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KatieR
29th-December-2005, 11:06 AM
After a speaking with a few people I have noticed everyone has a difference of opinion when it comes to the soles of their shoes.

Me personally, like a leather-suede, or suede sole - I can control my spins a lot easier and can do controlled slides. Leather is good except on a fast floor - , but still find I dont have as much control.

I stopped wearing leather soles at Twyford because I know that one of these days Im going to land in quite an unattractive way on the floor.

Thoughts?

David Franklin
29th-December-2005, 11:23 AM
Thoughts?I think you're unfairly biased against people in dance trainers! :tears:

Cruella
29th-December-2005, 11:23 AM
I too prefer suede. I don't have enough control with leather on a fast floor. Suede still allows you to spin freely but doesn't let you slip all over the place when you're not intending to! I'm actually thinking of getting suede soles put on my dance trainers, as they are not slippy enough on some floors.

KatieR
29th-December-2005, 11:27 AM
I think you're unfairly biased against people in dance trainers! :tears:

You are correct... I have, to my horror, left off the trainer option and it is too late for me to correct my poll...

All trainer wearers please forgive my oversight it was not intentional.. :blush: :blush:

KatieR
29th-December-2005, 11:37 AM
I too prefer suede. I don't have enough control with leather on a fast floor. Suede still allows you to spin freely but doesn't let you slip all over the place when you're not intending to! I'm actually thinking of getting suede soles put on my dance trainers, as they are not slippy enough on some floors.

I used to wear trainers all the time when I first started, but now I have two pairs that are sitting in the cupboard getting all dusty. I find them very difficult to dance in but some people swear by them. They are definately handy to have though at the end of the evening when your feet are sore, but I got myself a pair of the freed practice shoe for that. They are a leather suede sole. Very comfortable.

Minnie M
29th-December-2005, 11:45 AM
There isn't an option for synthetic or rubber based ???? :tears:

KatieR
29th-December-2005, 11:50 AM
There isn't an option for synthetic or rubber based ???? :tears:

I know, I did post an apology... I wasn't able to update it in time.. .so please accept my humblest of apologies for all synthetic and rubber sole shoe wearing peoples... please imagine that there is an invisible option and feel free to discuss all synthetic/rubber related things.. :eek:

TiggsTours
29th-December-2005, 11:53 AM
I generally dance in my dance sneakers, and love them, but recently I've branched out a bit in footwear. I bought some of the new ballet style dance sneakers, which have hardly any sole, and they are fantastic to dance in, I've never found anything that gives me so much control, but can get a bit sore towards the end of the evening. Also, after years, I finally bought some girly dance shoes, with a suede sole, and they are fab! The most important thing to me though is the heel, can't dance in anything higher than 2.5 inches. Also, they need to fit well, no slipping around inside them, and the padded inner on my new shoes is the best!

under par
29th-December-2005, 12:45 PM
when it comes to soles I prefer th "S" and the "T" and definitely avoid the "R"!

Cruella
29th-December-2005, 12:47 PM
when it comes to soles I prefer th "S" and the "T" and definitely avoid the "R"!
T ?

under par
29th-December-2005, 12:57 PM
I really hate "R" soles

Zebra Woman
29th-December-2005, 01:17 PM
I prefer the extra control of suede, but after having two pairs of HDS shoes made with suede soles I was horrified to find they made my feet feel so sore. It felt like I was dancing barefoot on the floor.

After a month of trying to like them, I had them re-soled by Heavenly and one of the heels reduced in height too. ISTR it was a very reasonable price to get two pairs of shoes back in action.

I use resin soles outdoors. My Capezio dance trainers are too sticky and hurt my knees and feet, I haven't worn them for nearly a year. I am still contemplating glueing a leather sole onto the bottom them. It's qute a risk, if the glue fails then the trainers will be ruined.

Andreas
29th-December-2005, 01:26 PM
I love the control of suede and have used it for ballroom and latin, initially also for MJ. But the shoes are usually too soft, hence short-lived, considering the amount of foot movements I do during a dance, let alone a whole night. So I moved on to shoes with complete leather soles, including heels. While there is not a lot of control in those shoes, there are a couple of moves which I can't do with rubber heels. For the sake of control I have currently compromised and use leather soles with rubber heels.

