Thread: Dance sandals - Mesmera's or Aruba's?

I've worn out my pair of Danshuz hermes sandals, and I'm in the market for another pair of dance sandals. However, I wasn't really thrilled with the Danshuz model because:

1. The loops were fake leather, which caused blisters.
2. The sole was stiff and flipper-like.
3. The shape of the sole was kind of weird for my foot.

The only thing I did like was that you could turn and pivot with no friction on most floors.

On an old thread, I found recommendations for Mesmera's shoes and Aruba's shoes for dancing. Can anyone speak to which is better, or at least, if they liked the ones they chose? Or do you know of other options?

(PS- Can't dance in any heels- even a small one- due to knee issues.)

I just placed an order for the dance sandals from Aruba's (Bella Caribe). I received a confirmation right away and was told they should ship in two weeks. I'll post how I like them when they come in. They look beautiful on their website.

I personally like the Leo's Adagio. I've had one pair for 4 years now and they've never broken and I don't get blisters. I think they might be discontinued, but Naj sells them at the Belly Dance Shoppe. leather lace up sandals - hermes type - Leos adagio - Leos lyrical

Originally Posted by Jungleflowers

3. The shape of the sole was kind of weird for my foot.

aruba cut a custom sole to the shape of your foot! i'm going to do this with my next pair.

I love my Aruba's! I have silver ones with extra padding....don't know about Mesmera's. :-)

Aruba's are great! But I'm prejudiced, she's a friend.

I'm leaning toward Aruba's. :)

i watch aruba fit dancers every year in santa cruz....she is very personal about it...makes a "map" of YOUR foot, you also pic the colors...

okay, I've asked this before, but maybe now that everyone's talking up Aruba's I'll get more response?
how much padding is the 'comfort sole' that is advertised? I've been practicing in my foam flip flops all month bc I'm recovering from that crazy weekend with all the street performances, so a little extra padding in my dance shoes sounds really nice.

Originally Posted by Lara L

okay, I've asked this before, but maybe now that everyone's talking up Aruba's I'll get more response?
how much padding is the 'comfort sole' that is advertised? I've been practicing in my foam flip flops all month bc I'm recovering from that crazy weekend with all the street performances, so a little extra padding in my dance shoes sounds really nice.

hi lara! you know, i don't know anyone who has the comfort soles so i couldn't really say. if no one responds on this thread with their experience, you might email arube to get more details.

cant help out with soles, i dance barefoot

There is just a little bit of padding in Aruba's soles - you can barely see the difference looking at it, but it does make a difference in comfort. She only charges $5 extra for it, well worth it - those are the ones she dances in herself.

-Devora

Are Aruba's shoes the same size as street shoes? (I think I'd like to order a pair, but they're pretty expensive so I want to make sure they fit!)

Originally Posted by zamora

cant help out with soles, i dance barefoot

I do too, whenever I can. But many outdoor performance venues aren't all that great barefoot. Siwa also insists that everyone in her troupes wears footwear. We don't like it, but she's da boss!

Originally Posted by Karnak

Are Aruba's shoes the same size as street shoes? (I think I'd like to order a pair, but they're pretty expensive so I want to make sure they fit!)

You need to actually measure your foot and decide how much "extra" you want and order the sizing that way....she lists the measurements for her standard sizes. I believe you can also send her a trace of your foot?? I'm not positive though as I haven't done it before....

Also, the only pair I have has the padding in them and it's not a lot but they are way more comfortable than the previous pair of hermes I had! :-)

How much "extra" should I want in my shoe?