Just one more teeny shoe question [Archive]

G809

07-25-2004, 07:32 PM

Does anyone have a preference between non-elasticized court shoes and elasticized shoes? Are the latter more comfortable? Do they help the shoe stay on? I tried a couple of different ones on and honestly couldn't feel a difference. Any opinions on flared vs. non-flared heel? Thanks all :)

pygmalion

07-25-2004, 07:39 PM

Hi G809 (Just out of curiosity, are you an economics or political science student? :wink: )

Welcome to the forums. :D I'll let others give their opinions before I weigh in. I have both elasticized and non-elasticized shoes. But I don't want to cut off the conversation prematurely. LOL.

Good luck.

Jenn

dancin_feet

07-25-2004, 07:49 PM

I usually buy latin shoes, so the elasticized argument I can't enter into. The flare and slim heels I can.

I have always bought slim heels because I thought the flare heel looked too chunky. I have discovered heel protectors in the last few months which are a lot cheaper than getting new heel tips put on and also give you good grip on the floor. By putting them on, it makes the heel about flare size anyway, so I guess I am moving towards a flare heel.

I have just bought a new pair of shoes with a flare heel, and while trying to break them in, I have found them more stable than my slim heels. I have put a heel protector on these but haven't danced in them yet.

More importantly I think for heels is what the actual heel tip is made from. I have one pair of shoes that the heel tip is made from a hard but spongy rubber and I have always found them difficult to dance in because while the heel gives you good grip, you can feel it compress when dancing. I have since put heel protectors on these as well, and found them much better. I also had the heel tips replaced on one pair and found them great to start with, but as the heel wore down they were VERY slippery.

Laura

07-25-2004, 08:00 PM

I prefer elasticised court shoes because they stay on my feet better. Other people prefer the non-elasticised kind. It really depends on what feels better to you. It's sad but I've tried dozens and dozens of combinations of size, style, width, brand, etc etc to find the 'perfect' shoe for me and I've basically had no luck at all. The closest I've found that I like is the Supadance "Round Toe Elastic Court." Some people prefer pointed toe -- it certainly looks prettier, but I personally prefer the way the rounded toe version fits my feet.

As far as slim-versus-flared heels, I like the flared heels. I call them "magic heels" because the first time I put them on I was amazed at the difference.

The one non-elasticised court shoe that I like a lot is the Dance Naturals shoe. However, I made the mistake of packing them in my suitcase and something happened to them when I travelled...they were fine when I bought them but after I flew them to LA one of the heels got kind of messed up. From now on, I either pack more carefully (this was one of those trips when I packed in like 15 minutes) or I bring them in my carry-on.

tasche

07-25-2004, 08:13 PM

I'm in between as I like the half elasticed ones. I.e the ones with elastic in the front and not all around the shoe. Oh an pointy bc I have tapered toes so I can wear them

Laura do you find the flared makes a big difference for standardd? I've been waering only slim.

I wear flared for latin.

mamboqueen

07-25-2004, 09:11 PM

I wear the Supadance 1008 2" slim heel. Is that the same as yours, Laura?? It has elastic on the front portion of the shoe and since I have narrow feet, it definitely helps me. I ordered a pair for $75 (shipped from England) on that dancesportuk website someone had posted here, as opposed to the $117 I spent buying them locally.

I'm not having great luck with latin shoes at all. I ordered the Melissa's from Showtime and even though I ordered narrow, they aren't snug enough. Plus, the arch is different (more of an arch) than my Elegance shoes. The problem with Elegance is (a) they're more expensive and (b) they take upwards of 10 weeks to get a narrow width. The front of my foot also feels more secure in them than in the Internationals. It seems like it's going to cost me a small fortune to get the perfect shoe.

Laura

07-25-2004, 09:34 PM

I'm in between as I like the half elasticed ones. I.e the ones with elastic in the front and not all around the shoe.

Yes, me too -- the Supadances I like are this way. The fully elasticated ones don't seem any more or less secure than the half ones, and I think the half ones look better.

Laura do you find the flared makes a big difference for standardd? I've been waering only slim.

I've been going back and forth pretty much randomly, and if someone is only going to have one pair of shoes for Standard and Smooth, then I suggest the flared ones. For Standard, I can't discern much of a difference any more now that I've developed some balance :) I bet if I ever actually get decent at Smooth that I won't be able to tell the difference anymore, either.

I wear flared for latin.

Speaking from a purely fashion-oriented standpoint, I think they look cool for Latin.

