Another Question about Shoes

[BrookeErin]

I bought my first pair of "dance" shoes over the summer. They were Very Fine shoes and were great, but the heel tips now look like / (my instructor says from spinning). They've also stretched a bit (leather). I bought some jazz shoes to practice with the performance team, but will likely need a new pair of dance shoes when we do perform. (or should I just try to get new heel tips?). I'm picky about shoes and want them to be unique but also functional (they are for dancing), and I'm just not thrilled with any of the Very Fine shoes I saw on the discount sites. I do like these

but they're missing some Pizazz.
and I like these Capezio's

but don't think I can justify the cost if I'm going to go through them so quickly and I'm concerned about how little they adjust. I have some "street" shoes that are fine for dancing in for the clubs.

Any suggestions?
Any direction?

btw, this is for salsa.

 

[waltzgirl]

Hi! As you can see from my name, I'm primarily a ballroom dancer, but I've been through a lot of shoes, and here's my advice: If you like the shoes and they are still giving you good support otherwise, I'd replace the heel tips. If they have loosened up from stretching, you could try a pad under the ball of your foot to take up some of the space (if it doesn't interfere with your feel of the floor).

Heel tips do wear out fast. There was a thread recently about this, and people had various suggestions, including wearning heel protectors (little clear plastic cases that fit over the heels) and gluing suede on the heels. Or just having the heel tips replaced frequently.

I've never tried Very Fine shoes, but (no offense to anyone who likes them) I have heard that their quality isn't up to the full price dance shoe makers like Freed, Supadance, Dance Naturals, and others.

I don't know if I'm allowed to recommend a specific vendor, but Carmen's Dance Shoes (carmensdanceshoes.com) is having a great sale--40% off--through December 31st.

 

[redhead]

satin stretches way less than leather - something to keep in mind for your next purchase...

 

[chandra]

I have some very fine shoes.



Have you tried

exoticsalsashoes.com

I beleive they have free shipping and shtuff

 

[mayanempire]

I have owned a couple of pairs of Veryfine shoes. Although they are not of the highest quality, I haven't had any major problems with them. Plus, they're within my price range.

Before I got my first Veryfine pair, I had that exact pair of Capezios of which you've posted a photo, in nude satin. I have to say that they were the most uncomfortable pair of shoes that I've owned. My feet got no support, whatsoever. However, I had to grin an bear it for a couple of months, until I could afford a different pair. What relief when I switched to the Veryfines! I had to throw the Capezios back on after not using them in a long time a couple of months ago, when my usual pair finally gave out (after several months). I wore them to a social one evening, and my feet hurt for the next two days! Let's just say to each his own, but I wouldn't recommend them.

 

[BrookeErin]

Thank you, mayanempire!

I got my first pair from exoticsalsashoes.com chandra

 

[mayanempire]

No problem, chica. ;>)

Oh-and another thing. I wore down the heel tips quickly on my first pair of Veryfines, as well. I took them to a shoe repair place at one of the local malls, and they replaced the tips for $7. My shoes were good as new after that.

 

[Twilight_Elena]

Before I got my first Veryfine pair, I had that exact pair of Capezios of which you've posted a photo, in nude satin. I have to say that they were the most uncomfortable pair of shoes that I've owned. My feet got no support, whatsoever. However, I had to grin an bear it for a couple of months, until I could afford a different pair. What relief when I switched to the Veryfines! I had to throw the Capezios back on after not using them in a long time a couple of months ago, when my usual pair finally gave out (after several months). I wore them to a social one evening, and my feet hurt for the next two days! Let's just say to each his own, but I wouldn't recommend them.

That's strange. I've heard really good stuff about the Capezio Latinas. I was actually considering buying a pair. They're recommended by a Pro as well, United States Champion Maria Manusova.

Twilight Elena

 

[wyllo]

That's strange. I've heard really good stuff about the Capezio Latinas. I was actually considering buying a pair. They're recommended by a Pro as well, United States Champion Maria Manusova.

Maria Manusova is being paid to endorse Capezio's dancesport shoe line. This does not necessarily mean that she recommends Capezio to friends/students (although she might, I really don't know). I personally like Capezio's latin shoes and use them for social dancing, but I don't compete in latin. Also, Capezio has very much improved the quality of their shoes in the last few years.