Wife wanted me to post to find out were dancers get their shoes. She wants to get the type that are "Mary Janes" with straps in the back that dancers wear. She can't find them anywhere!
I get mine at a local dance supply store...in my experience it's better to buy them in person than online, because she'll want to try them on and make sure she can dance in them comfortably. However, if the online store has a good return policy, and you are not near a dance supply store, then it's a good second option.
Is she looking for character shoes? (they often look like Mary Janes, as do Flamenco shoes).
The "straps in the back" is what threw me - most of my Mary Jane-like shoes don't have straps in the back - just over the top of the foot. Can you clarify? Updated On: 2/27/06 at 01:43 PM
She's not a dancer, but most "Mary Jane" type shoes don't have straps in the back. Her feet are wider in front, small heels, so they keep slipping off without straps to hold them on. She noticed that dancers shoes look like she wants, and also have the straps in the back. I'll have her check the website. We are in Northern NJ, about 20 min from NYC, so will alos check for stores in the area....
The best "Character Shoes" for comfort are La Duca's, of course Capezio, Bloch. Leo, etc have them and you can get them cheap, but for avoiding future foot problems, I would stay with the La Duca's!
Depends on the shape of your foot; I've tried LaDuca's (on the recommendation of several of my friends), but I actually find Capezio's much more comfortable. You can get them (Capezio) from super cheap ($25-ish) up to professional level, which are in the $125 - $150 range.
Don't order from Discount Dance Supply without looking at the shoes in a store. If she doesn't need them immediately, she should go to a store and try on shoes and she can them order them online for cheaper.
I do not think it is a good idea to go to a Dancewear store and "try" shoes on then not purchase them and order online, that is how these stores make their money, also many of them charge a "fitting fee" if you are obvious that you are just sizing and not purchasing. There are many wonderful ballroom shoes out there that have the strap in back as you asked about. Just FYI
All my shoes are either Capezio or Bloch. I think they're the best, and the most comfortable. She should try them on before she buys them, though. Just remind her when she gets them that she still has to wear them in, so they might feel a little uncomfortable at first. I get all of my dance supplies at a local dance store, but Discount Dance Supply is a wondeful website. They have some great deals.