Warren J. Dew

07-25-2004, 10:08 PM

I agree that flared heels look latiny; I don't care for the look so much in ballroom (standard or smooth).

The slimmer the heel, the cleaner a good heel turn feels, in my opinion.

G809

07-25-2004, 10:13 PM

So I looked around for a shoe that is both elasticized and flared and cannot find something like that... I think I like the Supadance 1008, but there is no flared option. I do agree that those look cuter, and I haven't ever tried dancing without a flared heel, so now I worry a bit that maybe I'll be wobbly! I hadn't even thought of that. Oh well... can't have everything, I guess!

(btw, to answer your question, pygmalion, I am not in poli-sci or economics--G809 is just a semi-random assembly of characters relating to my name and birthday, not to G8 or anything of the sort :wink: )

Laura

07-25-2004, 10:18 PM

If you wobble at first you'll adjust with practice. The other thing is that you could try the Dance Naturals shoes. They aren't elasticised, but the heel is in between a slim heel and a flared heel. It's a nice-looking compromise. I also find the shoes to be very comfortable. When I wear out some more of my bad shoe experiments (I still wear the ones I don't like, since shoes are so expensive) I'm going to get another pair of Dance Naturals.

tasche

07-26-2004, 12:15 AM

MQ the supadance 1008 with the 2" slim heel is my court shoe of choice though I might try a different pair when these wear out as obviously I can get the brand I sell wholesale but I do like my current pair.

Have you tried the supa-fit supdance shoes they seem to be cut slimmer in the foot and arch.

Not many places do narrow. The brand I represent does wide but not narrow (special orders only take 10 days usually)

I've always felt that a slimmer heel would make for better heel turns as there is less heel to pull in.

I might trying going up to a 2.5" heel though as I think 2" looks stubby.

I like the flared heels that go very thin in the middle they look sexy and curvy

Katarzyna

07-26-2004, 07:42 AM

Elizabeth

07-26-2004, 07:57 AM

I'd advise at least trying the non-elasticized shoes. If they stay on your feet well there's no need to get the ones with elastic, which do not look as good IMO. I've been wearing Supadance 1016s with a 2.5 inch slim heel since I started doing ballroom, and I've NEVER had problems with shoes coming off. If you find a shoe type that fits you well the elastic is unnecessary.

IMO, court shoes should only have slim heels. Flared heels are for latin. I find it hard to imagine doing a proper heel turn in anything other than a slim heel. It'll be wobbly at first, but you'll develop you balance more quickly if you practice in court shoes.

pygmalion

07-26-2004, 09:17 AM

If you're afraid of your shoes coming off, there are always those clear plastic bands you can buy. You put them around the instep of your foot and they hold the shoe on. They're not expensive -- like $6, if I remember correctly -- so you may want to give them a try. Showtime has them.

I bought the bands, but found that I didn't need them. The non-elasticized shoe with a slim 2.5 inch heel feels fine and stays on my foot with no problem.

SDsalsaguy

07-26-2004, 11:56 AM

If you're afraid of your shoes coming off, there are always those clear plastic bands you can buy. You put them around the instep of your foot and they hold the shoe on. They're not expensive -- like $6, if I remember correctly -- so you may want to give them a try. Showtime has them.
Just keep in mind that for competition, depending on your level, these tend to be frowned on.

pygmalion

07-26-2004, 12:02 PM

Plus they're ugly as all get out, clear or no clear. Sorry. Just my subjective view. :wink: :lol:

Might not be bad as training wheels, though.

Laura

07-26-2004, 12:03 PM

And please, when you wear them, put the little white label part against the sole of your shoe, unless you shoes are white.

Sorry, this is a pet peeve of mine :-) I have a whole pile of silly detail peeves regarding costuming :-)

Gumby

07-26-2004, 12:40 PM

pygmalion wrote:
If you're afraid of your shoes coming off, there are always those clear plastic bands you can buy. You put them around the instep of your foot and they hold the shoe on. They're not expensive -- like $6, if I remember correctly -- so you may want to give them a try. Showtime has them.

Just keep in mind that for competition, depending on your level, these tend to be frowned on.

Hmm - I hadn't heard this. Is this a big no-no, little no-no or just one of those things that bugs the heck out of certain judges?

Laura

07-26-2004, 12:46 PM

It's a "bugs the heck out of certain judges" kind of thing. Some of them also hate plastic heel protectors -- one of them called them "heel condoms" in an issue of "Dance Beat" last year or the year before. If you must use heel protectors, I recommend suede ones dyed the same color as your shoe, and taped on with old-fashioned cellophane tape (not the "magic transparent" kind). The cellophane stretches a little so it really holds the suede on, and it's shiny so it glows like the satin that is already covering your heels anyway.

