What Shoes?

[aimerrouge]

I am starting tango classes this week.

I have taken salsa classes and have dance shoes. I prefer the lower heeled Latin shoes (anywhere from a half inch to two and a quarter inches). Can I use those shoes or must I get a pair of higher shoes?

(I am a woman. :smile:)

[Lilly_of_the_valley]

I am starting tango classes this week.

I have taken salsa classes and have dance shoes. I prefer the lower heeled Latin shoes (anywhere from a half inch to two and a quarter inches). Can I use those shoes or must I get a pair of higher shoes?

(I am a woman. :smile:)

Sure, you can use these shoes. Two and a quarter inches is a good heel height for a start. That is what I started Tango in.

I still wear my old Latin/"regular" dance shoes for lessons and practice sessions occasionally. No problem.

[bastet]

I am starting tango classes this week.

I have taken salsa classes and have dance shoes. I prefer the lower heeled Latin shoes (anywhere from a half inch to two and a quarter inches). Can I use those shoes or must I get a pair of higher shoes?

(I am a woman. :smile:)

You'll be fine with the salsa shoes for now...they even have lower heel tango shoes...below 2.5"...so you don't have to feel like you HAVE to get 3" heels or higher. There's a few perfectly respectable lower heel shoes out there so don't be afraid to ask around when if you decide you eventually want tango shoes too.

[MaggieB]

I agree, your salsa shoes should be fine for now. Find out if you want to stick with tango and THEN invest in a good pair of tango shoes.

I just cannot dance tango in very low heels or flat shoes because I need the heels for my embellishments and sliding on the inside of... otherwise I just cannot tango!

But that's just me, we have super experienced tango dancers that always wear a shorter heel and look magnificent!

So YOU decide what is best for YOU!

[aimerrouge]

You'll be fine with the salsa shoes for now...they even have lower heel tango shoes...below 2.5"...so you don't have to feel like you HAVE to get 3" heels or higher. There's a few perfectly respectable lower heel shoes out there so don't be afraid to ask around when if you decide you eventually want tango shoes too.

Do you know any brands of lower heeled tango shoes?


Thank all you for your responses.:smile:

[MaggieB]

Let me suggest Tara Tango shoes... http://www.22tangoshoes.com/
They are very well made, and have a variety of lower heeled shoes that are still stylish. No stilettos here! They were my first splurge when starting out and I wore them everywhere, even in classes! No affiliation, I just don't think you can go wrong with them.

I wear the stiletto Comme il Fauts now but worked up to them. But I have to say that even they have come out with a few lower heeled models that I can comfortably suggest to our new dancers. The problem with CIF is that they do not allow pics on the interner which makes it so much harder to buy... I suggest you make sure to see and try them on somewhere first.


Do you know any brands of lower heeled tango shoes?


Thank all you for your responses.:smile:

[bastet]

Do you know any brands of lower heeled tango shoes?


Thank all you for your responses.:smile:

Sure- the lady at Diva-Boutique designs a line of 2" heeled shoes. They are quite comfortable and well made. Just call her to make sure she has it in stock. Tara tango is also a possibilty. Good shoes, but the styling is a little too traditional for my liking. But Diva-Boutque sells Tara's as well as her own designs (and Comme Il Faut and NeoTango).

http://www.diva-boutique.com/

There are drop down boxes to look at sizes, makers, etc. to help narrow your search. She's got some really pretty limited edition low heels in metallic print leathers right now.

[Ampster]

Do you know any brands of lower heeled tango shoes?


Thank all you for your responses.:smile:

I buy my wife's (and my) Tango shoes here: http://darcostango.com/

[bastet]

I buy my wife's (and my) Tango shoes here: http://darcostango.com/

That's true- Darcos is pretty good. It's about a 6 week to 8 week wait to get them. Measure your feet very correctly and don't skimp on the measurement. Most people have found Darcos run about 1/2 size larger than their normal street shoe.

[aimerrouge]

I am still looking at the websites. Thanks and send more.

I have another question: are the soles of "tango" shoes studier than "salsa" shoes?
In other words, what are the actual physical differences, in any, between the 2 types of shoes?

[Sagitta]

Heels help. I know that as a guy I feel better dancing i shoes than flip flops...at thsi beginner dancer stage.

[bastet]

I am still looking at the websites. Thanks and send more.

I have another question: are the soles of "tango" shoes studier than "salsa" shoes?
In other words, what are the actual physical differences, in any, between the 2 types of shoes?

