practice shoes

E

emanuela

New Member
I know there are thousands threads on shoes, but I was wondering: does one have to wear practice shoes during dance classes? I know it sounds a stupid question, but I can't stop wondering.
Also, why is the cuban heel called so? Is that used for some particular dance, or is it just a name?
:shock: :shock: :shock:
 
No, you don't have to wear practice shoes to class. I wear my old competition shoes, the ones that are still good to dance in but are too dirty to look nice on the floor in front of judges.
 
emanuela said:
I know there are thousands threads on shoes, but I was wondering: does one have to wear practice shoes during dance classes? I know it sounds a stupid question, but I can't stop wondering.
Also, why is the cuban heel called so? Is that used for some particular dance, or is it just a name?
:shock: :shock: :shock:
Click to expand...
Cuban heels are thick and low, just a name for a short, sqaut heel. They are not for any particular dance, just for the comfort of a lower, fatter heel, which really IS a lot more comfy than a skinny heel.
I don't know why they are called this.
 
I don't normally wear practice shoes at lessons or practice either. I find it hard to adjust if I wear practice too often since they have a lower and bigger heel.
 
Most people wear between 2 and 2.5 inches slim or flare for Standard, or Smooth, and 2.5 to 3 inches flare for Latin or Rhythm for competitions.

Most practice shoes are between 1 to 1.5 inches cuban heel. If I wear practice shoes too much, and get used to them, I found myself hard to adjust back to the height of my competition shoes.
 
chiwenl said:
Most people wear between 2 and 2.5 inches slim or flare for Standard, or Smooth, and 2.5 to 3 inches flare for Latin or Rhythm for competitions.

Most practice shoes are between 1 to 1.5 inches cuban heel. If I wear practice shoes too much, and get used to them, I found myself hard to adjust back to the height of my competition shoes.
Click to expand...
Thank you!
 
emanuela said:
So, which type of shoes and heel to buy is just a matter of preferences?
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Yes, although you shouldn't be competing in practice-style shoes :)

There are many different heel height and shape combinations out there, and the different brands call their different shapes by different names. For instance, the closest thing to what Supadance calls a "flare" heel is called the "IDS" heel when you're looking at International brand shoes. Dance Naturals' heel on their Standard shoes is thicker than other brands' slim heels. And finally Diamant makes a heel called "Latino," which is not to be confused with a cuban heel, and which is a little thicker than the Dance Naturals heel.
 
If you're willing to spend $120, consider Freed style name Roma. Cuter than most practice shoes, IMO, with a slightly higher, thinner heel than most. Cute enough to wear with pants at dances. Not as much of a shock when you change from them to regular court shoes. Stable. Comfy. Nice. :wink: 8)

They come in black, tan, and black&white spectators.
 
pygmalion said:
If you're willing to spend $120, consider Freed style name Roma. Cuter than most practice shoes, IMO, with a slightly higher, thinner heel than most. Cute enough to wear with pants at dances. Not as much of a shock when you change from them to regular court shoes. Stable. Comfy. Nice. :wink: 8)

They come in black, tan, and black&white spectators.
Click to expand...

I tried on Romas and Milanos and found that they're not as flexible as I liked for Latin. Does anyone have trouble with that? And can anyone pls suggest a practice shoe I can use for Standard that's also flexible enough for Latin? (poor student alert! *grin*)
 
Hmm. Yes. Roma is a fairly ... um .. I don't want to say stiff, because they're not ... supportive shoe. I chose them based on the advice of several folks, that until my foot muscles develop greater strength, I need the sturdiness.

Lots of debate about that, though, from what I hear. Maybe someone else can recommend a more flexible shoe for you. 8)
 
My Latin coach uses the Supa 1026, but I'd prefer a higher heel. Anyone has any ideas about the Supa 1025 vs Supa 1026 for a good all-round practice shoes? Thanks~
 
I have fairly round toes, and even though Supadance is better for me for comp shoes I much prefer to wear the International Heather. I find that the Heather shoe is more flexible, and just plain more comfortable to wear. I've tried Angelo Luzio and Freed, both of which are OK but don't have the same stability and build as the first two.

I will probably stay with the flat(ter) heels for a while - if I want to practice in heels I prefer to wear my regular shoes (retired comp shoes), otherwise flat shoes are just more comfortable. For me anyway.
 
I just bought the Supa 1025 to use as a social shoe. I've been wearing them for about 2 weeks now and I'm really happy with them. The higher, slimmer heel feels nice though I do wish they were 2.5" instead of 2". I wore the 1026 as a social shoe for about 2 years and was pretty happy with them except for the really low cuban style heel. Hope this helps. :)
 
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