Outside I occasionally danced in ordinary sneakers and usually made an effort of being right on my toes to reduce the strain on my anckles and knees.

KatieR
29th-December-2005, 01:43 PM
I love the control of suede and have used it for ballroom and latin, initially also for MJ. But the shoes are usually too soft, hence short-lived, considering the amount of foot movements I do during a dance, let alone a whole night.
.

Can suede shoes be resoled if it wears out? I want to take really good care of my shoes but given that suede does wear out a lot faster than leather I wondered if this can be done.

Rhythm King
29th-December-2005, 01:59 PM
Depends on the floor, the dance and what I'm wearing. I like suede for good quality, clean floors and for doing WCS. Leather or jazz boots depend on the floor, but I won't wear boots with smart clothes. It's just not right...

Oh and yes you can get suede replaced, either by the cobbler, or by buying replacement soles, eg from Freed.

R-K :flower:

Lynn
29th-December-2005, 02:41 PM
Most of mine are suede. I do have a leather soled pair of b&w lace up shoes, which I have sometimes worn at a local swing venue where the floor was too slow (and dirty) to wear my suede soles. I like the control of suede, but I can't freestyle in my trainers (unless its a very fast floor, like the venue I used to hire for MJ last year)

Some of my suede soles have worn a bit smooth, so I do have a good range of soles with me when I go to a venue.

Bare feet - I did that once at about 6am in the blues room at Southport 'cos I had taken my dance shoes off. And I got some of those really fluffy socks for Christmas - spinning in those on a laminate floor is fun! ;)

Zebra Woman
29th-December-2005, 02:55 PM
Bare feet - I did that once at about 6am in the blues room at Southport 'cos I had taken my dance shoes off. And I got some of those really fluffy socks for Christmas - spinning in those on a laminate floor is fun! ;)

I love fluffy socks on a smooth floor too. I like running and sliding best, I keep an 8 metre stretch clear in my dining room for that purpose. :D

I hate to see women dancing barefoot, after what happened to one of my sailing/dancing friends a few years ago.:sick:

At a party at my sailing club my friend was frustrated at not being able to dance in her high heeled mules so she kicked them off and danced with me barefoot, admittedly it was a hard lino. Dancing endorphins meant she didn't feel any pain at the time. Later that night and the next day she was in agony, the massive blisters on her feet had to be seen to be believed! :eek: :tears: She had to take a week off work and couldn't stand or walk anywhere.

DavidB
29th-December-2005, 03:04 PM
I used to wear Supadance latin shoes with a suede sole, but found they made my feet very sore.

I got a pair of dance sneakers when they first came out, and loved the comfort. I could walk at the end of a weekender! Fortunately for me the sole was not a problem for social dancing - the extra grip actually helped me not to move.

However I started to use them when practicing cabarets, and realised how much damage they could do. I now have a pair of dance sneakers with suede soles glued onto them, which is a good compromise.

I still don't like the split sole for social dancing - it doesn't give enough support. So my next pair will probably be regular trainers with a suede sole glued on.

I've never even considered leather-soled shoes for dancing.

Icey
29th-December-2005, 04:22 PM
Can suede shoes be resoled if it wears out?
They certainly can. I'm having new suede soles put on mine in the new year. I also put seude soles onto my old pair of character shoes as the synthetic sole was knackered.

I would advise going to a proper shoe repair place though as industrial strength glue is needed, pritt stick just won't do the job :what:

CeeCee
29th-December-2005, 05:00 PM
Originally posted by Katie R
Can suede shoes be resoled if it wears out? I want to take really good care of my shoes but given that suede does wear out a lot faster than leather I wondered if this can be done.[/PHP]
Yes it can, I’ve had suede dance shoes resoled but a good cobbler is hard to find. Perhaps I was just unlucky but I contacted several who refused to do it. The chap I eventually found didn’t know what the fuss was about and does them often. He did a super job and they lasted.

Regular brushing with a wire brush maintains the condition of the suede, don't let them get wet and they should never ever be worn outside.

Originally posted by Icey
I would advise going to a proper shoe repair place though as industrial strength glue is needed, pritt stick just won't do the job.
Katie, this is good advice from Icey.

