Can anyone identify these shoes?

[canismajor41]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GAiy-umF0iw

Does anyone know what style shoe Karina is wearing in this Dancevision video? They appear super soft and flexible. I have the video at home and in close-ups of her feet, when she curls her toes under her feet, the fabric around the toes is so soft, it doesn't restrict her movement at all. In fact, the suede looks almost as soft as a cotton t-shirt!

[DancerForLife]

Karina used to be sponsored by Aida Dance Shoes of Russia. You can find them under aida dance ru. Perhaps it's a pair from there?

[Josh]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GAiy-umF0iw

Does anyone know what style shoe Karina is wearing in this Dancevision video? They appear super soft and flexible. I have the video at home and in close-ups of her feet, when she curls her toes under her feet, the fabric around the toes is so soft, it doesn't restrict her movement at all. In fact, the suede looks almost as soft as a cotton t-shirt!

Why don't you get Karina's contact information, and call or email her and just ask?

[mamboqueen]

She's also on FB.

[canismajor41]

What does FB stand for?

[mamboqueen]

Sorry, Facebook...

[canismajor41]

Thanks. I'll try FB. I couldn't get any information from the aidadance.ru website.

[mamboqueen]

Good luck, and welcome aboard :)

[latingal]

If you do find out from Karina what shoes she wore in that time frame (she was dancing with Slavik at the time), post the info here. They look like Ray Rose shoes to me due to the flexible forefoot, but I'm just guessing (I've never seen a pair of aida).

[canismajor41]

If I find out, I will post it here. So far I've run into dead ends. Her FB account didn't actually belong to her and it was cancelled according to one of the FB fan clubs. She doesn't have a website either, so I don't know how to get in touch with her. I sent a message to the owndr of the FB fan club accounts to see if that gets me anywhere.

I wear Ray Rose blizzards, size 3. I have a very small thin foot. Most every strappy sandle I've tried has lots of extra room between my foot and the straps. The Blizzards are the only shoe I've found to fit me and I've tried, International, Supadance, Werner Kern, and Celebrity! I like the RR strappy sandles because they are more flexible than any of the non-strappy ones I've tried but the downside is that the foot can slide out of the shoe more easily that the sandles with more toe coverage.

The reason I have my eye on Karina's shoes is because the toe box has more covereage than the Blizzard, yet the shoe still seems to be as flexible.

The search continues...if I find out the brand/model, I will post it here.

[Fouette]

I believe she was wearing Aida for awhile.

[mamboqueen]

You might try the Ray Rose 888 - I have an extremely narrow foot and it is the best I have had (even when previously wearing XXN Internationals). It has a strappy part across the inside of the foot and is a wide strap on the outside (which may help you identify it). It is an excellent shoe.

[canismajor41]

Thanks mamboqueen. RR 888 is Queen B. I've tried those on. A close fit, but the Blizzard fits me the best. Have you tried those?

[mamboqueen]

No, but if they're narrower, I may just have to! Have been having major buckle issues with these shoes...must be a bad batch. Have had to get them replaced upon purchase.

[canismajor41]

The Blizzards are more narrow than the Queen B. Haven't had a problem with my buckles yet.... The only problem that I have heard about the Blizzard is that the straps can stretch more quickly than the Queen B because they are not lined. However, I haven't found this to be an issue.

[mamboqueen]

Do you know the number, rather than the name, of the Blizzard? I don't think my store has them labeled according to name...although I'm being lazy and can look it up. Will give them a try.

The Queen B's last me around 3 months now with no huge problems in stretching. I'm so happy to have found them because my feet are so much more stable.

[dancerman]

Do you know the number, rather than the name, of the Blizzard? I don't think my store has them labeled according to name...although I'm being lazy and can look it up. Will give them a try.

The Queen B's last me around 3 months now with no huge problems in stretching. I'm so happy to have found them because my feet are so much more stable.

I'm gonna jump in and send this thread off a little bit. Sorry but I am an impulse reader and this thread looks like a good place to ask this.
Has anyone ever heard of a Ray Rose heel breaking in the middle of the heel (the narrow part)? Before anyone answers the person wearing them may weigh 100 lbs clothed and soaking wet. I have never seen any shoe do this. I have seen heels separate where they meet the shoe but never break.

[mamboqueen]

Actually, I have Karina still listed on fb and it has an email address for her. I'll send you a pm and you can try.

[canismajor41]

OK - I spoke with Dancevision who orders her shoes. She still gets her shoes from Aida. http://www.aidadance.ru

It is either model 080 or 071 in black crep -satin. The good thing is that they can be made in any heel height and width, and they are availabe in many fabrics, including leopard print. If only there was a store nearby that had them in stock :(

[canismajor41]

I spoke to a salesperson at WorldTone in Los Angeles,CA who orders shoes for Karina - she is still wearing Aida shoes. She will email me the model number to share with everyone. It is either model 080 or 071. The nice thing about Aida shoes is that you can order many fabrics, heel types, heights, and even shoe widths :-)

[mamboqueen]

I think we have found our new shoe researcher :)!