I'm talking about the cross-shaped suede "heel stars" that various shoe dealers sell.

Sania

07-26-2004, 12:50 PM

I'm not having great luck with latin shoes at all. I ordered the Melissa's from Showtime and even though I ordered narrow, they aren't snug enough. Plus, the arch is different (more of an arch) than my Elegance shoes. The problem with Elegance is (a) they're more expensive and (b) they take upwards of 10 weeks to get a narrow width. The front of my foot also feels more secure in them than in the Internationals. It seems like it's going to cost me a small fortune to get the perfect shoe.

mamboqueen,

in response to your latin shoe problems, I have only one thing to say: Ray Rose! Ray Rose! Ray Rose! (OK, maybe that was three things :) ) They have three different styles, one of which is intended for people with narrow feet. The soles flex beautifully, all the styles have the arch wrap strap so they give great support, and they come with flared heels. They also have the look of a competition latin shoe.

I used to wear International's Nadias, but eventually decided I wanted a shoe with a solid heel (so it would last longer) and more flexible soles (so my point would look better.) I spent several hundred dollars trying different shoes. The Supafit was awful for me - too wide across the toes and the heel was not balanced under my foot. Then I tried Ray Rose, they fit beautifully, the heel is balanced, and my friends immediately noticed that my latin looked more accomplished because I was getting a good point.

Sania

pygmalion

07-26-2004, 12:50 PM

The thing is they're clear, but you can still see them from quite a distance. That's why I find them ugly -- they're distracting to look at. (Not that I'm a judge or have any authority whatsoever. LOL. I just don't like them.)

SDsalsaguy

07-26-2004, 01:03 PM

Just keep in mind that for competition, depending on your level, these tend to be frowned on.
Hmm - I hadn't heard this. Is this a big no-no, little no-no or just one of those things that bugs the heck out of certain judges?
While I generally agree with Laura, I'd also say that it really depends on what level you are competing at. There can be a certain "training wheels" attitude towards them so, at upper levels, they are more frowned upon.

tasche

07-26-2004, 01:20 PM

I have a break in method that I've adapted from my point shoe days. It ensures that I could jive in my shoes and not have them fall off)

I buy a pair of court shoes one size too small ( I fit them for the length not for the width.

I then put them on an see which spots are really going to aggrevate me and then I get a ball of cotton soaked in rubbing acohol and rub it over the really tight spots. Then I sit around in them and let them dry letting the heat of my feet do their thing

Next time I put them on I spray them wet with water (avoid the suede and just do the satin) while I'm wearing them and wear them until they are dry occasionally doing reveles (you'd never do the whole wet thing with pointe shoes bc of the glue but you can boil your canvas slippers to make them fit). Repeat several times until they have molded to your foot.

I never wear them dancing until they are completely broken. Thats just cruel to your feet

tasche

07-26-2004, 01:23 PM

[quote=mamboqueen]
The Supafit was awful for me - too wide across the toes and the heel was not balanced under my foot. Then I tried Ray Rose, they fit beautifully, the heel is balanced, and my friends immediately noticed that my latin looked more accomplished because I was getting a good point.

Sania

If Rayrose is better than what I'm using now I'll have to give them a try but where can you find them? I never see them at the comps

mamboqueen

07-26-2004, 01:31 PM

Tasche - Am I reading correctly -- you're in the shoe business?!!

Laura - I think I have some of those cross-shaped things you're talking about. I only used them temporarily for practice. You don't think the judges would scoff at those??

Sania - Thanks for the tip; I think I'll try the Ray Rose shoes. Dancevision actually has some on sale for pretty cheap. Of course, they'll never have narrow ones in stock. But, I think I"ll give them a try.

cl5814

07-26-2004, 01:43 PM

Looks like Ray Rose only carries latin sandals for woman - well, at least according to the website. (w w w.rayrose.com/flash/index.html)

DancingMommy

07-26-2004, 01:59 PM

SDsalsaguy

07-26-2004, 02:04 PM

Tasche - Am I reading correctly -- you're in the shoe business?!!
Just follow the link in her signature... :wink:

Also note that, as per this thread (http://www.dance-forums.com/viewtopic.php?p=65234#65234), she offers discounts to DF readers! :D :D :D

