of, of trying them is the lower postage costs and possible faster delivery speed versus ordering from Europe.

[poopy]

Supadance as I (and others) mentioned earlier? :(

Danceislove mentioned Show Time dance shoes' website. One possible benefit I can think of, of trying them is the lower postage costs and possible faster delivery speed versus ordering from Europe.

Showtime has a great selection BUT they didn't carry any wide widths :( Sucks for me

[danceislove]

Showtime has a great selection BUT they didn't carry any wide widths :( Sucks for me

Yes they do. Only on certain styles though. These below come in wide for example:

http://www.showtimedanceshoes.com/images/imagecache/20283c20ec4010f89360c80f587b17ca.jpg

Also, look into the styles that have adjustable widths such as these:

http://www.showtimedanceshoes.com/images/imagecache/0e8ed24203cb50ecb6a211fe93b04633.jpg

They even have these smooth shoes in wide widths:

http://www.showtimedanceshoes.com/images/imagecache/5bd1830e13c3f52b8e2d134713168c17.jpg

[poopy]

Yes they do. Only on certain styles though. These below come in wide for example:

http://www.showtimedanceshoes.com/images/imagecache/20283c20ec4010f89360c80f587b17ca.jpg

Also, look into the styles that have adjustable widths such as these:

http://www.showtimedanceshoes.com/images/imagecache/0e8ed24203cb50ecb6a211fe93b04633.jpg

They even have these smooth shoes in wide widths:

http://www.showtimedanceshoes.com/images/imagecache/5bd1830e13c3f52b8e2d134713168c17.jpg

omg! you are right! thank you so much. i figured out the reason i wasn't seeing the wide before was because when i select the 3" there is no wide on some styles, so i'll just have to go down to 2.5 inch. thanks! i cant wait to try these

[and123]

Beware rhinestone buckles.... they break very easily. Either replace them or take your chances that your shoe will fall off!

[elisedance]

On buckles - my chinese pumps had a strap (which I like) but an odd buckle. It was composed of a regular pin in an up-and-down buckle - but this was not attached to the shoe but rode on the strap permanently. Instead the show has a prong on it that you hook around the strap behind the buckle. Does that description make sense? I hated them as the prong tended to get entagled with teh strap and buckle so that it was near impossible to take off.

Is this type of thing common?

[jennyisdancing]

I need extra wide shoes, too and I finally found a vendor that carries many nice styles and colors in a big range of sizes. They were at a dance competition that I recently attended. They carry many major brands also.

http://www.comfortdanceshoes.com/contact.html

Their website is not set up for online shopping yet, but you can reach them at 770-539-9474 to get more information and a printed catalog.

[danceislove]

Beware rhinestone buckles.... they break very easily. Either replace them or take your chances that your shoe will fall off!

Really? I haven't had any problems with mine?

[and123]

Glad to hear it. Every single pair of shoes I have owned (different makers, even) has had issues with the rhinestone buckles. They're soldered prong-set rhinestones versus solid m.etal buckles, hence why they're so much weaker, I surmise. Never broke a "real" buckle.

[poopy]

yes.

i wear 9 US, ordered 6.5W UK...

9 US in dance shoes, or 9 in street shoes? I still don't get whether its 2.5 off your dance size or 2.5 off your street size.

[thespina13]

Is there a dance shoe specialist in your area? I have a lady here in Edmonton who'll measure your foot and put in a custom order for you that goes to England. It takes a long time to get the shoe, but many people have odd feet. She's over 6'5" and is well acquainted with ballroom dancing in big big shoes. Im also very tall, have wide feet and long feet (I'm 5'11"), and wear three inchers. If you can find someone to help you get custom shoes you shouldn't have a problem.

[noobster]

On buckles - my chinese pumps had a strap (which I like) but an odd buckle. It was composed of a regular pin in an up-and-down buckle - but this was not attached to the shoe but rode on the strap permanently. Instead the show has a prong on it that you hook around the strap behind the buckle. Does that description make sense? I hated them as the prong tended to get entagled with teh strap and buckle so that it was near impossible to take off.

Is this type of thing common?

Most of the dance heels I've had have had this type of buckle. I love it as you can slip it right on and off in about half a second, rather than having to futz with putting the pin in the hole each time.

I have one pair of shoes with a regular buckle and it always seems to take ages to get them on when I really just want to be dancing!

[elisedance]

Most of the dance heels I've had have had this type of buckle. I love it as you can slip it right on and off in about half a second, rather than having to futz with putting the pin in the hole each time.

I have one pair of shoes with a regular buckle and it always seems to take ages to get them on when I really just want to be dancing!

Maybe there was something wrong with mine - perhaps the strap was too soft as the hook kept getting tangled. It may also be that I like to have the strap fairly tight - none of my shoes fit very well - and these buckles are not very good with a bi of pressure.