I think there may be some other threads with this information in it but I'll give a quick recap from what I have experienced...you might try searching the threads for more info.

The ballroom shoes I have all have suede soles. The suede is very soft for gripping the floor.

Tango shoes can have either a full leather sole or a suede half sole, but I have seen some full suede as well. The leather soles come in raw leather, which is a little softer and more satin-y feeling than hard leather (Tara shoes sometimes have this type sole and sometimes the hard shiny sole) and of course, the hard shiny leather you get on a street shoe. The soles are thinner than a street shoe for flexibility and comfort while dancing.

The leather/chromo half sole you get on some tango shoe brands is usually a little bit smoother and stiffer than the kind I get on my ballroom shoes. Often, with the ballroom shoes I have now and have had in the past, the suede is very soft and nubby, very easy to scrub up to create friction with the floor...And conversely, most of the leather/chromo half soles I have had on my Tango shoes have the stiffer, grainy suede that has a medium grit to it and isn't all soft with nubby bits on it....(I hope that makes sense) so that I find it a little tougher wearing than the ballroom suede.

As for heel placement and so forth...I am pretty sure salsa shoes are supposed to pitch you forward (correct me if I am wrong- I know ballroom Latin shoes do), and tango shoes will as well if they are much over 2.5".

[aimerrouge]

I know no one asked, but...

I contacted the Tango group here in the city and they strongly recommend closed toes shoes for beginners.

So it looks like I'll be purchasing some closed toe shoes though I prefer open toe.

Thanks again to everyone who responded. :smile:

[MaggieB]

The reason they are recommending closed toed shoes is so that you don't get them stepped on without protection!
I NEVER bought closed toes ones as I don't like them! I survived....
Buy the shoes that feel good on your feet and bring a smile to your eyes... they will make your lessons and dancing more enjoyable! The HECK with practicality! LOL

I know no one asked, but...

I contacted the Tango group here in the city and they strongly recommend closed toes shoes for beginners.

So it looks like I'll be purchasing some closed toe shoes though I prefer open toe.

Thanks again to everyone who responded. :smile:

[bastet]

I know no one asked, but...

I contacted the Tango group here in the city and they strongly recommend closed toes shoes for beginners.

So it looks like I'll be purchasing some closed toe shoes though I prefer open toe.

Thanks again to everyone who responded. :smile:

You might also consider a compromise...peep toes...I think the only reason someone would recommend close toes is becuase the beginner guys might be more apt to step on feet for a while :rolleyes: and close toes will protect you...goodness knows I wear more peep toes shoes now than ever before. ;)

One thing to keep in mind, is that most people fit their ballroom shoes kind of tight...and you defintiely don't want to buy anything you feel like you are "squeezing" your foot in to...for me, if they feel right on the first wearing, they'll keep feeling good. I won't "getused" to them...so comfortable, not loose and not squeezing either.

The close toe thing is a little bit of a fallacy IMO, tradition probably...some people's toes (like mine) won't accomodate close toes, but I have no problem with a peep toe shoe.

Example:

My Pony Print COmme Il Faut shoes:

[Light Sleeper]

I agree that the necessity of having closed toe shoes (for beginners) is overstated, but not a bad idea. As other commentators have said - go with what's right for you. I could never wear higher than a 2" heel and feel comfortable but currently I can manage 3.2" Comme il Fauts! High heels aren't essential - I've heard a lot of people say that and it's nonsense. I can't salsa in my CIFs (well, comfortably) probably because they help place your weight over the front part of your feet and for spinning you need to be very straight?

I found this blog useful in choosing shoes http://tangoshoedivas.com/shoedivas/

She's a shoe addict so you can learn from her experience at no cost!

[Light Sleeper]

Oh: one for the Comme il Faut fans; Diva Boutique seems to have some new designs in stock but they all have suede soles! Bit of a worrying trend for me as I hate tango-ing in suede soles :cry: I'd be curious to know if there was some technical reason for this??

[Lilly_of_the_valley]

Oh: one for the Comme il Faut fans; Diva Boutique seems to have some new designs in stock but they all have suede soles! Bit of a worrying trend for me as I hate tango-ing in suede soles :cry: I'd be curious to know if there was some technical reason for this??

Oh, Light Sleeper, thanks for drawing my attention to that. I noticed the new models, but didn't even think of looking at the description of the soles, assuming that they are all leather, as usual. Full suede soles? Might it be some mistake?

I ' ve danced tango in suede soles. It's not that bad. Suede tends to be more flexible, that allows more articulation for the foot. Also, can be handy when you get a slippery floor... but we don't get much of those kind around here. So far I prefer leather soles for my tango shoes.