SDsalsaguy

07-26-2004, 02:09 PM

Looks like Ray Rose only carries latin sandals for woman - well, at least according to the website. (w w w.rayrose.com/flash/index.html)
Umm, I'm not sure if I'm following what you mean. If you mean that there aren't women's Ballroom shoes, that's true. They do, however, have men's Latin and Ballroom, as well as a woman's teaching/practice shoe...

cl5814

07-26-2004, 02:11 PM

SDsalsaguy

07-26-2004, 02:13 PM

Gotcha... :(

mamboqueen

07-26-2004, 03:47 PM

Wow! Those prices are cheap! I'm going to pm you, Tasche, regarding sizing, etc.

mamboqueen

07-26-2004, 03:57 PM

The Ray Rose shoes are nice looking, but they don't appear to come in narrow widths.

mamboqueen

07-26-2004, 06:59 PM

Can I get some opinions on these shoes (Ziba):

elegance-shoes.com/2004Models.html

Do they look like the strap is adjustable? Also, their color selection doesn't have a "flesh" color listed. Do you think their satin "tan" is the same?

Thanks!

dancin_feet

07-26-2004, 07:06 PM

OK I danced in my new flared heels last night. We did latin so it was quite appropriate. Apart from the different weight with the heel being closer to the back of the shoe (which will take some getting used to) they felt fabulous! Once I break them in, they'll be my favourite shoe!

Haven't tried smooth in them yet, but I think I get your meaning with the flared heel and heel turns (even though I'm not really doing those as yet!). It would be more difficult to do this in a bigger and higher heel. Will wait and see.

I'm not really looking to have different shoes for smooth and latin, would rather have all rounders as we regularly do both smooth and latin in a lesson. But to have one nice pair of "latin" shoes is good! :D

delamusica

07-26-2004, 08:15 PM

mamboqueen,

in response to your latin shoe problems, I have only one thing to say: Ray Rose! Ray Rose! Ray Rose! (OK, maybe that was three things :) )
Sania

They may be good shoes, but I would advise against ordering them. I ordered a size 2.5 wide with a 2.5 inch heel, and - after 3 MONTHS of waiting - got a size 2.5 regular width that I could barely get on my foot with a 3 inch heel that I couldn't dance in.

The shoes came with a handwritten note saying that that pair only came in 3 inch heels, with no comment about the width problem - even though those were options to choose from when ordering. You'd think they could have said something BEFORE I waited all that time!

Wasn't willing to get put back on the Ray Rose waiting list for shoes again, so I never got to try a pair that fit. I guess I just think that if you're going to be put on a waitlist for that long that they should deliver the shoes you ordered!

tasche

07-26-2004, 08:20 PM

Three months is a LONG time to wait just to get the wrong shoe and if they are special ordering for you they shoul dbe able to do any heel height providing they have the last for it ( most shoe companies use the same lasts for all styles)

Joe

07-27-2004, 06:08 AM

Joe

07-27-2004, 06:09 AM

If you're afraid of your shoes coming off, there are always those clear plastic bands you can buy. You put them around the instep of your foot and they hold the shoe on. They're not expensive -- like $6, if I remember correctly -- so you may want to give them a try. Showtime has them.
Just keep in mind that for competition, depending on your level, these tend to be frowned on.
How about the "Mary Jane" court shoes?

pygmalion

07-27-2004, 06:46 AM

Yes. Those are fairly popular in some circles. Who makes them? Supadance? I don't remember. I'll have to check for the maker and style name. (I personally don't care for them. They remind me of the old lady shoes my first grade teacher, Mrs. S, used to wear. LOL. But to each her own. *shrug*)

Just checked. I had forgotten. There are quite a few styles of court shoes with instep straps. I think the "Mary Jane" ones you're talking about may be Supadance style #1012 -- a fairly new style. But other companies make court shoes with straps, as well. I don't know how those are perceived on the competition floor. Comments, anyone?

Elizabeth

07-27-2004, 09:09 AM

I have no idea what the judges think, but personally I'd rather see a lady in the Mary Jane court shoes than with those hideous "clear" plastic things. I think International is the one that make the "Kylie" shoe with the diagonal strap. That's the most attractive of the court shoes with straps IMO. Of course, if your shoes stay on strapless, that's best.

Chris Stratton

07-27-2004, 09:20 AM

My first pair of standard shoes was with flared heel. When I used slim heels, I pretty much fell in love with them. They felt so much more comfortable for heel turns etc... Did not try flared again, not sure how I would feel about them now. I went through quite a few pairs of slim shoes already. I amreally surprised to see how popular the flared heels are becoming...

