Shoes
Suede-soled shoes are best for dancing, because on almost any floor, for almost any dance, the suede gives just about the right amount of slip-vs-grip. Suede-soled shoes are the universal norm for ballroom and swing dancers.
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CHEAP OPTIONS:
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Jazz Shoe - Buy local (see below) or online (i.e., https://www.amazon.com/Capezio-Womens-Jazz-Oxford-Black/dp/B0016JHCIM/)
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Bowling shoes with felt, suede or leather soles
- Have a comfortable pair of shoes resoled with “dance suede” at a local shoe repair shop (approx $50)
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Resole a pair of shoes yourself by ordering suede sheets with the adhesive already applied and simply trim to your own shoe (approx $20):
https://www.soles2dance.com/
or https://www.amazon.com/s?k=stick-on+soles+for+dance+shoes&crid=105ETDJ2M7LI -
DanceSocks – go over existing shoes; can buy ones for smooth floors or carpets
REALLY CHEAP OPTIONS:
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Cut up a pair of old socks to pull up over the front half of a regular shoe (your own DanceSocks)
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Put blue masking tape on the bottom of any comfortable shoe. Good for 1-time use. Easy to remove.
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Put duct tape on the bottom of any comfortable shoe. Lasts longer than masking tape. Might be harder to remove without leaving residue.
LOCAL DANCEWEAR AND SHOE STORES:
The Leotard
2432 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Portland, OR 97212
Phone: (503) 284-9244
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