The Aris Allen Women's Tan-Camel Velvet Oxford Swing Dance Shoes look great with either formal or casual wear.
This is a shoe that gives you that rare combination of a decent sized heel (2") and a lace-up shoe.
The Women's Tan Oxford Swing Shoes are quite flexible and the heel has a synthetic bottom that won't slow you down when it touches the floor during a spin.
SIZING TIPS:
After trying these on about 50 women (they danced in them, too), overwhelmingly they reported that these shoes run about 1/2 size small. If you normally wear a 6 you'll most likely wear a 6.5 - if you normally wear an 8.5, most likely you'll like the fit of the 9, etc. (if you fit well into two different sizes, you'll probably be more comfortable in the larger of the two - i.e. if you wear a 7 to a 7.5 you'll likely wear a 7.5).
Check the shoe size conversion chart for US to International sizing information.
Want to dye these? We were told that ordinary fabric dye would work better on velvet than traditional shoe dye. So we bought fabric dye, took out the laces, taped the trim and sole and dabbed away. The result wasn't absolute perfection, but looks delicious. When we did a pair without taping the trim it just became a lighter version of the color of the velvet. The stitching does not take the dye well so it stands out nicely. (We have not tested these in the rain, so no guarantees on waterproofing).
SPECS:
Women with wide feet reported that these were too tight, while women with regular and slightly narrow feet said the width was just right.
The heel is approximately 2 1/8" and the base of the heel is 1 1/2" wide to keep you stable.
ABOUT SUEDE SOLES:
These are made with Suede Soles which 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 many people 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 they get wet in the rain 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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