Thread: Foot coverings that let your feet "spread"

I'm a little bit paranoid about dancing barefoot (I almost always rehearse and perform barefoot).

Is there a durable, washable thing I can wear to protect my feet, that will still let them "spread" like when I'm barefoot? Socks slip, and ballet shoes squoosh my baby toes. And I need to be able to wash whatever it is.

ideas?

Go to any dance costume online store and look at Lyrical Shoes--you'll find all kinds of dance shoes that cover the ball of the foot (and, in some cases, the heel) but not the toes. I find FootUndeez by Capezio to be quite comfortable. Dance Paws are less so, but comfortable enough for a performance. I don't like the way Foot Thongs feel at all, but I knew someone who found them so un-noticeable that she wouldn't even bother to take them off before putting on her street shoes after class.

Originally Posted by Juniper

I find FootUndeez by Capezio to be quite comfortable. Dance Paws are less so, but comfortable enough for a performance.

I haven't tried the FootUndeez, but I have Dance Paws and I love them dearly. What I found out is that they make the toe holes very small on purpose so that you could adjust them perfectly to your toes. That's why many people find them uncomfortable. That's why I got the wrong size, the girl at the dance store didn't know about it. So if you go to a store and put them on, try finding the size that fits your foot best and then you can cut the toes holes just a tiny bit to readjust.

I have used the footundeez and I liked them. I usually dance in ballroom heels and these were a nice alternative to barefeet. However, I wore the Undeez to a reataurant gig and when I stepped in a wet spot on the floor they slid right off my foot. I am still looking for a shoe or something to wear other than ballet slippers and something that covers the bottom of my toes. I'm paranoid about stepping on glass and getting fungus and plantar warts, which is why I normally dance in heels but sometimes I can't use the heels. (uneven surfaces) I would love to hear other suggestions as well.

Originally Posted by MahiraRaqs

I have used the footundeez and I liked them. I usually dance in ballroom heels and these were a nice alternative to barefeet. However, I wore the Undeez to a reataurant gig and when I stepped in a wet spot on the floor they slid right off my foot. I am still looking for a shoe or something to wear other than ballet slippers and something that covers the bottom of my toes. I'm paranoid about stepping on glass and getting fungus and plantar warts, which is why I normally dance in heels but sometimes I can't use the heels. (uneven surfaces) I would love to hear other suggestions as well.

Maybe you could try Hermes sandals. I have 3 Aruba Oasis pair (black, gold and silver), they are very comfortable, soft leather sole, soft laces and check out the colors!

For class I really like my Ghilles. Also known as Irish Steppers in the Capezio line. I am interested in trying Pendinis as well.

For class, Capezio has a few new ballet style slippers which I find intriguing. I am going to have to check them out!

{{{HUGS}}}

I have big wide feet and I have no trouble with ordinary ballet slippers. They *are* constrictive at first but they soon mould to your feet. You can get wider fit ones.

I like the dance paws if you like the bare foot feeling...

I have a pair of pendinis. they take a little getting used to, and they cut into the middle of the bottom of my feet at first, but after breaking them in, they're fabulous to wear.

Have you tried gymnastic slippers? I haven't worn them, but their uppers are made out of cloth instead of leather. I've also seen dancers wearing blinged-up versions of Isotoner soft-soled house slippers.

I just got the bloch pro eleastic slippers and love them! They have nice wide toe box, so no squishing!

I love my Hermes sandals!

I wear full sole foot undeez for folkloric stuff where I want bare feet. For fancy costumes I usually wear nude or black Pedinis or 1.5" heel character shoes.

Actually, a question re the slippers - what is the point of a split sole? I need new ballet shoes and I see so many split sole shoes being worn. I've always had "normal" ballet slippers thus far. What's the value of a split sole? Why might I need them? (I like the idea of the Pro Elastics with the lack of hurty knots.)

I think the split sole conforms to my foot better (conforms nicely to the arch) than the full sole.

I also find the split sole is a bit more flexible than the regular sole.

i love my hermes sandals. wore them when i danced in brazil on a concrete type floor and they were perfect. i bought mine here on bhuz from a seller in the retail swap, i believe she still has some in different sizes..

Originally Posted by zumarrad

Actually, a question re the slippers - what is the point of a split sole? I need new ballet shoes and I see so many split sole shoes being worn. I've always had "normal" ballet slippers thus far. What's the value of a split sole? Why might I need them? (I like the idea of the Pro Elastics with the lack of hurty knots.)

I think the split sole is supposed to hold your arches in better.

Originally Posted by Anahit_Karyan

I love my Hermes sandals!

I love mine too and shoulda been wearing them but for some reason I can't keep them tied! ,m:: In the middle of my performances one always without fail comes un-done and I do double knots when I tie them. Any suggestions? They still have the ties that came with them.
Patricia

Originally Posted by ra-chell

I love mine too and shoulda been wearing them but for some reason I can't keep them tied! ,m:: In the middle of my performances one always without fail comes un-done and I do double knots when I tie them. Any suggestions? They still have the ties that came with them.
Patricia

Try threading thin elastic through instead of the laces, and sewing it shut to fit your feet (you could add decorative laces with them too). Or swap the leather ties for strong ribbon or cloth laces.

I braided silver rattail, making two one yard lengths for my Hermes sandals.

I enclosed the ends with strong transparent tape. They look smashing!

Rattail comes in so many colors, you can make laces to match any costume.

They stay tied so much better than the original laces that came with the sandals.

I also have a pair of Pedini Femmes by Capezio and I love them except for the heel biting into the bottom of my foot. I got smart finally, pulling up the insole and adding some moleskin under it, cut to fit. Because these shoes don't have a strap and buckle, the elastic does loosen after a while and the heel portion doesn't fit as snugly, though that could be because I have narrow heels.

I also have the foot thong thingies and only use them for class. Couldn't imagine dancing anywhere where there could be some spills or broken glass because only the ball of my foot is covered.

Good luck in your search....

You might consider some ballroom shoe styles that are flat.

Thank you both for the suggestions!!!! I will have to try them. ..l;, No more sandals flopping around when I dance would be nice and I like the idea of matching the laces to go with my costumes.

I found Leos Adagio Sandals the most comfortable They are 100% leather, soft, flexible and offer a little bit of cushion and support Look just like the Hermes but Leo's trademark that name. I liked them so much that when Leos discontinued I talked them into make a lot for me and just talked them into making some more for me.

I LOVE foot undeez, and they make them with a full sole as well (toes still exposed though). If you like to wear ballet slippers but they bother your little toe, my suspicion is that you have not "broken them in". Try using wetting the insides with rubbing alcohol and wear them around your house-this will help them conform to your foot and help with comfort.