I don't think the problem was the fact that the heel was flared.

Rather, when we did a side by side comparison of the "bad" shoes with the "good" ones it became clear the the heel was positioned further back on the flared example, possibly more of a latin set than a standard one. I don't see any reason why a flared heel itself would be a problem, rathen than just the way it was implemented on that particular pair of shoes.

Katarzyna

07-27-2004, 09:22 AM

Maybe you're right, I just have never gone back to flared heels since then... Slim heels felt like they were made for heel turns:)

Warren J. Dew

07-27-2004, 11:43 AM

Rather, when we did a side by side comparison of the "bad" shoes with the "good" ones it became clear the the heel was positioned further back on the flared example, possibly more of a latin set than a standard one.
Except .... latin heels are usually set further forward than standard heels.
I don't see any reason why a flared heel itself would be a problem, rathen than just the way it was implemented on that particular pair of shoes.
Flared heels have a larger contact area with the floor, which allows the heel turn to be a bit sloppier. The smaller the contact area, the cleaner the heel turn has to be. A really good heel turn is a thing of beauty, and the slim heels encourage this.

We men have these big fat heels, which is why no one ever looks at a man's impetus turn and says, "wow, did you see that beautiful heel pull?"

Kitty

07-27-2004, 12:25 PM

cl5814

07-27-2004, 01:21 PM

Katarzyna

07-27-2004, 01:24 PM

Almost every other step (well not quite) in foxtrot is a heel turns. Almost all the other dances have elements that require a heel turn...

Heel Turns are Very, Very, important!!!

Chris Stratton

07-27-2004, 02:01 PM

Almost every other step (well not quite) in foxtrot is a heel turns. Almost all the other dances have elements that require a heel turn...

If you take the view that a heel turn is just a an embellished walk, then the vast majority of the lady's foxtrot steps have similar requirements.

At least until open, when the guys start trying to prove that we are better at going backwards than our partners are...

Katarzyna

07-27-2004, 02:12 PM

If you take the view that a heel turn is just a an embellished walk, then the vast majority of the lady's foxtrot steps have similar requirements.

Yes, use of ankles is very important in Foxtrot. And nice, stable shoes, help a lot in using the legs and feet properly. You need to be able to roll through your heel.

At least until open, when the guys start trying to prove that we are better at going backwards than our partners are...

Man only wish they can go backwards as well at the ladies :)

pygmalion

07-27-2004, 04:50 PM

:lol: :lol: Amen to that, KatherineH!! :wink: :lol:

Joe

07-28-2004, 06:35 AM

The quality of the man's backward movement is only as good as the quality of the lady's forward movement. And vice versa.

elisedance

09-26-2007, 05:19 PM

Originally Posted by pygmalion
If you're afraid of your shoes coming off, there are always those clear plastic bands you can buy. You put them around the instep of your foot and they hold the shoe on. They're not expensive -- like $6, if I remember correctly -- so you may want to give them a try. Showtime has them.

Just keep in mind that for competition, depending on your level, these tend to be frowned on.

I was searching for info on shoe bands and found the above posted in 2004. Is this still the case? Are shoe bands still frowned on or are we used to them now?

By the way, $6 may not be expensive for one pair but these durn things wear out if you pull on them the wrong way....

etp777

09-26-2007, 08:02 PM

Just use clear packing tape ED. :D

fascination

09-26-2007, 08:10 PM

the OP asked about preference re...elastic opening, and about heels...FTR...I am not fond of the elastic opening... kinda ugly, IMO.... and no more snug or comfortable....I like the pointed toe with pointed seam as well..as for heel...HATE flared heels find them a distraction on things like feathers and reverses...as for the plastic thingeys..too cheaply made and breakable...I have heard that some folks like clear hockey tape...I like nude stretchable athletic wrapping adhesive tape...it rolls up into a nice spongey and very secure band

elisedance

09-27-2007, 03:37 AM

nice ideas - sometimes I think it would be reasonable to just glue them on and wear them permanently!