[poopy]

I ordered some Supadance! I am excited, they are coming this week.

[noobster]

Maybe there was something wrong with mine - perhaps the strap was too soft as the hook kept getting tangled.

Was the buckle too big? If the buckle is large enough the hook can go through the square opening in the buckle instead of hooking around the strap behind the buckle. It's a little annoying but it doesn't take too much care to prevent it from happening.

[poopy]

My Supadances came! Even though they were "wide" they were still quite narrow and I had a very hard time getting the front of my foot in....they are really tight...how do I know if they are too tight? There were marks after I took them off just after 5 minutes. Not sure if I should just keep them and hope they stretch out alot

[danceislove]

My Supadances came! Even though they were "wide" they were still quite narrow and I had a very hard time getting the front of my foot in....they are really tight...how do I know if they are too tight? There were marks after I took them off just after 5 minutes. Not sure if I should just keep them and hope they stretch out alot

Which style did you buy? You may have order a style that runs narrow to begin with so that the "wide" version is still very close to a regular width.

[poopy]

http://www.showtimedanceshoes.com/images/imagecache/20283c20ec4010f89360c80f587b17ca.jpg Got these---they weren't as wide as I hoped! I don't know if I should keep them or not. My foot is really smushed. But it may be the best I can do since ordering from the UK site to get an XXW would be risky.

[danceislove]

http://www.showtimedanceshoes.com/images/imagecache/20283c20ec4010f89360c80f587b17ca.jpg Got these---they weren't as wide as I hoped! I don't know if I should keep them or not. My foot is really smushed. But it may be the best I can do since ordering from the UK site to get an XXW would be risky.

I have those in a regular width and they are a bit tight on me in the width, but i have wide feet. I didn't find them to run particularly narrow. Maybe you should try going up a size?

[poopy]

maybe i should just keep these and see if i can stand them. hopefully they will stretch out......i mean at least i could get my foot in without cracking any bones.

i can't go up a size, it will be too loose on the length. i got the 2s in Supadance they are even slightly large on the length **tear** but narrow on the width **tear**

i'm tempted to get these Capezio Brenda's in wide because they are so pretty...but I'm sure the quality is not as good as Supadance. Showtime didn't sell any black ones in Wide that I liked...so i am considering these. They come in wide and offer more spice on the side of the foot since there are only 2 skinny straps. has anyone tried these? is the quality too crappy for $100?

http://www.zappos.com/images/728/7280141/6901-332970-d.jpg

oh and i like your makeup in your avatar danceislove :)

[poopy]

when you get a new pair of shoes, is it normal to have to struggle to get your front foot to fit?

[earline]

Yes i have the same problem .could anyone tell where I can find 2 inch latin shoes in wide width. Thank you so much

Earline

[Corne]

Someone wrote about "comfort dance shoes" (obvious URL) and that they are made in wide widths. Did anyone try these shoes ? How long do they last - hopefully not a practice or two like my current practice shoes (ordered from outside USA) ?

Apart from ordering wide widths and lower heel - 2 inch - from supadance UK website......anybody else got any suggestions on court and practice shoes in wide widths ? Any US supplier of supadance shoe in these requirements - i looked left and right on web but to no avail.

[bastet]

you might try ordering shoes with an adjustable front buckle since "wide" has a variety of meanings from "a little wide" (like the next half size up in width but not length) to "I-need-to-have-my-shoes-handmade" wide.

I have a friend who has a short, very wide foot- with foot width being something like a full size up from the width associated with her foot length....( I guess she'd be something like a double wide width or a "D" or something). She has to be very careful what shoes she gets or get handmades for dancing. But there are some adjustable front shoes out there in several brands- Supadance and others- that might fit the bill.

[Corne]

Thanks for reply. I am in need of standard court and practice shoes since i only dance standard. A lot more choices for latin adjustable width shoes... thanks again.

[bastet]

well- no problem- I dance mostly Argentine tango now so am not up on all the ballroom shoe availability. For practice shoe- I know there are adjustable front shoes, usually mesh with lace up- which will accomodate a wider foot. For closed toe shoes- I"d say your best bet is too see what may be out there that has a very rounded toe area. The pointy toes are going to fit narrower. Sorry I don't have more info- best of luck in your search! Maybe they'll start making something soon, but I thought I had seen some buckle type fronts on standard shoes a year or so ago. ???? Can't remember where.

For tango practice, I use my Aris Allen Rugcutter's. They are super comfortable, all leather and have a small flexible platform so I can stay on my feet for a long time. They have a lace-up front that will accomodate most feet unless very wide or very narrow and becasue they are suede, will last a long time.