SIZING TIPS:
After trying the women's red velvet oxfords on about 50 women (they danced in them, too), overwhelmingly they reported that these shoes run true to size.
WIDTH INFO:
Women reported that the Aris Allen red velvet oxfords fit regular and wide feet just fine. Women with very narrow feet thought they were a bit loose in the front.
Check the links at left for our SHOE TERMS GLOSSARY and INTERNATIONAL SIZING for detailed information about styles and terms.
SPECS:
The heel is approximately 2" tall and the base of the heel is 1 1/2" wide to keep you stable.
The Suede Soles on the women's red velvet oxford dancing 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.
If you want to customize these, you can wear colored socks - beacuse they'll show through the mesh.
You can also change the laces: Pick up 32" of 3/8" wide ribbon at a fabric shop. Grosgrain, satin or mesh will work. Use a bent paperclip to pull them through the eyelets. Maybe try some colored or patterned ribbon.
ABOUT SUEDE SOLES:
These Red Velvet Oxford Dancing Shoes 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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