[bastet]

Oh: one for the Comme il Faut fans; Diva Boutique seems to have some new designs in stock but they all have suede soles! Bit of a worrying trend for me as I hate tango-ing in suede soles :cry: I'd be curious to know if there was some technical reason for this??

I saw that too and thought maybe it was a mistake...???? But I have enough CIF right now so I haven't asked about it...I also prefer leather soles for my tango shoes. It's rare I get on a floor that's slippery enough to need the suede ones.

[Me]

CIFs with sueded bottoms? Oh please tell me that is a mistake.

[Light Sleeper]

I've only tango-ed in ballroom type sandals which are very soft and flexibe, maybe that's what I don't like - maybe the more sturdy tango shoe but with a suede sole added on isn't so bad? Either that or maybe CIF are trying to tap into the ballroom market :confused:

[Light Sleeper]

Just got an email from Kathleen at Diva Boutique - it was a mistake - they ARE leather soles - phew!! :)
Apols! for creating a mini shoe drama!!!

[bastet]

I've only tango-ed in ballroom type sandals which are very soft and flexibe, maybe that's what I don't like - maybe the more sturdy tango shoe but with a suede sole added on isn't so bad? Either that or maybe CIF are trying to tap into the ballroom market :confused:

they'd need to add a lot more padding and lower the heel height!
Glad to hear it was an entry error!

[spectator]

I wore ballet flats for two years before I felt confident enough to wear heels and either way is fine. The upside of darcos/comme il faut/neo tago is that you can wear them anywhere as normal dressy shoes. They are well made and very individual so I wear them any time need nice shoes, weddings, parties, milongas etc. I've even worn them on grass and the soles were still fine for dancing.

[Peaches]

I wore ballet flats for two years before I felt confident enough to wear heels and either way is fine. The upside of darcos/comme il faut/neo tago is that you can wear them anywhere as normal dressy shoes. They are well made and very individual so I wear them any time need nice shoes, weddings, parties, milongas etc. I've even worn them on grass and the soles were still fine for dancing.Yup. Grass, puddles...it's all good. Just let them dry and then scuff them on rough concrete and you're good to go.

[bordertangoman]

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/fashion/features/georgina-goodman-is-going-toetotoe-with-the-big-boys-on-bond-street-799745.html

saw this in the paper today - a treat for the ladies?

https://www.georginagoodman.com/user_dynamic.html?#sbrowse_details&id=231

[spectator]

Hooray! They make comme il faut look cheap! I can justify myself now next time my bank manager says "£115 [$230] on shoes?!!!"

[Joe]

saw this in the paper today - a treat for the ladies?

Not just for the ladies. ;)

[bordertangoman]

Not just for the ladies. ;)

what are you implying? ;)

[jennyisdancing]

Not just for the ladies. ;)

I hear you, but luckily I am a good bargain shopper so I can treat my feet - and admirer's eyes - for a lot less than that overpriced pair. :tongue:

Finding fashion shoes is not hard, but finding good dance shoes is. Everyone keeps saying leather-sole shoes are best for AT, but my lone pair of CIF's are too high-heeled for constant use, and I can't afford another, lower-heeled pair, so I decided to try my suede-sole latin ballroom shoes. They work great, and they are far more affordable. I actually like the soft, flexible soles, even though the harder soles are the norm for tango. I'm used to softer soles from doing salsa and ballroom, and my feet are strong from earlier ballet training as well, so the solution works for me. Might not be as suited to someone who has not developed their foot strength.

[bordertangoman]

I hear you, but luckily I am a good bargain shopper so I can treat my feet - and admirer's eyes - for a lot less than that overpriced pair. :tongue:

Finding fashion shoes is not hard, but finding good dance shoes is. Everyone keeps saying leather-sole shoes are best for AT, but my lone pair of CIF's are too high-heeled for constant use, and I can't afford another, lower-heeled pair, so I decided to try my suede-sole latin ballroom shoes. They work great, and they are far more affordable. I actually like the soft, flexible soles, even though the harder soles are the norm for tango. I'm used to softer soles from doing salsa and ballroom, and my feet are strong from earlier ballet training as well, so the solution works for me. Might not be as suited to someone who has not developed their foot strength.

Some ladies might be suade by this ;)

[Peaches]

That was horrible, btm. You should be drug into the street and shot for that. :-)

[Joe]

Drugged into the street?

what are you implying? ;)
What, you don't like women in heels?

[Peaches]

That too.

