Crippling Dance Shoes!!!

[Donna]

I'm sure I'll get more ladies comments on this thread but...I've just bought a new pair of dance shoes and with me being used to a 2 - 2 1/2 inch, I thought I'd try a 3 inch instead.

Well....after wearing them for only 3 hours, I found it EXTREMELY difficult walking the next day and my big toes were very swollen and sore. Today, the pain has gone slightly, but I find the joints are badly strained as I can no longer stand on my toes or bend them back properly.

Is this normal after wearing a different pair of shoes that you are not used to and would anyone recommend I keep trying them every now and then until I get used to them?

Look at these ballroom dancers..they wear them all the time and show no signs of discomfort although I'm sure they are in agony. I can understand if you have worn them like that since a young age, it's not so bad but do you know why? I was told their feet are deformed and so will shape any high heeled shoe and so suffer no pain. I have been told though, that if you aren't use to them and have just started wearing higher heels you can get BUNNIONS!!!

Has anybody got any tips on how to get a more comfortable wear out of high heeled shoes and therefore can wear them for longer than just 3 hours?

[Missy D]

I'm sure I'll get more ladies comments on this thread but...I've just bought a new pair of dance shoes and with me being used to a 2 - 2 1/2 inch, I thought I'd try a 3 inch instead.

Well....after wearing them for only 3 hours, I found it EXTREMELY difficult walking the next day and my big toes were very swollen and sore. Today, the pain has gone slightly, but I find the joints are badly strained as I can no longer stand on my toes or bend them back properly.

Is this normal after wearing a different pair of shoes that you are not used to and would anyone recommend I keep trying them every now and then until I get used to them?

Look at these ballroom dancers..they wear them all the time and show no signs of discomfort although I'm sure they are in agony. I can understand if you have worn them like that since a young age, it's not so bad but do you know why? I was told their feet are deformed and so will shape any high heeled shoe and so suffer no pain. I have been told though, that if you aren't use to them and have just started wearing higher heels you can get BUNNIONS!!!

Has anybody got any tips on how to get a more comfortable wear out of high heeled shoes and therefore can wear them for longer than just 3 hours?

I dance sometimes in 3 inch heels and my legs do feel a little tight the next day. I find if you stretch lots before and after dancing this help so much. Dont know where you purchased your shoes, I got mine from Heavenly Dance Shoes and have had no problems. I know party feet do a range of jelly things to put inside shoes this might help you. Failing that you could get them sawn down half an inch as i did a few months ago with a spare pair. This will not alter the shape and at least you will be able to dance in them more comfortably.

Oh and i have no bunnions, crossed toes etc.

Happy dancing! Dx

[KatieR]

Being short, I generally dance in at least 3 inch heels. What I tend to do is take a flat pair of practice shoes to where I am going to be dancing with me and as soon as my feet get a bit sore, I will change my shoes.

[Trish]

I have a pair of shoes which are 2.5 inch heels and I find I can't wear them for too long at Ceroc - I'm ok with 2 inch. Strangely I find the higher shoes are good for ballroom though, as they lengthen your leg and I get my feet trodden on less (I've not been doing it all that long! ) - I can do ballroom on them for 2 1/2 hours, but my feet hurt at the end. If you stretch your feet in the other direction by kneeling down, pushing into the ground with your hands and then gradually lifting your knees off the floor this helps to some extent. Otherwise try: lavender oil/ibuprofen gel/massage/a foot spa and maybe also arnica cream (good for bruises and aparently also for bringing swelling down).

I have now bought a pair of 3 inch heeled boots (I'm not planning on dancing in those though), and they tend to also hurt my feet after standing in them for too long (but they're lovely!!!)

I would say DON'T buy the party feet type gel things - they're rubbish IMHO - every time I've worn them for dancing they just end up all scrunched up at the bottom of my shoes and then rub my feet - very uncomfortable. I've even found this wearing thick socks with them in my normal shoes. Perhaps there is a comfortable way of wearing these, if anyone knows one, please enlighten me!

