Hi, I’m new at salsa, but I’m also learning hiphop dance at the moment. My question is, I have some cool looking sneakers with (obviously) rubber outsoles. I was wondering if there was a way to take these sneakers and modify the outsole so that I can use them effectively for salsa and hiphop dance. And even if you don’t know yourself, please point me in the right direction – Google is failing me epically. Thanks!
Anthony Persaud 6:07 pm on October 20, 2008Permalink |
Have you tried putting duct tape on the bottom of your shoes (so the grey part of the duct tape is what has contact on the floor)? I used to use that trick for swing dancing and it worked pretty well.
donv69 7:50 pm on October 20, 2008Permalink |
Eh, that’s cool. I should get those running shoes that light when you step down.
Marco 8:12 pm on October 20, 2008Permalink |
A good cobbler might be a good source to ask. If the sneaker is able to be modified, (s)he would be the one to know.
Maybe a suede sole replacement? Or a good time for some cool new dance sneakers.
darius180 1:57 pm on October 22, 2008Permalink |
I think I’ll try duct tape for now, but something like the suede sole replacement sounds like what I would be looking for!
But what are these dance sneakers – news to me. Converse doesn’t make dancing shoes, do they?
donv69 6:51 pm on October 23, 2008Permalink |
I think he may be referring to these:
http://balloshoes.homestead.com/TheClassic.html
donv69 6:53 pm on October 23, 2008Permalink |
I have a pair and they’re amazing. They have a very thin suede sole. Very easy to dance with.
Marco 4:34 am on October 25, 2008Permalink |
I’m waiting to get a pair of Ballos as a reward for when I have “arrived.”
There are also capezio “dance sneakers.”
http://www.capeziostore.com/Fierce_Dansneaker%26reg%3B-p18171.html
They look a little funny but are relatively affordable and work well. I bought a pair a few weeks back and have noticed that double, dare I say almost triple, turns are more manageable.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSjiknj64qs&feature=related
Dano 10:05 am on November 13, 2008Permalink |
I would suggest going to a shoe repair shop, and covering the soles with a non-stick rubber sole, then having it sanded/buffed down so that its smooth, yet not sticky. This allows you to feel grounded when your weight presses into the floor because the rubber slightly expands and gives you good traction. It also allows you to spin as needed without sticking. This would probably cost about $35-$40 at a decent shoe repair shop.