Soft shoes

[ashatNYU]

Well my Sansha Pros are about to kick the bucket, so I will be in the market for some new flats. I don't have a lot of time these days to run around and try on a million shoes, so I'll ask here

 

I have a wide foot (YYY in my Bloch points and the W in the Sansha Pros is a tad too snug) with square, average length toes. I like a flat to really form to my foot and show off my arch. Does anyone have similar feet with a shoe they love?

 

Thanks for any and all replies!

 

Ashley

[lampwick]

I don't have a foot like that and I admit I'm not very picky about my flat shoes. But I bought my last pair at Bloch and they seemed to have a big selection in different colors and widths, and will take the time to fit you.

 

I like the Bloch Pump slipper. It's a lot like the Sansha Pro, but doesn't have as much bulk under the pleats.

[missvjc420]

I haven't tried them yet, but I am looking at the new Blochs that are elastic at the arch. I have a wide metatarsal area and square toes on my left foot, and really like my Sansha student shoe. It doesn't have the center seam and bulk under the pleats like the Pro model does. I am also interested in the Capezio Juliet- it looks like it hugs the arch well and there doesn't seem to be that weird bunching that can happen with shoes sometimes. I'll be doing the same soon- good luck!

[Dance_Scholar_London]

I like the Bloch Pump slipper. It's a lot like the Sansha Pro, but doesn't have as much bulk under the pleats.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

For the same reason I prefer Bloch rather than Sansha

[old shoe]

I don't have a catalog in front of me, but I have had good luck with the model of Bloch canvas slippers that come in both a tapered and rounded shape. The rounded ones come in B,C and D I think while tapered are A,B and C. I have really wide feet too and have been able to wear the rounded ones with no pain. Discount Dance carries them.

 

You can also wet them and wear them around the house when new and they will stretch to accommodate your feet--both leather and canvas.

 

Good luck.

[Mr Robin]

I too have wide feet, and the only shoes I've ever found to fit well are Sansha, Gamba and Bloch. Of those, by far the best fit and most flattering look - for me - is the Bloch Pump!

[ashatNYU]

Thanks so much everyone for your replies! I guess it will be back to the Bloch store for me!

[Laschwen]

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I like the Bloch Pump slipper. It's a lot like the Sansha Pro, but doesn't have as much bulk under the pleats.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

I tried on the bloch pump today and I kind of like it but does if anybody else finds the vamp especially long?????

It went up maybe 3/4" from the bend in my toes when on 1/2 pointe. It seemed wierd.

I never had canvas before. It did seem more comfortable than I expected. I don't understand how it can conform to your feet though. Does it really stretch out thaqt much? Should you get canvas as tight as a leather slipper?

Laschwen

[lampwick]

I don't find the vamp length wierd. Maybe you have very short toes? Mine are pretty average length.

 

I just checked--it's about 3/4" on me too. They look OK to me...maybe you're just used to something different. I think the long vamp makes the foot look longer and prettier.

 

Then again, I'm really not so picky about soft shoes. I actually prefer to take barre in socks. It keep me VERY aware of what my feet are doing so I don't pronate and seems to get me more turned out for center, which I always do on pointe anyway.

[ashatNYU]

I completely agree with your, lampwick, about preferring to take the barre in socks! I usually do plies in socks and then switch to slippers for tendus just becasue I would think it wouldn't be looked highly upon to take the whole barre (or the majority of it) in socks. How do your teachers feel about it?

[Dance_Scholar_London]

I just have seen this in contemporary ballet classes. Some of my teachers do tendus before plies (but that is a whole new thread) :-)

[lampwick]

I've never had a teacher say anything about it. Steps is pretty relaxed. I go through phases of slippers and socks. Usually when I feel like I'm losing my turnout or my knee hurts, I'll do socks for a while. It really helps! I've seen some modern dancers who like bare feet at the barre for ballet, and they never get any comments either. But half the time, it's because I only have one shoe in my bag and the other one ended up in the laundry pile...

 

I also will take barre along the wall. I think it makes the floor slippery. As a pointe dancer, I'm VERY aware of how annoying a slippery floor can be.

 

If there's some kids, I'm a bit more careful about how I present myself in class. No talking to my friends, leaning on the barre, etc...

[Laschwen]

I don't find the vamp length wierd. Maybe you have very short toes? Mine are pretty average length.

 

I just checked--it's about 3/4" on me too. They look OK to me...maybe you're just used to something different. I think the long vamp makes the foot look longer and prettier.

 

 

I have decided you are right about the vamp making the foot look good. I do have pretty short toes (I checked ...it's a full inch for me) and I am used to a shorter vamp, but I got a pair today in the A width and they are great. I'd have tried a AA width if they made such a thing because the metatarsal is a little baggy but I like the line so well I don't care that they are not tight like brand new leather ones. I a grown-up now so I can always wear socks in them.....

The toes are square enough for my feet. They hug my arch beautifully and they don't twist like some other shoes that make me look sickled when I am not.

I just love new shoes.....

Laschwen