Best Dance Sneakers?

[SalsaWinnipeg]

I would like to get some information from Salsa dancers, who use dance sneakers (training shoes)...
Which shoes would you recommend? Can someone compare dance sneakers made by Bloch, Supadance, Capezio, etc. Which ones are better, why?

Thank you.

[nicelau]

hi
i recently bought a pair of dance sneakers and tried on bloch and capezio brands - some leather some not.
there isn't a hell of a lot fo difference between them all in terms of performance - it's really down to the style you like...
personally i found the bloch sneakers mroe comfortable as they have a thicker sole and are more cushioned, although this does mean your foot gets hotter. the spinning spot was wonderful as well.... :D
the capezio sneakers are lower but also very comfortable, although felt a little firmer and so would need to wear a little more before they would be completely comfortable. spining was also a dream in these though :)
i also tried some bloch leather sneakers, but leather i found to be too firm... :?
hope that helps a little

[SDsalsaguy]

I love bloch!

[peachexploration]

I have capezios but don't purchase unless they are leather. The other materials are not good. I prefer the hightops for ankle support. Bloch seems to be the choice sneaker for most salser@s although I don't own a pair. But I hear they are the best for all-around fitting. :)

[Miami Rueda dancer]

I use leather sketchers but thats cause I never have more to use I'm "becoming a man" as my dad puts it and im working to buy clothes and shoes :D

[SDsalsaguy]

I love bloch!
OK, to reiterate what I posted over at the DF, here's why...

1. I like how my blochs fit. This will probably vary a little from person to person but, for me, while I've found (albeit rarely) other dance sneakers that fit as well, I'v never found any that I like the fit of better.

2. And here's the kicker for me... the extra shock absorption I get with them! Sure, if I'm just dancing for a night and then hanging up my shoes until next week it might not matter all that much, but especially when I'm heading out a couple of night in a row, going to a dance camp or dance congress, etc., the extra shock absorption makes a ton of difference. Truth be told my feet will still feel the pounding I've given them by the end of the night, but man, they feel fine again the next morning if I've been wearing my blochs.

So, to sum it all up, blochs rock! (see? -->) :rocker:

[lucretia]

If you have problem with your feet or legs (like I do ) stay away from the dancesneakers. Find yourself a real good sportshoe. Bring it to a good shoemaker. Let him/her remove the rubbersole (the stuff that makes a ordinary sportshoe too slow for dancing) and let him add a sole suitable for dancing.

My friend did this and got a excellent shoe. The shoemaker rubbed away a 0,5 - 1 cm rubber sole and replaced it. I have bought myself a sportshoe with excellent archsupport on sale and will give it to the same shoemaker on monday.

Since dancesneakers don't give you any support for the arch they may give you problem if you have pronationproblem (like runners sometimes have -> inflammation at the tibia). Lack of archsupport may also give a achilles heel (plantar fasciitis).

/luc

[peachexploration]

Lucretia, that's an excellent idea! I never thought about that. Will definitely keep a mental note on that one. :D

[SalsaWinnipeg]

Hmm... Maybe I am trying to look into it too hard. Maybe there isn't that much difference between sneakers other than their looks and it's more of the personal prefference...

Some good points been learned though - try and go for leather, blochs have higher soles and more cushioning...

[yaypi]

I just bought my first pair of dance sneakers not too long ago (the bloch boost drt II to be specific). while they might be great shoes they do hurt my feet like crazy. My friends told me it takes a little while to get used to them and break them in. I think lucretia has a good idea. what kind of soles should I ask the shoemaker to put on?

[Beto]

I love bloch!
OK, to reiterate what I posted over at the DF, here's why...

1. I like how my blochs fit. This will probably vary a little from person to person but, for me, while I've found (albeit rarely) other dance sneakers that fit as well, I'v never found any that I like the fit of better.

2. And here's the kicker for me... the extra shock absorption I get with them! Sure, if I'm just dancing for a night and then hanging up my shoes until next week it might not matter all that much, but especially when I'm heading out a couple of night in a row, going to a dance camp or dance congress, etc., the extra shock absorption makes a ton of difference. Truth be told my feet will still feel the pounding I've given them by the end of the night, but man, they feel fine again the next morning if I've been wearing my blochs.

So, to sum it all up, blochs rock! (see? -->) :rocker:

SDSalsaguy, you said it best! I never go to team practice or take workshops without my beloved Bloch Stealth Sneakers (which I got in this color). I love 'em!
http://web.mawebcenters.com/backbaydancewear/images/blochS0575SIL.jpg
My black Capezios (my first dance sneakers) are more or less collecting dust since I switch between the the Stealth's and the suede dance shoes (also from Bloch).

Another feature I love about the Bloch Stealth series is that you have two options for lacing them up. Use the inner eyelets only if you want the ability to slip the shoe on and off very easily while still giving you plenty of support and comfort (the raised arch is something I love). Use the inner eyelets plus the two outer eyelets for an even more secure fit (say for performing).

[Guarachero]

Sliding soles. That's the secret. Specially soft shoes.

Guarachero

[logorus]

look into Sansha street canvas shoes. Comfortable, great for spinning. In addition they don't look like most dance shoes so you can look little different on the dance floor.

[peachexploration]

Hi Logorus! Welcome to Salsa Forums! :D

[Guarachero]

Beto:

I don't know how you can dance with teny shoes. The secret to Salsa is that sliding soles facilitate the moves.

And I say this because I see how those people with teny shoes dance in Kansas City. They don't actually dance, just move around. I gether that you're the exception.