[bastet]

I hear you, but luckily I am a good bargain shopper so I can treat my feet - and admirer's eyes - for a lot less than that overpriced pair. :tongue:

Finding fashion shoes is not hard, but finding good dance shoes is. Everyone keeps saying leather-sole shoes are best for AT, but my lone pair of CIF's are too high-heeled for constant use, and I can't afford another, lower-heeled pair, so I decided to try my suede-sole latin ballroom shoes. They work great, and they are far more affordable. I actually like the soft, flexible soles, even though the harder soles are the norm for tango. I'm used to softer soles from doing salsa and ballroom, and my feet are strong from earlier ballet training as well, so the solution works for me. Might not be as suited to someone who has not developed their foot strength.

I've tried on some of the newer line of shoes from Tango Brujo, and they are using a super flexible sole with full suede for their pratice line, very comfortable...and probably on the premise that any place a person goes to practice will have suitable flooring for it, whereas not all places where tango is danced socially may have a floor where suede works well, but leather does. Tradition, I suppose you call it.

An inflexible sole and very high heel is hard on the feet in general. I have used latin shoes in the past for practicing and found them very comfortable because of that flexiblility and actually find it harder on the feet to work with an inflexible sole, trying to get better foot articulation, so I'd be tempted to say the opposite would be true when it comes to foot strength as foot articulation in latin shoes is very easy to do but not so easy in hard soles so soft soled shoes would make for good training shoes.

I think the ballroom people also have the foot cushioning thing nailed down tight, whereas the kind of stiff and dumpy padding in many tango shoes seems to still be from the Dark Ages. I liked the new ones from Tango Brujo I tried. The padding was much more modern, so maybe things will start to change in that area for other brands too.

[bordertangoman]

Drugged into the street?


What, you don't like women in heels?

I've never tried it;)

[bordertangoman]

That was horrible, btm. You should be drug into the street and shot for that. :-)

sho' nuff, but I couldn't resist such an easy pun
its like shooting fish in a barrel;
but why would you have fish in a barrel?
Oh they're just waiting for their bicycles.

[Joe]

II think the ballroom people also have the foot cushioning thing nailed down tight, whereas the kind of stiff and dumpy padding in many tango shoes seems to still be from the Dark Ages. I liked the new ones from Tango Brujo I tried. The padding was much more modern, so maybe things will start to change in that area for other brands too.
Have you tried supplemental cushioning? Something like Pump Pals, maybe?

[Peaches]

I think the ballroom people also have the foot cushioning thing nailed down tight, whereas the kind of stiff and dumpy padding in many tango shoes seems to still be from the Dark Ages. I liked the new ones from Tango Brujo I tried. The padding was much more modern, so maybe things will start to change in that area for other brands too.Do you have a good link for those shoes? (I can find the web page, but the link for shoes doesn't seem to want to work.)

I'm just surprised you've found padding in AT shoes, period. (Although I haven't really noticed many AT shoes other than CIF, Darcos, and NeoTango.)

Although I will say, that if having padding in my shoes like ballroom shoes also means they end up as horribly uncomfortable as either of my pairs of ballroom shoes, then I'll happily go without the padding. No amount of padding can make up for how my foot feels after an hour in ballroom shoes.

[bastet]

Have you tried supplemental cushioning? Something like Pump Pals, maybe?

I usually buy my Comme Il Fauts a little big and add a metatarsel pad. It just irks me that I have to figure that in to every single pair of shoes I ever consider buying. ANother reason I don't like to buy before I try. You never know which brands need extra "help" and which don't.

[bastet]

Do you have a good link for those shoes? (I can find the web page, but the link for shoes doesn't seem to want to work.)

I'm just surprised you've found padding in AT shoes, period. (Although I haven't really noticed many AT shoes other than CIF, Darcos, and NeoTango.)

Although I will say, that if having padding in my shoes like ballroom shoes also means they end up as horribly uncomfortable as either of my pairs of ballroom shoes, then I'll happily go without the padding. No amount of padding can make up for how my foot feels after an hour in ballroom shoes.

I'm afraid not. And all I could get on the website is a slide show of some of their shoes. I tried the shoes on a someome's house and liked them, but had no cash to spare for purchase of them. :(

[Peaches]

I'm afraid not. And all I could get on the website is a slide show of some of their shoes. I tried the shoes on a someome's house and liked them, but had no cash to spare for purchase of them. :(Damn. That's all I got, too. You'd think people would realize that they'd have more luck selling stuff if they made it easier for people to buy.