The only thing I've found is to gradually get your feet used to these heights by changing into something else part way through the evening. I didn't even used to be able to wear 2 inch heels at one point, so my shoes are gradually getting higher!

[Saxylady]

I would say, be careful.

I suffered pain with a pair of dance shoes (not even that high, as ladies shoes go) and kept thinking it would get better as I got used to them.

The pain came and went, but was slowly worsening. Eventually it got so bad I sought medical advice. Turns out the shape and height of the shoe has permanently damaged the big toe joint and now I can't wear heels for long at all.

It sounds a good idea to have something to change into, but you may find the endorphins produced when dancing mask the pain until you've finished - then you feel it!

Poron insoles are really good.

[Donna]

The pain came and went, but was slowly worsening. Eventually it got so bad I sought medical advice. Turns out the shape and height of the shoe has permanently damaged the big toe joint and now I can't wear heels for long at all.

Ouch! Ok here's an update on my big toe joints everybody! They are much much better today. No pain at all! And, I can stand on my toes!

As for changing shoes, I did this but still suffered afterwards! And you're right, once you stop dancing, you feel it after!

[Lynn]

I usually dance in heels - like KatieR (who has some really fab shoes!) this is because of my height. I have several pairs at 2 1/2" - but I have noticed that a 1/2" difference in heel height can make quite a difference to how a shoe feels.

How are your shoes strapped? Would strapped across the front of your foot pehaps help? If its your toes that are hurting perhaps your feet are sliding too far forward in the shoes?

Glad your toes are feeling better.

[Saxylady]

Just remembering some advice the podiatrist gave me.

Your shoes should have a wide strap that holds the foot back in the heel so your toes don't get crushed. The sole should be firm and supportive. The insides should be padded or have an insole. The toe-box should be wide enough not to press the big toe inwards or cramp the toes but not so wide that the foot slips about.

He didn't approve of high heels at all - probably having seen the damage they can do - but I think he just doesn't understand what it's like to be a girl!

Obviously many people are very happy with all sorts of shoes, depending on their feet and how they dance etc. but if you're prone to foot pain his advice might help.

[jivecat]

I would say, be careful.

I suffered pain with a pair of dance shoes (not even that high, as ladies shoes go) and kept thinking it would get better as I got used to them.

The pain came and went, but was slowly worsening. Eventually it got so bad I sought medical advice. Turns out the shape and height of the shoe has permanently damaged the big toe joint and now I can't wear heels for long at all.

It sounds a good idea to have something to change into, but you may find the endorphins produced when dancing mask the pain until you've finished - then you feel it!

Poron insoles are really good.

I agree with every word of this. My feet were absolutely fine until I started Ceroc but I now have foot damage due to wearing unsuitable high heels, and, probably, bad spinning technique in the early days (both mine and my partners'). It p*sses me off every time I look at my poor, abused, little feet. The problem has settled down but I still get some pain when hillwalking and after dancing. Think about it, Donna, you'd be living with those bunions a ve-e-e-ry long time. I still wear high heels, but not more than 2", vary the height and try to wear my comfy old Bloch 538s at every possible opportunity.
Having said that, if this tango thing persists, I'm going to HAVE to acquire a pair of 4" killer stilettoes, preferably in black patent, to get the required "look".
But hopefully my technique is better now.

I also agree with everything else Saxylady said about correctly fitting footwear.
Everytime I see women at Ceroc wearing the flimsiest, highest, open footwear with tiny straps that dig in and give no support, I cringe to think how uncomfortable the shoes must be and how much damage they might be doing.

[Lynn]

Everytime I see women at Ceroc wearing the flimsiest, highest, open footwear with tiny straps that dig in and give no support, I cringe to think how uncomfortable the shoes must be and how much damage they might be doing.

I like to always wear my dance shoes when dancing. Apart from the fact that I have now bought several pairs and I might as well use them, I also know that dancing in unsuitable footwear is likely to have a cumlative effect. As a woman I'm particularly wary of spinning problems and knees - though our Ceroc venue has a good floor so spinning in regular shoes is OK.