But what of the original statement that these are frowned on in higher level competition? I wore the elastic plastic ones last weekend but did not notice if anyone else was - they may be a red flag for someone that is not stable in their shoes. Last night I practiced without bands (these are quite new shoes so I have not worn themm without bands before) and did not really particularly less stable. The question is whether this is a point for the judges.

fascination

09-27-2007, 06:23 AM

dunno...I don't wear tape anymore unless the shoe is getting so old that it has stretched to the point of my foot wanting to come out...but since I have a very narrow foot (why isn't everything else that way?)...my heel will slip out easily in most shoes

Joe

09-27-2007, 06:24 AM

Yes, using the clear elastic bands on your shoes is frowned upon for high-level competition.

fascination

09-27-2007, 06:36 AM

looks tacky too...but meh...at my little level...more important that shoe stays on foot...

elisedance

09-27-2007, 06:56 AM

looks tacky too...but meh...at my little level...more important that shoe stays on foot...

there is that! But I finally found a pair that fits well enough to dance in without either getting blue-foot syndrome or carbuncles (least not yet...). I'm going to try to do without, its a tough addiction but I think I can.

Oh by the way, Joe, if the elastics are frowned on are proper straps/buckles also so?

Joe

09-27-2007, 06:57 AM

No, I don't think the straps and buckles that come on the shoes are frowned upon.

elisedance

09-27-2007, 07:06 AM

txs
ee

Dancebug

09-27-2007, 08:41 AM

Yes, using the clear elastic bands on your shoes is frowned upon for high-level competition.
And you know this because?

rjcbear

09-27-2007, 11:21 AM

How about for all those ladies that have very narrow foot and they have a hard time finding a shoe that will fit them properly and the only way to keep the shoe is by placing a clear strap on their shoes.

If their frowned upon so will they rather see those ladies dancing with out shoes or risk get injure because they do not have shoes that are perfect feet.

IMO I think they should look at the way the lady is performing technically and not what she is wearing on her feet.

fascination

09-27-2007, 11:23 AM

personally, at my level...it is a trade-off I am willing to make

rjcbear

09-27-2007, 11:32 AM

personally, at my level...it is a trade-off I am willing to make

fasc,

You mean either way is fine with you?

fascination

09-27-2007, 11:41 AM

no...I mean I am willing to be frowned upon

rjcbear

09-27-2007, 11:44 AM

no...I mean I am willing to be frowned upon

got it.

biggestbox

09-27-2007, 12:32 PM

If you are a dancer, you have to get used to adjusting those shoes on a regular basis. I make my own inserts from felt and two-sided tape. I also tape up my feet which really helps.

My feet are narrow in the back and wide up front with a flat(ish) foot. I wear freed because of the short metal shank, wear 3.5 sizes below my American size and wide.

waltzgirl

09-27-2007, 05:20 PM

If you are a dancer, you have to get used to adjusting those shoes on a regular basis. I make my own inserts from felt and two-sided tape. I also tape up my feet which really helps..

I do the same using molefoam (essentially felt with a thin layer of foam attached)--already has adhesive. I step with a wet foot on a paper grocery bag, trace around the imprint, and use that for a pattern, so the insert fits my foot exactly.

Joe

09-28-2007, 06:24 AM

And you know this because?
Because my coach told me that one of HER coaches (who is a judge) told her that the elastics are "unprofessional" and that as a pro she should be good enough not to rely on them as a crutch.

Good enough for you?

elisedance

09-28-2007, 07:06 AM

I do the same using molefoam (essentially felt with a thin layer of foam attached)--already has adhesive. I step with a wet foot on a paper grocery bag, trace around the imprint, and use that for a pattern, so the insert fits my foot exactly.

I make outcerts! With a wide foot and a rather large (dance-growth) bone attaching my big toe I put in an incert and then sculpt it for the various projections on my foot - home orthopedics!

Dancebug

09-28-2007, 07:55 AM

waltzgirl

09-28-2007, 07:59 AM

Hard to see what the elastic bands are a crutch for. Whether a shoe stays on your foot well is a matter of fit, not skill.

mamboqueen

09-28-2007, 08:14 AM

Has anyone ever put anything inside their shoe, along the outside edges, to help their feet from turning out? I'm tempted to do it, but not sure if it'll be messing up my bone structure, ligaments, etc. I just can't deal with having to constantly compensate for the turnout.

waltzgirl

09-28-2007, 08:22 AM

Do you mean turnout, as in toes pointing at an angle? Or rolling to the outside edge?

mamboqueen

09-28-2007, 08:29 AM

rolling out to the outside edges (can never remember if it's pronate or supinate). It hinders my balance a bit. And it's REALLY hard much of the time for me to dance on the inside edge of the ball of my foot (except cucarachas, which for some reason isn't too difficult....)

waltzgirl

09-28-2007, 08:39 AM

I have the same problem. I tried heel inserts that are a bit higher on one side and they seemed to help a little. I've thought about putting extra padding on the outside half of the front of the shoe, but haven't tried it yet.

mamboqueen

09-28-2007, 08:42 AM

I should probably consult a podiatrist...but maybe I'll try something small/gradual. Where did you find ones that were higher on one side?

elisedance

09-28-2007, 09:17 AM

Hard to see what the elastic bands are a crutch for. Whether a shoe stays on your foot well is a matter of fit, not skill.