The cobbler will use specialist glue and apply the correct amount of pressure for a specific time to make sure that the new soles adhere properly. If you attempt to do it yourself the glue is unlikely to stick, the cobbler won’t want to touch them after the event and you’ll have to replace the shoes.


Originally posted by Andreas
I love the control of suede and have used it for ballroom and latin, initially also for MJ. But the shoes are usually too soft, hence short-lived, considering the amount of foot movements I do during a dance, let alone a whole night. So I moved on to shoes with complete leather soles, including heels.Totally agree with you Andreas.

When I first discovered MJ, I made the mistake of wearing my latin suede soled shoes and my feet would ache after a short time of dancing. I had to compensate by dancing slower and more cautiously because of the likelihood of twisting an ankle. They are too soft, too flexible and don’t give enough support for club dancing which is why I moved to wearing leather soled club shoes.

I love dancing to all music, fast and slow and admittedly the ladies’ latin shoes are pretty, sparkly and strappy with an infinite number of designs but I refuse to compromise my dancing for the sake of pretty feet.

KatieR
29th-December-2005, 05:12 PM
....handy stuff....


Thanks for the info, will definately shop around when it comes time to get them resoled.

As for the pretty feet, I do have lots of sparkly pretty shoes but I do tend to take a more sturdy pair of shoes for later in the evening. I do have to admit tho.. my feet could probably use some taking care of.

CeeCee
29th-December-2005, 05:49 PM
originally posted by KatieR
I do have to admit tho.. my feet could probably use some taking care of
sitting in front of the TV with feet soaking in warm soapy water, lots of attention with scissors and file, followed by lashings of Body Shop Peppermint Foot Lotion.

Sheer Bliss

KatieR
29th-December-2005, 05:50 PM
sitting in front of the TV with feet soaking in warm soapy water, lots of attention with scissors and file, followed by lashings of Body Shop Peppermint Foot Lotion.

Sheer Bliss

I have a foot bath back in Australia, so when I get back there, I will have to pull it out and use it frequently.. peppermint is meant to be good for feet isn't ?

tiger
29th-December-2005, 06:50 PM
So.. have dance traners gone out of fashion now?

Andreas
30th-December-2005, 11:19 AM
Can suede shoes be resoled if it wears out? I want to take really good care of my shoes but given that suede does wear out a lot faster than leather I wondered if this can be done.

Yes and no. It is a bit more difficult and also reduces the sensitivity (?) of the shoes. Meaning they become harder and you will feel fewer of the little stones on the dance floor. Perhaps you regard that as an advantage :D

El Salsero Gringo
30th-December-2005, 12:24 PM
The cobbler will use specialist glue and apply the correct amount of pressure for a specific time to make sure that the new soles adhere properly. If you attempt to do it yourself the glue is unlikely to stick, the cobbler won’t want to touch them after the event and you’ll have to replace the shoes.Much as I hate to disagree - it's really quite easy to glue leather. The right adhesive is straightforward to buy and simple to use despite what some cobblers will tell you. The only (optional) piece of equipment that can be handy - and it is optional - is a hairdryer. If anyone is interested, PM for the details of which glue to use. The only glue I have ever heard a cobbler actually moan about is superglue - which shouldn't be used.

If anyone *is* looking for a good cobbler, I can recommend the man who does repairs for most of the smart shoe-shops in london, and has the repairs and alterations contract for Hobbes and LKBennet. He has a workshop full of specialists (sewing specialists, heel specialists, etc.) and is miles better than the while-you-wait shoe bars. (He might lose your shoes for a week though, as his workflow system is a bit chaotic, but that just adds to the 'personal' service.)

On the subject of whether leather or suede wears faster - remember they're both 'just' animal hide. Suede is finished from one side, leather the other. So once you've worn through the top layer - it's just leather. Which animal the hide comes from and how thick the piece of leather applied is will make the most difference to how long it lasts. Not which way round it's glued.

KatieR
30th-December-2005, 12:43 PM
On the subject of whether leather or suede wears faster - remember they're both 'just' animal hide. Suede is finished from one side, leather the other. So once you've worn through the top layer - it's just leather. Which animal the hide comes from and how thick the piece of leather applied is will make the most difference to how long it lasts. Not which way round it's glued.