[canismajor41]

mamboqueen - the number of the Blizzard is 820.
dancerman - never heard of a RR heel breaking in half. Yikes!

[mamboqueen]

thank you -- plan on stopping at the shoe store tomorrow!

And no, I've never heard of a broken heel either. Sounds like it could be a serious problem, though!

[dancerman]

thank you -- plan on stopping at the shoe store tomorrow!

And no, I've never heard of a broken heel either. Sounds like it could be a serious problem, though!
I know. I never heard of it. Again she is small and very light. Just lucky it didn't snap completely.

[canismajor41]

Here's the response I got from World Tone. I've heard from others that it has taken up to 6 months to receive shoes custom-ordered from this company. I don't know that I can wait that long, esp. not knowing if when they come in, they'll fit. Anyway, for those who are interested...

We can custom order [Aida shoes in a narrow] for you. There is no guarantee when they will come in, they are handmade in Russia and difficult to get even for regular stock. There wouldn’t be a surcharge for customization, however, because it is not a stock shoe, you must prepay. For special orders there are no refunds, and if you decide you do not want them you can receive a one-year store credit for the price of the shoes minus a 25% restocking fee, less sales tax and any shipping costs.

Also, we named these shoes “Karina”s after her since they are her favorite shoe (Carolina Telona’s favorite too). We also have a similar design that has a knot in the front.

[Ravenmoon]

Speaking of Aida and Ray Rose shoes...random question...I know the Ray Rose have very good stability, how does Aida compare in that regard...better, worse, the same?

[dansa]

Also, we named these shoes “Karina”s after her since they are her favorite shoe (Carolina Telona’s favorite too). We also have a similar design that has a knot in the front.


So which number is the Karina shoe? Because i cannot find on their site with that name, its only written by numbers.
Also do they ship internationally? if u know by any chance..

[canismajor41]

It is either model 080 or 071 in black crep -satin. The company does ship internationally. You could ask them the difference between the two models...I can't tell the difference and salesperson at WorldTone didn't identify a number.

[dansa]

But im thinking if its really worth going through the hassle and ordering from them (as it seems that the shipping time takes long or manifacture time or something),
and wonder if maybe the Supadance shoe wouldnt be just the same thing? (im talking about very flexible)

What you think?

[canismajor41]

Of all the latin shoes I've tried, I've found Ray Rose to be the most flexible. However, there is this shoe company called Elegance Shoe Company that carries a line called FLEXI. You can see how flexible they are on the models foot on their site: http://www.eleganceshoe.com/

I haven't tried them before. Just found them on the Ohio Star Ball (OSB) website.

[dansa]

Of all the latin shoes I've tried, I've found Ray Rose to be the most flexible. However, there is this shoe company called Elegance Shoe Company that carries a line called FLEXI. You can see how flexible they are on the models foot on their site: http://www.eleganceshoe.com/

I haven't tried them before. Just found them on the Ohio Star Ball (OSB) website.

Ok thanks for the tip!
What about your rayrose, what model are you wearing that you say are flexible?

[canismajor41]

I wear Blizzard because I have a flat and narrow toe box and they fit me best. However, the other strappy styles are just as flexible.

[dansa]

I wear Blizzard because I have a flat and narrow toe box and they fit me best. However, the other strappy styles are just as flexible.

would you say they are as flexi the rayrose shoes as this shoe:
http://www.eleganceshoe.com/Shoes/LadysOpenToe_FashionableStyle1/LOTFS106b.gif

Cause im looking for something like this, something super flexible where i can point my foot very easy!
thanks for help

[dansa]

would you say they are as flexi the rayrose shoes as this shoe:
http://www.eleganceshoe.com/Shoes/LadysOpenToe_FashionableStyle1/LOTFS106b.gif

Cause im looking for something like this, something super flexible where i can point my foot very easy!
thanks for help

sorry for the link i dont know how to un-link it...cause i think direct linking is not possible here, right?

[canismajor41]

i don't know. i have not tried elegance shoes.

[NURDRMS]

my Ray Rose Blizzards are extremely flexible.

[dansa]

my Ray Rose Blizzards are extremely flexible.

to they flex as much as that shoe on that picture i posted?

[NURDRMS]

Well, if my foot actually flexed that much, yes. :D

[dansa]

hehe ok :) however what i dont like about the blizzards is that its too much space between the straps and im sure my toes (little toe) will pop out... Need something with a bit more closed there :) LOL

[Ravenmoon]

Again, does anyone know if the Aida dance shoes are just as stable as the Ray Rose or less stable? Thanks.

[dansa]

Eaven i would like to know if Aida shoes are as stable? Anyone ever tried Aida shoes??