I certainly find it a bit easier to ballance on the heel if the shoe is held in the mid region - so I usually by ones with a strap. However, the last pair (actually the first ones that have ever fit) came without the strap that was ordered 2 weeks before the competition so I had no choice but to take them and automatically used bands. I think they look ugly too - they leave a slight compression in your foot and break the line more than a strap does which looks more natural. During our practice on Wed one of them broke (pop goes another $3) and out of frustration I just took the other off too. To my delight it did not seem to make any significant difference so I am going to try to go band-loose and fancy free!

Joe

09-29-2007, 08:45 AM

Exactly. It's not like no one can tell that you're wearing the elastics. You're better off wearing a strap.

elisedance

09-29-2007, 09:12 AM

well, joe, it really depends on the shoe. I have such problem feet shape wise (I really should get custom made ones) that up to now some sort of strap/band was essential - this is quite a new experience!

dancerman

09-29-2007, 03:40 PM

As someone involved in the dancewear business, I do have fair amount of inquiries for the "elastics" used on the Supadance elastic court shoes, both 1001 and 1008. I know that women use them on other styles as well.
Because as the shoe has been worn the elasticity of the shoe also changes, these bands are sometimes a necessity. I would think that although they may show a little, the risk of a shoe slipping would be much more of a risk, not only to scoring but to injury as well.
If this elastic strap keeps the shoe where it belongs, why not use them? Good dancing will keep the judges attention where it belongs, on your dancing!!

fascination

09-29-2007, 07:24 PM

I just find the doggone things to be too flimsy

elisedance

09-29-2007, 08:02 PM

Joe

09-30-2007, 08:59 AM

All of the strappy court shoes hurt my partner's feet, so she buys the strapless ones. However, in an idea taken from a former partner, I attach the long straps you can get for Latin shoes, so she can have the straps AND shoes that don't kill her feet.

dancerman

09-30-2007, 10:07 AM

yeah, another daily cost to add to the heel protector farce. Heel protectors are $4 a pair - and I can get through two pairs a session - while the bungee loops are $6 a pair and last a bit longer but not muc. Putting suede on the heels and weaning myself from these gummy loops is quite a cash savings...

I don't know what brand of shoe you wear, but some of the manufacturers actually have a heel tip that can be replaced, and I think some of the replacements actually have suede on them. (I am not positive about this)
You may check where you by your shoes
I also know that the heel protectors themselves now come with suede already on them. Saves from wearing out the gummy part. This I know because I sell them all the time to friends.

Tangoqueen

01-01-2008, 10:37 PM

I think the flared heels are a crutch.

I totally agree!
I used to do Smooth only, so flares were ok, but I switched (2 years ago) to Supadance 1012 w/strap and slim heels (discontinued now), and never looked back at flares! This year, when I had to replace my pair, I had to special order them with SLIM heels. Isn't that ironic?!?! :eek: I've added Standard about a year ago, and slim heels are perfect for that too. I will NEVER do Smooth/Standard in flares again.

Tangoqueen

01-01-2008, 10:43 PM

Because my coach told me that one of HER coaches (who is a judge) told her that the elastics are "unprofessional" and that as a pro she should be good enough not to rely on them as a crutch.

Good enough for you?

INteresting.....my coach is a World Class Judge and she has NEVER once mentioned anything like that to my partner and I. Just to be sure, I will ask her on our lesson this week.

Tangoqueen

01-01-2008, 11:03 PM

Hard to see what the elastic bands are a crutch for. Whether a shoe stays on your foot well is a matter of fit, not skill.

Thank you! I completely agree with that statement. I am not risking my shoes falling off and twisting my ankle or worse, breaking it! Not worth it at all.

elisedance

01-02-2008, 02:09 AM

My new shows have the diagonal strap on but they are also a slightly different size and now they fit so well I actually don't need either the elastic band or the strap. The nice thing about the latter though is that even if the shoe streaches the strap should keep it snug.

