Emergency tango shoes?

[mkjohnson]

Ladies, suppose you were traveling, spending time in a city with several milongas, but nowhere to buy tango shoes (at least before it's time to leave). What would you do? Are there any particular brands of street shoes that you've worn (and liked) in a pinch? (NOTE: I am not advocating getting street shoes instead of tango/dance shoes generally - just in a "tango emergency" lol)

I've worn Nina's (at Macy's etc, but also TJ Maxx occasionally too) and though they don't have the support I'd like, they did okay for about a month of dancing 2-3 milongas a week (until I could get dance shoes.) Any thoughts?

[Ampster]

Mrs. Ampster has found that some models from "Aldo" in 4" heels, and "Boutique 9," and others work magnificently.

The criteria: Hard leather soles, closed heel, Heel not pitched too far back, NOT platform, secure enough to walk backwards in, stiff/hard/supportive arches. They do exist!

Some of these have become her dedicated tango shoes. Some even worked better and look better than your "dedicated" tango shoes.

[bastet]

I think anything that is comfortable, fits right and doesn't grip the floor would work alright. You can even glue suede on ot put duct tape on the bottoms if they aren't leather on bottom.

[AndaBien]

Originally Posted by bastet

I think anything that is comfortable, fits right and doesn't grip the floor would work alright. You can even glue suede on ot put duct tape on the bottoms if they aren't leather on bottom.

How well does duct tape work, and how long does it stand up?

[Ampster]

Originally Posted by AndaBien

How well does duct tape work, and how long does it stand up?

Duct tape works very well. Provided you use a real good quality brand of duct tape and make sure it is stuck on without any bubbles. It lasts all night if applied correctly.

[Temza]

I have nothing but tango shoes now. I buy sturdy low-heel ones for walking in the street, so I am never caught off guard

[New in NY]

Originally Posted by Temza

I have nothing but tango shoes now. I buy sturdy low-heel ones for walking in the street, so I am never caught off guard

I like this. You should post in the "You know you're addicted to dancing when ..." thread.

[newbie]

Originally Posted by mkjohnson

in a city with several milongas, but nowhere to buy tango shoes

(Once inside the milonga)
"May I borrow your shoes while you're sitting?"

[mkjohnson]

wow - thank you everyone for your responses! Temza, I think you have the right idea lol!

[Lui]

We used to make some shoe tips out of felt, like small bags, and fixed a wide rubber band to its sides, which held it thigh when pulled up over the hell. Those were makeshift shoes for beginners trying out our class but having only street shoes. One pair does not take up big room in a lady's handbag and can turn most shoes into temporary dancing shoes.