[dansa]

I assume it was this video the thread creator was speaking about where you really can have a close look at Karinas shoes: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZl7rRENlZ0&feature=related

To re-cap does anyone tried Aida shoes and can tell if they are as stable as Rayrose shoes or if Rayrose are as flexible as these shoes?
THANKS FOR HELP! (i need to buy shoes and its between aida and rayrose)

[Ravenmoon]

dansa, I'm looking for the answer to that question, too. I've posted it a couple times and haven't heard back. Hopefully, we'll get an answer this time. :)

[black_light]

I assume it was this video the thread creator was speaking about where you really can have a close look at Karinas shoes: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZl7rRENlZ0&feature=related

To re-cap does anyone tried Aida shoes and can tell if they are as stable as Rayrose shoes or if Rayrose are as flexible as these shoes?
THANKS FOR HELP! (i need to buy shoes and its between aida and rayrose)

Comparing Aida and Rayrose (Carmen): The stability is the same. Aida's soles tend to get very thin and you get no protection to the ball of the foot. Carmen isn't very flexible, but I was told their other models are. In my opinion, Rayrose are higher quality.

[dansa]

I must speak up for rayrose.. i ordered carmen shoes 2 weeks ago they were posted, and i still did not recieve them. (please notice that i live in europe and sending them from UK should take 1 week)...
However i contacted rayrose and told them that after this time i still dont have them yet, and they were really kind enough to send me another pair. great service!
how long does it normally take for your shoes to arrive when you order them?

[canismajor41]

For those who are interested in flexible shoes, I had a chance to try out some of the Kelaci Flexi shoes http://www.kelaci.com/ from Elegance Shoe company at OSB. They are as flexible as the Ray Rose Blizzards, however I think the RR is slightly more stable. What I love about the Kelaci line is that the sole padding is thicker than RR. The only think that bothers me with the RR Blizzards is that the ball of my feet tend to get sore and I have to use moleskin to make them more comfortable. Since Black Light mentioned that Aida soles are thinner than RR soles, I don't think I'll be ordering the Aida's. The next shoes I order will be from Elegance. For those of you with narrow feet, they have several models that have adjustable straps. I found the Ziba's to be the most comfortable.

[dansa]

For those who are interested in flexible shoes, I had a chance to try out some of the Kelaci Flexi shoes http://www.kelaci.com/ from Elegance Shoe company at OSB. They are as flexible as the Ray Rose Blizzards, however I think the RR is slightly more stable. What I love about the Kelaci line is that the sole padding is thicker than RR. The only think that bothers me with the RR Blizzards is that the ball of my feet tend to get sore and I have to use moleskin to make them more comfortable. Since Black Light mentioned that Aida soles are thinner than RR soles, I don't think I'll be ordering the Aida's. The next shoes I order will be from Elegance. For those of you with narrow feet, they have several models that have adjustable straps. I found the Ziba's to be the most comfortable.

maybe a stupid question, but wouldnt it be possible to put in Scholls gel cushions for the balls to not make them sore?

[and123]

I've done that in the past, and it definitely helped.

[dansa]

I've done that in the past, and it definitely helped.


i love Scholls gel cushions.. they make miracles for when you go out partying.. however i never tried putting them in my dancingshoes yet but it can be a good idea actually

[canismajor41]

I have another pair of shoe that i'm going to try the gel inserts in just because they are a bit too big in the toe box and i think the gel inserts will help. however, i've heard others say that you lose the ability to "feel the floor" with the gel inserts and that your foot is not as stable with them.

[dansa]

dansa, I'm looking for the answer to that question, too. I've posted it a couple times and haven't heard back. Hopefully, we'll get an answer this time. :)

Now finally i got my Aida shoes and i can compare them to Rayrose (Carmen).

My opinion is that i prefer Aida shoes much more!
I didnt feel any difference in quality or if the sole was thicker or not.
In that my opinion is that they were the same.
I got the Aida "Karina" Shoe which is the shoe that is on the video that the thread creator was asking for. I got it wide and it fitted my wide feet perfectly... Only thing that i dont like is that i got blisters by using them, but maybe all strappy sandals give blisters in the beginning?
However my Carmen shoes never gave me any pain or blisters, so thats their only plus.

What more i liked about Aida,
First of all i found them to be AS Stable, if not more compared to Rayrose. However i think that could be that the heel of Aida is slightly thicker. (not sure, but my impression)
Besides that i found the shoes be very soft and that they dont need much time to break in. My carmen took 2 months to brake in properly.
Another thing i noticed is that Rayrose heel is not as high as the Aida i ordered. They are both 3" heel but my Carmen are quite lower compared to the Aida. Therefor i prefer the Aida shoes because i feel like i got the perfect heelheight, as with Carmen i always thought the heel was slightly too low. But we are talking small differences now, but for me that feels :)

Anyway so all in all, i must say im really happy with the Aida shoes and dont think i will change back to Rayrose to be honest.
I strongly recommend this shoe... (Now lets see how long it lasts, hehe)
:)

[Bella]

Hehe after all of your shoe experiences, finally found the right one huh? That's great! I think it's harder to get Aida in the US.... Sigh, the perks of living in Europe. ;)

[dansa]

Hehe after all of your shoe experiences, finally found the right one huh? That's great! I think it's harder to get Aida in the US.... Sigh, the perks of living in Europe. ;)

Why is it harder to get them to US?
I mean im sure dance shop dot com or Aida would post them to the US?

But yes im pretty satisfied now.
Now just need to solve the problem of blisters and pinky toes popping out :):oops: