Men's Standard/Smooth Dance Shoes

[NeoDevin]

What are some good ones? Help me out here.

There's a place around here where they'll make custom fit shoes, is that a good idea? Or should I go with a manufactured brand?

Thanks

[pygmalion]

If it's ballroom dance you want, I'd go for an established name brand. The reason is that making dance shoes is a very specific skill that many cobblers may not know. Ballroom dance shoes are not the same as nice street shoes. They're balanced differently.

A lot of men I know use Supadance shoes, but there are a bunch of other good brands. I'll do some web shopping, and recommend some brands that have a wide selection of styles. Men's standard shoes generally have a flat or close to flat heel (1 inch -- 2.5 cm or less), and they have a steel shank to support your foot.

Hmm. I'll google to see if I can find reasonable prices in Canada.


Good luck, guy. Did I mention I LOVE shoes? :oops: 8)

[Porfirio Landeros]

I have in the past used shoes that were intended for Standard, and not been pleased with the amount of restriction in the arch.

Therefore, for Smooth, I say the best shoe I have found is the Dance Naturals "Fabio", which is basically a Latin, rounded toe shoe, but you can also get it with a 1 inch (smooth/standard) heel. This shoe allows for good arch flex and point.

I tend to like the less pointy-ended shoes, and I have a pair of these in leather for practice, and patent leather for competition. I stay away from nubuck because that material tends to show wear and tear pretty fast. I've never owned cloth shoes, but I've seen those stand the test of time, too.

Good luck...

[Porfirio Landeros]

http://www.championdanceshoes.com/products/mens/images/fabio_lg.jpg

Kinda high priced, but I keep buying them (around $120 to $150).

[NeoDevin]

The place that makes custom fit shoes is a dance shoe place. The company is called "Dancing Shoes". It was recommended to me by a few people around here. I'll check out the shoes posted, see which ones feel most comfortable and let me move best.

[pygmalion]

Before you buy anything, make sure you ask about what kind of dance shoes they make. Ballroom shoes are not the same as swing shoes, tango shoes or salsa shoes. So make sure it's ballroom shoes they're making. I'm going to google Porfirio's shoes and see the best price I can find. Then I'll post or PM you. :wink: :D

[pygmalion]

Hmm. I have been google challenged. I couldn't find Dance Naturals Fabio. I found a great deal on Article 10 (this style has been discontinued) at dancescape for $69.95 (plus shipping from UK).

I also found a shoe called Fabio made by Eckse. Best price $110 at backbaydancewear, available in standard and flexi soles, but only in the higher Latin heel.

You know me. I will continue to google until all questions are answered. :wink: :lol:

[pygmalion]

Okay. I admit defeat. I went to dance naturals USA and Italy web sites, and can't find the darn shoe!

I did find a pretty good closeout sale, though. Dance Naturals USA has closeout shoes for $69. Only a few larger sizes are left in the men's styles, but there are quite a few ladies' shoes left. Ahh! Nothing like a shoe sale to make me feel good. 8)