shoes for practise

[elisedance]

We have a topic on standard/smooth competition shoes, this one is for 'what should you practise in'

It comes from Dream's Diary where MC commented:
You might want to look into getting some cushy practice shoes.  I know they absolutely save my feet on a regular basis (although I DO have to wear the 3" Latin monsters).  The pair I have: http://www.supadance.com/acatalog/1026_Black_Leather.html  The good thing about these babies is that they're nearly indestructible.  Literally, I've had those for a few years now and they're not worn in the slightest, and they molded to my feet just the 2nd time I wore them.

And DALD replied (if I may summarize) that she was concerned about adapting to shoe that was easier to dance in.

Its a conundrum that anyone in dancesport has probably have faced: you can get (more) comfortable shoes than latin heels or standard pumps - but what if you can't adapt back? 

[elisedance]

I used to have some low, flat heeled shoes that were moderately comfotable for my rather wide feet - but dancing in pumps after was a nightmare - no stability, higher heels (I only use a 2.5 cm, height is not my biggest problem (forgive the pun) ).  However, I found an amazing pair of what are probably latin practise shoes from FREED (yup, the mens shoes company  ) that lace up all the way from the toe to the top of the foot - rather like greek sandals.  They also have 2.5 cm heels but a larger surface area heel than a pump. 

they are a little easier to dance in - but it takes me less than half an hour to adapt back so they make for excellent practise shoes.

[etp777]

So is responding to your own threads the new trick to upping your post count? 

[elisedance]

thats mine - and queerying such is apparently yours

Actually I now try to avoid (though have in the past) putting personal stuff in the first post - its there to set up the question/issue not for my perspective.  In a sense it separates ED the admin from ee the person.  Does that make sense? 

[dream a little dream]

I think Malakawa has summed up what I am attempting to do. 
I need to feel completely comfortable in my dance shoes before I can dance in my practice shoes, if that makes sense.

[ttd]

I have read an article in Dancebeat once ("It takes a woman" column, I think), which said that you should practice in the same kind of shoes you wear for competition, and it's not a good idea to use lower-heel shoes and then switch to the competition shoes for a couple of weeks before the event.

So, with that in mind, I was able to locate practice pair which the same brand I wear for competition and comes with the same type of heel.

[LucyDiamond]

<on soapbox>
Being that I'm still in physical therapy for my back, I feel obligated to remind the females that high heels are very bad for your back.
</on soapbox>

I practice in dance sneakers.

[elisedance]

there's heels and then there's heels.  I compete in heels - but they are only 2.5 cm and I found a pair of practise shoes with a larger (more stable and comfortable) heel at the same height.  I usually switch to comp shoes 2-3 lessons before, seems to work fine.

I think its different for latin/rhythm too which (as I understand it) have higher heels...

[ttd]

there's heels and then there's heels.  I compete in heels - but they are only 2.5 cm and I found a pair of practise shoes with a larger (more stable and comfortable) heel at the same height.  I usually switch to comp shoes 2-3 lessons before, seems to work fine.

I think its different for latin/rhythm too which (as I understand it) have higher heels...

2.5 cm is approximately 1". How do you get away with wearing heels that are so low? I use 2 1/2" for all my dancing.

[QPO]

I practiced last night in a very low heel and it is not good for my heel turns....I need to get new practice shoes that match the heels of my dancing does as then I can get the feel of those heel turns etc...Dance position alters also when the heel is lower....my last pair broke and was waiting to go interstate to get a pair when I am at the comp. I wnt to try them on first before I buy shoes...

[elisedance]

there's heels and then there's heels.  I compete in heels - but they are only 2.5 cm and I found a pair of practise shoes with a larger (more stable and comfortable) heel at the same height.  I usually switch to comp shoes 2-3 lessons before, seems to work fine.

I think its different for latin/rhythm too which (as I understand it) have higher heels...

2.5 cm is approximately 1". How do you get away with wearing heels that are so low? I use 2 1/2" for all my dancing.

Lets put it this way, if I wore 2 1/2 inch heels I would be nearly 6'1"... 

[QPO]

yes that is a problem when you are tallish..I am 5'7" so I can go for higher heels, we still looked well matched

[dream a little dream]

I can't walk in flat shoes.  I actually need a little heel to be comfortable. 
For example, I can't wear flip-flops unless they have a bit of a heel. 
For the time being, I only have one pair of court shoes, but as I get back to lessons and competitions, I expect I'll have 2:  one for lessons and practice and one for competition.

[elisedance]

these are the shoes I wear for practise - made by Freed of england (though I know nothing about this vendor):
http://www.showtimedanceshoes.com/product_info.php/products_id/469

I strongly recommend them if you have wide feet and can't find anything that doesn't crunch your pre-toe bones.  Note that the tops lace up all the way so you can adjust for any foot.  Also, although its a broad heel its quite high so the adjustment to pumps is not bad (I use a low heel though).

[QPO]

I can't walk in flat shoes.  I actually need a little heel to be comfortable. 
For example, I can't wear flip-flops unless they have a bit of a heel. 
For the time being, I only have one pair of court shoes, but as I get back to lessons and competitions, I expect I'll have 2:  one for lessons and practice and one for competition.

I have the same trouble where I can't wear flat shoes, the tendons have shortened int he back of the leg. but I am developing a bunion or arthritis in the joint of the big toe and the foot doctor says that I must walk around in flatter shoes so put less stress from pushing the foot into the shoe.

I am looking for a good practice shoe and much better supportive court shoes.