Salsa City Forum » Salsa Music and Dance » Dancing Shoes

Hello! I was going to go along to my first salsa session tonight-but lack of shoes seems to have put paid to that :-/ So I was wondering if anyone could advise me-I've wandered around what must be nearly every shop in Cardiff! Plenty of shops have smooth/leather soled shoes, but as I need a higher back to my shoe, I'm stumped-any ideas? Please?
Thanks,
Jonathan

Hi Jonathan

I'm not sure what you mean by "need a higher back" so I can't address this. Many places sell the sort of shoes I think are suitable for salsa. They should not be too expensive, because they're going to step in spilt beer and get stepped on. Lace-up are probably better than slip on. If I was going out to get a new pair I would look in Next, M&S, Jones, Clarks... those sort of places and buy a normal looking pair of black shoes that I could wear for going out as well as dancing. It's not a big deal. I don't want to put anyone off by telling them they've got to have special shoes.

I've dislocated my knee 5 times in the past-yes I know salsa involves knee stuff :-) but don't worry I've got a thoroughly strapped up knee...and inserts in my shoes (helps avoid duck feet, or goose feet or something). Means that with them in, most normal depth/height shoes don't quite hold my heel in. Started looking at ankle boots, but they all come with all kinds of strange grips and studs. Bit annoying that!

OK, now I get it. Well, in your case, normal trainers are a definite no-no because the high grip they have will put too much twisting-strain on your knee in a spin (that goes for everyone, acutally). Maybe you could go to the person who prescribes you shoe inserts and ask for light duty versions for use with normal shoes - it's not like you'd be wearing them all the time. Hope you can work something out.

not a bad idea actually-am in the que for an appointment at the mo(Might be grey by the time I get one though! ) ill have alook up my parents, see if any of my old ones are knocking around, they should be alright. Maaaarvelous! cheers for that! :-)

Good. When you do get to a class, remember, you don't have to do everything the teacher suggests, especially in the so-called "warm-ups", which can get a bit strenuous. If you think a particular move might put you knee in danger, just don't do it, and wait for the next one.

I went on a similar quest earlier this year (though not for the same reasons as you) trying to find some boots which I could dance in, and wear anywhere else. Eventually found what I was looking for in David Morgan's. I'm now the proud owner of a beautiful pair of Kenneth Cole Chelsea boots and a large number of bonus points on my credit card. If I continue living half my life in them I'll get my money's worth over the next few years.

I did pop into there myself briefly-didn't really look into boots, but will av a look at that 2-cheers!