So I don't care if I get odd looks when I change into my dance shoes, I just tell people I love dance shoes and have several pairs so I like to wear them - esp if a beginner sees me, so they don't think I'm some 'elite' dancer, or that they are inferior for not wearing dance shoes. But it does set an example and makes other people at least think about their footwear - and I get a lot of women asking me about dance shoes!

My only hiccups come in salsa - on the local salsa forum when I dared to comment on the dirty floors at most venues prohibiting the wearing of proper dance shoes, a salsa teacher replied that people should wear street shoes and keep their good shoes for going out for dinner!

Having said that, if this tango thing persists, I'm going to HAVE to acquire a pair of 4" killer stilettoes, preferably in black patent, to get the required "look". .

Ooh - TTD on a shoe thread - the ultimate!

Last night at Tango I saw a woman wearing thick wedge heeled mules - how on earth can she dance in those? Then again I was told by a male tango dancer when changing back into my boots - 'why don't you get Tango shoes?'. I was wearing my Freed Marissa - 2 1/2" heel, ankle strap, black - I thought they looked pretty Tangoy already - guess you can't please everyone!

[LMC]

One of my big toes ached after wearing my 2" shoes all last night - seemed weird that it was only one foot that was affected though!

I agree with Lynn - you get proper footwear for other activities - different varieties of boots and trainers for specific sports, so it makes sense to get proper dancing shoes for dancing.

Maybe it's ignorance that means I fail to see what difference it makes whether you wear a closed or open toe, or what colour your shoes are, or what height the heels have. Of course it does matter for performance or competition - but apart from individual comfort/correct foot support is there any other difference what dance shoes you wear for different styles?

[Lynn]

Maybe it's ignorance that means I fail to see what difference it makes whether you wear a closed or open toe, or what colour your shoes are, or what height the heels have. Of course it does matter for performance or competition - but apart from individual comfort/correct foot support is there any other difference what dance shoes you wear for different styles?

There might not be a technical reason but certain styles of shoes seem to suit different styles/roles in dancing for me.

I'm just starting to learn to lead but somehow it feels more 'right' to me to wear trainers or lace up shoes when leading than high heeled sparkly strappy shoes. Lower heels and lace ups also feel more appropriate for Lindy (the little I have done).

My 'decorative footwork' (my feet doing their own thing ) happens more in heeled shoes than trainers. And heels feel better for tango.

[jivecat]

My only hiccups come in salsa - on the local salsa forum when I dared to comment on the dirty floors at most venues prohibiting the wearing of proper dance shoes, a salsa teacher replied that people should wear street shoes and keep their good shoes for going out for dinner!

No point in wasting dance shoes on our salsa floor, it's got a coating of black chewing gum.

TTD

TTD? Explain!

Last night at Tango I saw a woman wearing thick wedge heeled mules - how on earth can she dance in those? Then again I was told by a male tango dancer when changing back into my boots - 'why don't you get Tango shoes?'. I was wearing my Freed Marissa - 2 1/2" heel, ankle strap, black - I thought they looked pretty Tangoy already - guess you can't please everyone!

On both counts, some people have absolutely no taste! Looking forward to seeing an impressive election of shoes at the weekend, Lynn.

[wicked blue]

Big respect going out to all you ladies that wear such heels. ....I just can't dance in high heels...period!

[jivecat]

One of my big toes ached after wearing my 2" shoes all last night - seemed weird that it was only one foot that was affected though!

Ahh, but that's how it starts. And only my right foot is affected. And I didn't notice it at first when I was dancing - endorphins and adrenaline are a powerful cocktail - I noticed a pain in the metatarsals whilst driving.
(Go on, you might as well.)

Maybe it's ignorance that means I fail to see what difference it makes whether you wear a closed or open toe, or what colour your shoes are, or what height the heels have. Of course it does matter for performance or competition - but apart from individual comfort/correct foot support is there any other difference what dance shoes you wear for different styles?

I don't think it matters much either - I just don't like seeing women wearing fashion styles with very thin straps because I don't think it gives any support, leaves the feet at risk from being trodden on, puts others at risk if they're stilettoes, and unless they fit very well can look revolting with bits of toe and flesh squeezing out between the straps.
I also think that the shoe should fit the style of dance if possible and the style of dress. So no boots with dresses or trainers with dressy trousers, for example. So I guess I do think it matters quite a lot. Duh.

