Thread: Aruba's Oasis Dance Sandals

I had been stumbling along in my "flippers" (Danshuz Hermes Sandals) for a couple of years when I finally let out a scream of frustration and ran to the computer to order some new dancing sandals.

I read many posts about dance shoes, including Leo's Adagio, Mesmera's, and Aruba's. I went with Aruba's because the colors were customizable and had metallic gold as an option.

When I received my custom order, I was a little worried. I'd just spent around $90 for a pair of shoes. If you knew me, you'd know that I only buy about one pair of shoes every two years, and then only when they fall apart, and then only when I can find my shoes under $50. So I am not used to splurging on shoes.

But, after wearing them for several months, I must say that I am extremely pleased and consider it a wise investment. Here's why:

1) The materials are top notch. Excellent quality leather soles and laces. The metallic gold laces are beautiful and show-worthy. They look as beautiful in person as they do in the online photos.
2) They really do move with the bend in your foot. No more flipper feet!
3) The bottom of the sole is smooth leather, not suede. It provides enough stickiness for slick wood or tile floors so that you don't slip, yet it allows you to easily pivot even on deeply carpeted surfaces.

Number 3 is really important for me, because I don't want to risk torquing my knee when I turn.

If you buy these, plan to break them in during practices for a while before you use them in a show, so that they become flexible to your foot.

I LOVE my aruba's dance sandals.....I have 2 pairs (one silver and one gold) and plan on ordering another pair soon. I've had my silver pair for more than a year and they're still going strong even though I dance almost every weekend. Totally worth the investment! :-)

Thanks for the report. I've been considering getting some, but I wasn't sure how well I'd like them. Sounds like they'll work for me.

I'm a real fan of Aruba's sandals. I've purchased several pairs from her, and expect to buy more in the future!

I especially like the laces - they're so soft and pliable, and they stay tied. I always despised the laces on Capezio's Hermes sandals.

I purchased a pair of her sandals and had her make them on the rubber sole instead of leather for those outdoor gigs on grass and hot asphalt! They are fantastic and I can't wait to get some more from her.

I love mine. I swapped the laces out for flesh-colored elastic and have used them for a few years now.

I told Aruba about this thread - she was very gratified!

Two of my students swear by Aruba's sandals also. Looking forward to trying them out myself.

I'm wearing copper-colored Aruba sandals in this photo. (New photo from my January shoot with Pixie!)

Lookin' good there, Shira!