A well-known tap performer and instructor has proclaimed these "perfect for tap" because the heel is lower than normal and because its placement is "directly under the heel".
Aris Allen Women's Black Mary Jane Character Dance Shoes are an exact copy of a pair of Forties shoes that were stunning because of how sexy they were despite the relative shortness of the heel.
SIZING TIPS:
We've found - by trying these on countless dancers - that these fit pretty much true to size. Because of their roomy construction you may need a half size smaller than your usual size, but our test subjects did not need a size larger than their usual size.
WIDTH INFO:
Dancers with Narrow Feet: not happy
Dancers with Average Feet: happy
Dancers with Wide Feet: not happy
Check the links at left for our SHOE TERMS GLOSSARY and INTERNATIONAL SIZING for detailed information about styles and terms.
SPECS:
Molded foam insole is nice and soft.
Heel is about 2.25" high.
Buckle is attached with a piece of elastic so it has a little "give" when you're up on your toes and has a hook closure "quick release buckle" so you only have to buckle them once and unhook them to undo the strap.
ABOUT SUEDE SOLES:
These Black Character Dance Shoes are made with Suede Soles that are wonderful to dance on but require occasional upkeep (it's usually a problem with catching the edge on a piece of hardwood that is sticking up on the dance floor).
If you need to re-glue the suede, you can just use crazy glue gel. We have also found that commercially produced shoe repair glue (available from the shoe repair shop in your local mall) works great.
You're not supposed to wear suede soles outside - but every swing dancer knows that you can make suede soles faster by wearing them everywhere to get them dirty, then dance in them until they're shiny on the bottom.
If you prefer them less zippy, you can dull the "mirror finish" they can get by roughing them up with a wire brush periodically. Just remember that when the bottoms get wet, they won't spin very easily (conversely - if they're too slippery just spill your drink on the floor and step in it!).
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