[Lynn]

No point in wasting dance shoes on our salsa floor, it's got a coating of black chewing gum.

Yep, I've done the 'spinning on chewing gum' many times when I started learning salsa. Some salsa venue floors here also have added little quirks like stale beer oozing through floorboards when you stand on them and broken glass.

TTD? Explain!

Tango Thread Diversion. Pioneered by DavidJames (others have followed) though temporarily overtaken by the one man mission for LTD (Lanzarote Thread Diversion) of UP.

You clearly have not been wasting enough time on this forum recently!

[Saxylady]

Some salsa venue floors here also have added little quirks like stale beer oozing through floorboards when you stand on them and broken glass.

[Yliander]

One of my big toes ached after wearing my 2" shoes all last night - seemed weird that it was only one foot that was affected though!

is the toe that is aching the foot you mostly spin on ?

Maybe it's ignorance that means I fail to see what difference it makes whether you wear a closed or open toe, or what colour your shoes are, or what height the heels have. Of course it does matter for performance or competition - but apart from individual comfort/correct foot support is there any other difference what dance shoes you wear for different styles?

different types of dances require you to do differnt things with your feet and the various different types of shoes for each dance style assist your feet to do this.

for example

Latin shoes allow lots of flexing and pointing

Smooth shoes provide support for proper heel leads (so I have been told never woren or danced smooth)

Tango requires firmer lines and much more pivoting - so the shoes are firmer through the sole to support this (according to one Tango teacher - closed toes that are common in tango shoes is because it is danced to close helps protect them from accidents)

due to the variety of styling in Ceroc you can wear which ever shoes suit your style/ are most comportable for you.

Personally I wear latin sandals and shoes - like the flex they have but also have a pair of character shoes that I use for teaching and demoing beginners - they have a lot less flex but MUCH more support which is great for high level of repeitions - for higher levels I would wear my normal dance shoes.

[jivecat]

You clearly have not been wasting enough time on this forum recently!

Sorry, sorry, sorry, must keep up!

[Anna]

I'm sure I'll get more ladies comments on this thread but...I've just bought a new pair of dance shoes and with me being used to a 2 - 2 1/2 inch, I thought I'd try a 3 inch instead.

Well....after wearing them for only 3 hours, I found it EXTREMELY difficult walking the next day and my big toes were very swollen and sore. Today, the pain has gone slightly, but I find the joints are badly strained as I can no longer stand on my toes or bend them back properly.

Is this normal after wearing a different pair of shoes that you are not used to and would anyone recommend I keep trying them every now and then until I get used to them?

Look at these ballroom dancers..they wear them all the time and show no signs of discomfort although I'm sure they are in agony. I can understand if you have worn them like that since a young age, it's not so bad but do you know why? I was told their feet are deformed and so will shape any high heeled shoe and so suffer no pain. I have been told though, that if you aren't use to them and have just started wearing higher heels you can get BUNNIONS!!!

Has anybody got any tips on how to get a more comfortable wear out of high heeled shoes and therefore can wear them for longer than just 3 hours?

Well I can't tell you how to make it better but I can assure you it's completely normal as I suffer from exactly the same thing when I wear 3 inch heels. Lately I have gone back to wearing my 2 and 1/2s and will only wear my 3 inch if I'm wearing a skirt (as they are flesh coloured and look better).. note: It may be summer but I admit I have been avoiding wearing a skirt..

My feet probably are deformed by now but I still feel pain.. and yes the bunnions myth is true so WATCH OUT..

The only tips I can give you are.. don't wear them to and from the venue, in fact, wear them as little as possible other than when dancing.. sometimes it helps if you put strapping tape over your toes (lessens the pressure from the straps. You could try those heel/ball of the foot gel cushion things but I've found that they slide straight out of my shoes even when I try taping them to the insole of my shoe.. Other than that... lots of cool foot spray and sitting down whenever you aren't dancing?