I hadn't thought of it like that. Very interesting. I wouldn't mind the name of that glue... where can you get replacement soles from? Would you get them from the cobbler as well?

dancefiend
30th-December-2005, 12:59 PM
If things get stuck on the suede its alot harder to remove than smooth leather.

I guess if you dance in ideal conditions like a proper dance hall all the time then sude is not an issue.

I dance all over the place wherever there is a smooth wooden floor. Night clubs, there might be drinks spilt etc, or the floor is sticky - then I find that smooth leather offers the most flexible solution.

Having said that, it is a hassle if the floor is jsut too slippery. But if that's the case I'll be already wearing my rubber sole shoes and I won't have to change to my dance shoes.

Lynn
30th-December-2005, 01:15 PM
I dance all over the place wherever there is a smooth wooden floor. Night clubs, there might be drinks spilt etc, or the floor is sticky - then I find that smooth leather offers the most flexible solution. I've done that, worn my leather soled shoes at a venue where the floor wasn't that clean - they still ended up really dirty.

Floor condition is a consideration for me in choosing to go out dancing or not. For a one off I don't mind but I don't want to dance for hours on a weekly basis in street shoes or rubber soles just because the floor is too dirty to wear dance shoes. (Which rules out most of the local salsa venues.)

El Salsero Gringo
30th-December-2005, 01:41 PM
I hadn't thought of it like that. Very interesting. I wouldn't mind the name of that glue... where can you get replacement soles from? Would you get them from the cobbler as well?OK. Here's what I know about gluing soles (learnt from two years selling shoes and doing minor repairs for customers)

Use a glue like Bostik 1782, which is a solvent based glue (like used to be sold under the brand UHU until the government decided that 'consumers' were too prone to sniffing the stuff rather than gluing things with it and banned it from sale in shops.) You can get it from various places, including www.farnell.com by mail order.

It's a glue, not a cement - so it works in thin layers, not big gloopy dollops. A thicker layer of glue is weaker, *not* stronger. Follow the procedures in the instructions, but basically spread a thin layer on both pieces of leather (shoe and new bottom piece) and allow to go tacky. This is where the hair-dryer speeds things up. Press both pieces together firmly and the stick should be instant. If they "slide" around, the glue was too thick and/or not dry enough. You can't reposition - if the two parts are mislocated, pull them apart, allow to dry, and start again. That's only a guide though - most people fail when it comes to gluing because they don't follow the manufacturer's directions (it's just glue, isn't it?) when it comes to preparing the parts or applying the adhesive. The instructions are not for decoration, they are the correct way to use the product. Follow them.

Where to buy leather: not sure, but there is (was?) a man at Spitalfields market on Sundays who sells (sold?) hides for making bags, clothes etc - he might have something thick enough. Cut to shape with a very sharp knife- something like a new Stanley blade, or trim around the edge of the shoe after gluing a roughly cut piece. I'm sure there are places on the internet that will sell you leather suitable for cutting soles out of. (If you're gluing a whole piece with the 'suede' face outwards, I'd sand off the shiny surface of the leather so the glue keys better, or ask for something that's already treated that way... just a guess.)

Icey
30th-December-2005, 01:49 PM
I got my replacement suede soles from my local dance shoe shop. They should stock them as they were offered to me when I couldn't find any dance shoes I liked before I heard about Heavenly Dance shoes. The girl in the shop suggested buying normal street shoes and glueing the suede soles on.

frodo
31st-December-2005, 01:41 AM
Much as I hate to disagree - it's really quite easy to glue leather. The right adhesive is straightforward to buy and simple to use despite what some cobblers will tell you....:yeah:

While it wasn't the prettiest thing on earth, the glue I was sold along with the replacement suede, probably stuck better than the original ( despite everything being in German ).

Yliander
1st-January-2006, 02:01 AM
I voted for everything except leather-suede - as I don't know what that is

for me it all depends on the location and the activity and the duration.

