IDS vs. Ray Rose vs. Aida Latin Shoes

[raindance]

So where do you get Paoul's? Never seen them at a comp vendor, not sure I've seen any in person, at all. How does sizing run compared to other brands?

 

[azntwice]

So where do you get Paoul's? Never seen them at a comp vendor, not sure I've seen any in person, at all. How does sizing run compared to other brands?

They are not easy to find -- best bet is to find a vendor through the Paoul website and see if you live or will be traveling near one. I wear a size 7 American, size 23.5 Aida and size 35 (or maybe 34.5) Paoul, so the sizing is totally different and you will likely have to try on a pair.

And yes the satin on the heel cups really does last longer!

 

[Lioness]

Yes, I tried the Elenas with the Elite heel (2.5 inch) and felt the same as you, it felt dangerous to dance latin in them. I can't imagine how they chose to go with that alignment!

I now have the IDS heel, it is much better, but it isn't too far back like Supadance flares.

PS I'm tempted to get some Mias next, what do you think of that style aside from your heel issues? I would go for the wraparound strap like in your picture. I'm worried about toe rubbing - is it a 3 or 4 'toes out front' style?

Thanks for the info!

I've loved the Mia...the wraparound feels nice and secure and the ball section is thick enough that it contains my wide feet (Can't do tiny straps at all!). I'm not sure how many toes I've got sticking out, lol...but they're very comfy and really supportive through the arch.

They run pretty narrow...I've downsized to a 4.5 (Í'm a 5.5 standard) but ordered extra wide.

I'm getting the "Bianca" in next...I've requested to order it without the crystals so hopefully they can custom do that for me.



While I'm here...shout out to the Heather Split teaching shoe...so comfy!

 

[j_alexandra]

So where do you get Paoul's? Never seen them at a comp vendor, not sure I've seen any in person, at all. How does sizing run compared to other brands?

I buy them from Paoul's website. Great customer service.

 

[raindance]

I buy them from Paoul's website. Great customer service.

Thanks. It's a bit daunting to order sight unseen. Any idea how sizing runs compared to supadance or ray rose? I am about a 4.5 (latin) or 5 (standard) in supadance, though only a couple of their models are wide enough at the ball of the foot.

 

[Tangos_with_Tim]

I've loved the Mia...the wraparound feels nice and secure and the ball section is thick enough that it contains my wide feet (Can't do tiny straps at all!). I'm not sure how many toes I've got sticking out, lol...but they're very comfy and really supportive through the arch.

You've convinced me! Although it's never hard to convince me to buy more shoes...

 

[Lioness]

You've convinced me! Although it's never hard to convince me to buy more shoes...

Same! I ordered new latin shoes, and then figured I may as well buy new teaching shoes while I'm at it...and almost convinced myself that I needed new standard shoes...etc.

 

[stash]

This reminds me that I need new west coast shoes. Or start wearing socks with the ones I currently have. Lol.

Also I haven't found the perfect Latin shoe yet. But I feel bad getting another pair because the two I have are barely used.

 

[s2k]

You just hit on why I have gone back to Paoul, after a quick visit to Aida. (I loved the Aida last, but the satin wore out in two weeks, the straps wore out in another two, and the heel protectors? One week. Sorry, but I just don't want to have a $200/month dance shoe habit.)

OK, back to Aida. Sorry for hijack.

EXACTLY why I abandoned Aida. Switched to Supadance and am tremendously happy with the fit, even four months post-purchase.

 

[j_alexandra]

Thanks. It's a bit daunting to order sight unseen. Any idea how sizing runs compared to supadance or ray rose? I am about a 4.5 (latin) or 5 (standard) in supadance, though only a couple of their models are wide enough at the ball of the foot.

I am a 5.5 supadance in the rounded toe elasticated court shoe with a 2" heel. I bought a 38.5 Paoul, which worked until the morton's neuroma kicked in, then moved up to the 39 b/c I added Superfeet and additional forefoot padding b/c I beat shoes to death quickly. The forefoot and toe box on the 39 are better for my morton's neuroma; I can use my toe inserts, additional forefoot padding, and Superfeet, and the shoe is still responsive but i have zero neuroma pain. None. ZERO.

I love me some Superfeet.

 

[j_alexandra]

Back to Aida: don't get me wrong; I didn't hate them. The rounded toe shape and the last were just splendid, and I liked the look of the shoe A LOT.

 

[Miss Silly]

My feelings as well regarding Aida - love everything about them aside from the satin (and heel protector) wear and those damn straps wearing out SO FAST. I've started painting glue on the straps to help them last a little bit longer. Seriously my practice ones are so shredded where the buckle goes (and i've never experienced this with another brand) that one broke during practice, and i'm always worried something like that would happen at a comp.

 

[j_alexandra]

Seriously my practice ones are so shredded where the buckle goes (and i've never experienced this with another brand) that one broke during practice, and i'm always worried something like that would happen at a comp.

This. Speed buckle, Aida. Seriously. Will help A LOT.

 

[Sania]

I had speed buckles on my Stephanie latins and hated them - different strokes I guess

 

[s2k]

Back to Aida: don't get me wrong; I didn't hate them. The rounded toe shape and the last were just splendid, and I liked the look of the shoe A LOT.

...which is why it broke my heart to abandon them.

And AHAHAHAHA speed buckles!! I don't miss having to struggle with the Aida buckle with fishnets and fingernails!