I don't think one can have this discussion without also talking about whether the wearer uses stockings or not since apparently without you have much better grip on the shoe greatly reducing the need for additional support. Personally I always use stockings in order to keep the shoe clean but does anyone here have bare feet and still need the elastic bands?T

Tangoqueen

01-02-2008, 11:21 PM

I HAVE to have my hose on, it feels strange without them on. I do think my feet would have a better grip without them, but when I think of sweaty feet and getting blisters, I cringe. Imagine the foot odor.....yikes! I don't know about others, but my feet sweat moderately, so I'd be afraid to kill others with the smell.

Question for those who go barefooted: how do you fight the odor? When you take off the sweaty shoes, how do you prevent the mold from taking residence in the damp shoes? This is ONLY for those who use court shoes, I know Latin sandals will dry out, since they are open shoes.

elisedance

01-03-2008, 05:05 AM

TQ: we've addressed this question rather a lot of times and there are some wonderful (and downright scary) solutions out there, none of which may work entirely (but don't know for sure since I daren't try them). Please try the search feature on the top button bar (the bottom one is OK too but will miss threads posted in other forums).

anp73ga31

01-03-2008, 11:40 AM

Because my coach told me that one of HER coaches (who is a judge) told her that the elastics are "unprofessional" and that as a pro she should be good enough not to rely on them as a crutch.

Good enough for you?

I've seen Shalene Archer and other higher ups wear them....some even wear the clear plastic heel protectors too. They dont seem to get scored down on them. As for the clear straps, I dont understand why they would be considered a crutch...I started using them on my standard shoes when i wore them enough to losen them up...the straps keep my shoes from slipping off my heels since they are strapless shoes and now are not tight enough. Not arguing with you, just wondering how trying to keep your shoes on and tryign to get the most out of the shoes you paid alot for is a bad thing. :confused:

anp73ga31

01-03-2008, 11:48 AM

Question for those who go barefooted: how do you fight the odor? When you take off the sweaty shoes, how do you prevent the mold from taking residence in the damp shoes? This is ONLY for those who use court shoes, I know Latin sandals will dry out, since they are open shoes.

You dont fight it. You just wonder in fascination that a shoe can smell so badly, and then you put it back into its bag (my bag is mesh so they can air out...they dont get moldy) :D

I wish I could dance in hose if it saves on shoe odor...but I need all the grip I can get and hose to me are slippery....as for blisters, I have never had a blister with my standard shoes even when I first got them and first danced in them. I guess because they were tight and my foot was too squished to move around in them? Either way, I love them. My latin shoes I did get blisters in, though. Guess you just have to find the right fit for your foot and thats the key to avoiding the blisters...

Tangoqueen

01-03-2008, 10:04 PM

You dont fight it. You just wonder in fascination that a shoe can smell so badly, and then you put it back into its bag (my bag is mesh so they can air out...they dont get moldy) :D

I wish I could dance in hose if it saves on shoe odor...but I need all the grip I can get and hose to me are slippery....as for blisters, I have never had a blister with my standard shoes even when I first got them and first danced in them. I guess because they were tight and my foot was too squished to move around in them? Either way, I love them. My latin shoes I did get blisters in, though. Guess you just have to find the right fit for your foot and thats the key to avoiding the blisters...

That is funny!!! :D I'm so self-conscious every time I pull my shoes out of my bag, that I try put them on when the least people are around! I have some deodorizers inside with floral scent, but they just mask some of it...

My main problem are hammertoes, and when my feet sweat, the top of the shoe rubs against them and they get pretty sore. I've resorted to wearing clear gel 'pinky pads' that go over the hammer toe areas. They work well. I found them at a shoe store, they are made for ballet pointe shoes, but they work like a charm! If I didn't wear hose, I'd be probably worse. Luckily, I don't feel like my feet are slipping and sliding around.
Happy dancing! ;)

Tangoqueen

01-03-2008, 10:20 PM

I've seen Shalene Archer and other higher ups wear them....some even wear the clear plastic heel protectors too. They dont seem to get scored down on them. :confused:

That is true. I see the top pros wearing clear heel savers and clear straps to keep their shoes on. Shalene and Ben won Ohio in 2006, so the question is: did the shoe straps/heel covers really hinder them?! Since the answer is obvious, I say wear them and be the best dancer you possibly can (don't sweat the small stuff). :razz:

Joe

01-04-2008, 06:44 AM

OK, so Ohio Star Ball Open Smooth is high level international competition in that both US and Canadian couples can enter...

anp73ga31

01-04-2008, 09:07 AM

OK, so Ohio Star Ball Open Smooth is high level international competition in that both US and Canadian couples can enter...

well, its dancing at a higher level than I will ever achieve, so I think I'm pretty safe with regards to wearing my heel savers and clear straps. ;)