I have 3 pair of suede soles(latin sandals, latin shoe and shoe), 1 pair of leather and 1 pair of dance sneakers.

the suede soles really make it easy to glide along the floor - or at least feel like I am doing that - how ever as they are so flexiable they do require my feet to work hard

when I am teaching or demonstating - I will generally wear my leather soles - bloch character shoes - as they give more support to my feet and help prevent strain due to repeated movement (made worse by an ongoing foot injury) and the leather soles move better on carpet. I'll also wear them out socially a pub or club were I know there is likely to be dancing but grotty floors and I don't want to take a change of shoes

I generally get the heals on my leather shoes replaced with rubber so that if I do find myself sliding I can use the heel to stop it.

the sneakers i hardly wear - I just don't find them comfortable - make me feel all clompy - but they do have their uses

if I'm going to dancing function - all my shoes go with me - I can then change my shoes to suit the floor or just change my shoes to make my feet feel better - they say a change is as good as a holiday

frodo
1st-January-2006, 02:23 AM
... and the leather soles move better on carpet. I'll also wear them out socially a pub or club were I know there is likely to be dancing but grotty floors and I don't want to take a change of shoes

That's sold me.




Does anyone have any recommendations on where / where best to buy leather soled shoes ?

I've only noticed dance trainers and suede soled shoes at dance stores.

Icey
1st-January-2006, 02:27 AM
Does anyone have any recommendations on where / where best to buy leather soled shoes ?

Heavenly Dance Shoes offer suede, leather or nubuck soles. I realise you're in Bristol but their website is very good and they will post your shoes out to you.

MartinHarper
1st-January-2006, 02:50 AM
Does anyone have any recommendations on where / where best to buy leather soled shoes?

Hard leather? Mine came from a shoe shop on the high street.

Yliander
1st-January-2006, 09:17 AM
That's sold me.




Does anyone have any recommendations on where / where best to buy leather soled shoes ?

I've only noticed dance trainers and suede soled shoes at dance stores. I can't help with where to get them in the uk - but as a ready made shoe you are looking for what is known as a character shoe - they are generally either black or skin tone - with heels a louis style heel ranging from 1 - 2.5 inchs - the most common brands that I know of are Bloch -which is what I have the capezio also make this type of shoe as well.

Generally you will find character shoes in ballet type shops rather than ballroom ones

Yliander
1st-January-2006, 12:04 PM
the first shoes on this web page are the ones I have

http://www.thedancersshop.co.uk/acatalog/Salsa___Jive___Ceroc___Character_Shoes.html

on further investigation discover that this is a UK based site and you can purchase online or go to their shop

The Dancers Shop
2a Church St
Basingstoke
Hants
RG21 7QE

Tiggerbabe
1st-January-2006, 05:15 PM
the first shoes on this web page are the ones I have
Funnily enough, I've always thought that Frodo was a boy :confused:

Icey
1st-January-2006, 06:11 PM
Funnily enough, I've always thought that Frodo was a boy :confused:
I assumed as much also, but Heavenly also do mens shoes.

Tiggerbabe
1st-January-2006, 06:23 PM
Heavenly also do mens shoes.
Indeed they do, and gorgeous ones - but I've yet to see a bloke in heeled character shoes (or maybe I just dance in the wrong places :wink: )

Icey
1st-January-2006, 06:31 PM
Indeed they do, and gorgeous ones - but I've yet to see a bloke in heeled character shoes (or maybe I just dance in the wrong places :wink: )
Should I see such a sight I will try to get photographic evidence for you.

drathzel
1st-January-2006, 06:50 PM
Indeed they do, and gorgeous ones - but I've yet to see a bloke in heeled character shoes (or maybe I just dance in the wrong places :wink: )

i have seen a couple in healed oxford style. You'll just need to come to Northern Ireland to see it!!!:yum:

frodo
1st-January-2006, 08:52 PM
(Useful link and info) Thanks for checking that.


Funnily enough, I've always thought that Frodo was a boy :confused:Still useful to see specifically what Yliander was referring to, so can look for the corresponding type of shoe.

According to this link http://www.ballroomdances.org/cheap.html, Capezio do make character shoes for men, which squares with drathzel's post.


... but I've yet to see a bloke in heeled character shoes ...While ladies character shoes seem to look fairly distinctive, I'm wondering if bloke's characters shoes would be so readily identifiable.


Heavenly Dance Shoes offer suede, leather or nubuck soles. I realise you're in Bristol but their website is very good and they will post your shoes out to you.Thanks, that's a good idea - get the type of sole you want, and they sell replacement leather soles.

