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$19 Canvas Dance Shoe
A terrific slipper for your performance and practice needs! Canvas shoe has an adjustable drawstring, triangular construction for an enhanced arched, suede split sole design. Matching elastic straps are presewn to the back of the shoe, you sew (or tie) them in place in the front.
We don't think you can get a better shoe for the price! By Sansha. Color: light pink
We carry shoes fitting women size 7,8,9,10, 11, 12
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$26 Leather Dance Shoe
Our leather belly dance shoe is an ideal student belly dancing shoe. It features a full sole, soft but strong leather upper and elastics already attached, over the instep.
By Bloch. Color: pink or black
We carry shoes fitting women
size 7,8,9,10
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$42 Teacher's Shoe
Designed for teaching, the Teacher's Shoe features an ultra flexible, split-sole design with a patented elasticized instep so your arch is clearly visible. A contoured and adjustable T-strap flatters the leg-line. The 3/4" Cuban EVA heel with heel counter is supportive, comfortable and quiet.
By Capezio. Color: pink
Note: At the present time, we do not have this shoe in stock, but for studio shows, we make a group-order to save on shipping.
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$25 Egyptian Dance Slippers
Golden or silver durable belly dance shoes handmade in Egypt. All leather construction, with plastic soles. Unlike ballet slippers, the sole covers the entire bottom so no uncomfortable seams dig into the bottom of your foot! These shoes are elasticized around the top, eliminating the need for an unsightly strap across the top of your foot. Stop painting ballet slippers to get that beautiful metalic look! The long-lasting finish on these shoes really resists wearing off. Bright gold and silver matches virtually every costume. Please note that sizes are approximate.
New: Large sizes up to 13.5 !
Sizes European (US): 38 (7.5), 39 (8.5), 40 (9), 41 (9.5), 42 (10), 43 (11), 44 (12), 45 (13), 46 (13.5)
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Available Colors: Gold or Silver |
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Shoe Sizes
Dance shoes and slippers are sized differently from street shoe sizes for various reasons (i.e. you don't wear socks, and each manufacturer has their own idea about sizing. In addition, ballet-like slippers are worn much tighter than your regular shoes). In fact, our shoes range from a -2 to a +1 from the normal shoe size depending on the model!
So we have done our homework and ordered test-pairs, checked out how they fit, and clearly marked our shoes accordingly, so you do not have to worry about how this particular shoe size will work out. Simply tell us your normal shoe size, and we get the right shoe for you.
Leather vs. Canvas
(experts from article by Amy Chen,
full article at www.chicagodancesupply. com/amyarticle.htm)
Leather shoes should fit snug because the leather will stretch as the shoe is broken in. However, because canvas does not stretch, canvas shoes should be fit comfortably. Because canvas shoes generally contain more pleats than leather shoes, canvas shoes can accommodate a wider foot.
Especially with canvas shoes, when you are being fit for shoes don’t settle for the slightest amount of discomfort. Even though leather shoes should fit tight because they will stretch overtime, they should not be uncomfortably tight when they are new. Remember that if the shoe bothers you even just a little bit when you are trying it on in the dancewear store, it will only get worse when you are trying to dance in them for hours a day!
If you are dancing on a wood floor, you may prefer leather shoes to canvas shoes because leather shoes will provide more traction. However, if you are dancing on a Marley floor, you will probably prefer canvas shoes because leather has a tendency to stick to the floor.
One advantage that canvas shoes have over leather shoes is that it is easier to clean canvas shoes. Canvas shoes can be washed in a washing machine and air dried when they get dirty. Another advantage of canvas shoes is that they take virtually no time to break in.
As far as cost is concerned, there is a trade off between canvas and leather shoes. Leather shoes may last longer than canvas shoes, especially on wood floors. However, canvas shoes tend to be less expensive than leather shoes.
Full Sole vs. Split Sole
For young ballet students some teachers prefer a full sole shoe. A full sole offers more resistance than a split-sole, and is therefore important in building foot strength for students age 4 to 7. However, by the time a student reaches age 10 or 11, they may wish to try a split-sole shoe, which may be more flattering to the line of the foot. Again, young students should check with their teacher about what type of shoe to buy. Some teachers may require young students to wear full-soled shoes.
While many advanced students and professional dancers prefer a split-sole shoe, some feet look better in a full sole shoe
Why to wear shoes:
I love to dance barefoot as much as most belly dancers, BUT it is too dangerous in some situations. When you do a bellygram, you usually do not have the opportunity to investigate your dance space in detail. You therefore don't want to risk dancing in someone's house, on someone's deck or in someone's backyard in your barefeet. It just isn't safe. And, restaurant floors are usually DISGUSTING and they could have broken glass, slippery ucky food, forks, knives etc etc. on them.
Those little feet of yours are VERY important, not only for dancing but for living your life. You have to be careful with them.
Plus, there is actually quite a long history of belly dancers wearing shoes when dancing professionally, so native Middle Easterners expect you to wear shoes & not only shoes, but heels. That is just the way it is done in the Middle Eastern and what is expected when dancing at a Middle Eastern party or Middle Eastern restaurant. Here is a great little article about the history of wearing shoes when belly dancing, just in case you are interested: http://www.shira. net/dearshira/dear-shoes.htm
I know many dancers pay the major $$ to buy character shoes, flamanco shoes etc. Personally, I buy cheaper shoes -- usually found in the bargain "on sale" section of the shoe store. There are usually fabulous colored shoes there, that you might not where "in public" but would go perfect with that fushia or lime green costume you have. I always make sure the soles are bendable, not platform or thick soled shoes. Your shoes need to be flexible to do a lot of moves -- camels & backbends just to name two. The shoes also should have heels that are thick enough to be stable. If you feel "woobly" when you walk in them, the heel is probably not thick enough. I have not had any problems dancing in any of my bargain shoes & even use some of them to go out dancing at clubs. Once you get used to dancing in heels, you will probably find it is actually easy & comfortable.
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