Foot Size Affecting Dancing

S

saltadoradastra

New Member
Hello beautiful people,

This is my first post. I have done a search on the forum and have not seen a post about this yet. Forgive me if I have made an error.

I have small but wide feet. They measure 8.75 inches in length, and the widest point across is 3.75 inches. In USA sizing, this is about 5.5 or 6. have seen so many dancers who have big feet. Have you noticed a lack of balance if you have small feet? Anyone know of wonderful dancers with smaller feet? I am hoping that the "big feet for dancing" is a myth.
 
My feet are about the same size as yours (I had a tape measure nearby) - I wear a size 6 shoe. I've also noticed that most other dancers have longer feet than I do.

The short answer to your question is "no". Of course my balance isn't perfect, but that's more of an issue of core, etc. than foot length. The primary drawbacks of small feet are (a) it's hard to find other dancers to buy your used shoes, and (b) can't comfortably wear as high of a heel as someone with bigger feet, and/or still maintain ability to point toes. Oh and (c) makes my large derriere look even larger.
 
And don’t underestimate importance of proper fit shoes. It took me years before a knowledgeable shoe salesman at a comp fitted me for a perfect shoe. My feet are size 8, but they are wide, wider than “normal”. He explained that for standard, it’s ok to have some room around the toes, and the heel should be more toward the back rather the center of the foot. The right shoe added the feel of a longer foot and my stability increased dramatically.
 
I agree with open_mind. Correct shoes and fit make a huge difference. The expensive brand shoes are, of course, expensive. But they do have features that let you use your foot more effectively, and that really helps. I never believed this until I saw Ilya Kolosov's facebook video explaining the construction of Aida practice shoes and point out how the features help your dancing. There are combinations of support, flexibility and so on that allow you to move your feet in ways that help.

I'm an engineer, and the explanation made me think "Aha!" I bought a pair and they really do make a difference. That was back sometimes like April. I can't report on the competition shoes because, owing to Covid, I haven't had a need for competition shoes! I also can't compare to other brands. But compared to the cheap shoes I used to use, the Aida competition shoes do let you use your feet.

By the way: I bought these over the internet. I just sent a trace of my foot with length and width measured by a ruler. I don't know if that would be sufficient for competition shoes, but it worked great for the pratice shoes.
 
lucia_l said:
I agree with open_mind. Correct shoes and fit make a huge difference. The expensive brand shoes are, of course, expensive. But they do have features that let you use your foot more effectively, and that really helps. I never believed this until I saw Ilya Kolosov's facebook video explaining the construction of Aida practice shoes and point out how the features help your dancing. There are combinations of support, flexibility and so on that allow you to move your feet in ways that help.

I'm an engineer, and the explanation made me think "Aha!" I bought a pair and they really do make a difference. That was back sometimes like April. I can't report on the competition shoes because, owing to Covid, I haven't had a need for competition shoes! I also can't compare to other brands. But compared to the cheap shoes I used to use, the Aida competition shoes do let you use your feet.

By the way: I bought these over the internet. I just sent a trace of my foot with length and width measured by a ruler. I don't know if that would be sufficient for competition shoes, but it worked great for the pratice shoes.
Click to expand...
I am shocked upon shocked to see someone with a similar experience. Just two weeks ago, I saw the same videos on Facebook by Ilya Kolosov. I reached out with a tracing of my foot (I used graph paper, and that was eye opening!). Turns out, I have a double wide foot! When I tried on the shoes, I wanted to cry. I had been wearing "normal" shoes because my teachers always said they had to be tight (the shoes cut my circulation off, left bruises and indents in my feet, and my feet often turned numb). Little did I know I just needed a wider shoe! Thank you for this post. It is so important to splurge on the shoes: They are tools, and the only thing between you and the floor. <3
 
Thank you to all for your replies! I have been doing toe/foot strengthening exercises and bought a proper fitting pair of shoes. Hopefully in combination with your feedback, dancing can be faced with less intimidation. :) <3
 
Any recommendations on where to find W or even WW dance shoes for men?

oh and this my first post also.

Hi I am Bill, and I have an F-Rank in proprioception even though I am trying to learn to dance.

Hope to make some friends
 
bfntn2 said:
Any recommendations on where to find W or even WW dance shoes for men?

oh and this my first post also.

Hi I am Bill, and I have an F-Rank in proprioception even though I am trying to learn to dance.

Hope to make some friends
Click to expand...
Welcome to Dance Forums!
What type of dancing will you be doing? Ballroom? Argentine Tango? Salsa? Something else?
Have fun learning to dance!
 
bfntn2 said:
..where to find.. WW dance shoes for men?
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Hello Bill, welcome to DF!

To answer your question, you should first describe why you want to buy dance shoes! We dancers always have several pairs in our pockets because the requirements always change:

-The sole material saves your knees if the ground is not slippery enough.
-A split sole also protects your spine when jumping and for lifts.
-With the heel height, the man adapts to the height of his dance partner.
-With the optical shoe design one serves the stylistic expectations of the respective dance.

For these reasons there is a confusing flood of dance shoes.

Have you ever thought of simply letting your shoemaker put a chrome leather sole or suede on the underside of your best walking shoes?

(Bye the way, dancing barefoot is the healthiest)
 
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bfntn2 said:
Any recommendations on where to find W or even WW dance shoes for men?

oh and this my first post also.

Hi I am Bill, and I have an F-Rank in proprioception even though I am trying to learn to dance.

Hope to make some friends
Click to expand...
Depends on the style of dancing. Trying some first is obviously better. Ordinary shoes can be adapted with stick-on soles or sock-type covers but, depending on the dance, the welt can be problematic (painful) for the partner. If you know what you really want, and are prepared to pay, there are a number of custom suppliers around the world (online you send them a tracing of your feet with dimensions). Google 'custom dance shoes men'.
 
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