The main problem, with Heavenly is that the shoes seem rather showy. Could easily stop by without going out of my way though, so I'll take a look at some point.

frodo
1st-January-2006, 08:58 PM
Hard leather? Mine came from a shoe shop on the high street.
Interesting. In earlier days dancing I could easily find shoes with a suitable co-efficient of friction, on the high street ( not really sure what they were made of ).

But when I've looked more recently, virtually all the soles have seemed rubbery and grip far too well. Maybe I need to look upmarket.

Tiggerbabe
1st-January-2006, 09:48 PM
Try Supadance (http://www.supadance.co.uk) too - they have many styles of mens shoes - Latin ones mostly have higher heels.
I've bought at least 4 pairs of shoes from them and they have been delivered within the week. :D

frodo
2nd-January-2006, 02:47 AM
Try Supadance (http://www.supadance.co.uk) too - they have many styles of mens shoes - Latin ones mostly have higher heels.
I've bought at least 4 pairs of shoes from them and they have been delivered within the week. :D
Thanks - First shoe I looked at looks just the sort of thing ( apart from the leather styles ).

http://www.supadance.com/acatalog/Supadance_6700_110.html.

ducasi
2nd-January-2006, 10:53 AM
Thanks - First shoe I looked at looks just the sort of thing ( apart from the leather styles ).

http://www.supadance.com/acatalog/Supadance_6700_110.html.
I've got a pair of these (the first one, with the diamond pattern.)

They are lovely shoes, but I found they didn't give me very good arch support, and even with extra arch support I generally have sore feet if I dance in them for any length of time (though I fear that might be the case with any leather-soled shoes.)

So now I keep them for special occasions – most of the time I wear my Bloch's trainers.

Icey
2nd-January-2006, 12:10 PM
Thanks - First shoe I looked at looks just the sort of thing ( apart from the leather styles ).

http://www.supadance.com/acatalog/Supadance_6700_110.html.
Wow, they're rather swish aren't they! :drool: I never thought I would see the day that I was admiring mens shoes :what: :rofl:

ducasi
2nd-January-2006, 12:39 PM
Wow, they're rather swish aren't they! :drool: I never thought I would see the day that I was admiring mens shoes :what: :rofl:
I'm sure I remember you admiring the pair I had on at the BFG...

Lynn
3rd-January-2006, 11:00 AM
i have seen a couple in healed oxford style. You'll just need to come to Northern Ireland to see it!!!:yum:Oh, I hadn't noticed! Point them out to me next time! I know some guys wear dance trainers and some wear latin or ballroom shoes.

I was dancing in suede soles on carpet on NYE. You would think that would be a disaster but it was very strange carpet, it was faster than some wooden floors I've danced on - perfectly easy to spin on (even double spins)! But for the first dance I still had my normal outdoor boots on - after one dance my feet and ankles were starting to hurt! I put my dance shoes on and was able to dance for several hours in perfect comfort. It reminded me why its worth investing in good dance shoes!

Donna
4th-January-2006, 01:28 PM
After a speaking with a few people I have noticed everyone has a difference of opinion when it comes to the soles of their shoes.

Me personally, like a leather-suede, or suede sole - I can control my spins a lot easier and can do controlled slides. Leather is good except on a fast floor - , but still find I dont have as much control.

I stopped wearing leather soles at Twyford because I know that one of these days Im going to land in quite an unattractive way on the floor.

Thoughts?

I think for most dance floors, suede soles are great. However, when it comes to slippy floors, neither suede or leather is suitable except of course ( I'll give you a tip) rub paraffin or castor oil under your shoes. A lot of professional ballroom dancers do it. It's pretty safe..it won't damage your shoes or the dance floor.

You can also have a very thin layer of rubber put onto the soles too. So there you go, 2 options on what to do if you'd rather not slip on the floor in a very unattractive way. :)

Lynn
4th-January-2006, 02:01 PM
You would think that would be a disaster but it was very strange carpet, it was faster than some wooden floors I've danced on - perfectly easy to spin on (even double spins)! I've since found out that it is actually good quality carpet tiles. Anyone else ever danced on these?

Donna
4th-January-2006, 02:03 PM
I've since found out that it is actually good quality carpet tiles. Anyone else ever danced on these?



Yep! Better than a wooden floor.