@ for the ladies….
For the Ladies.
Comme Il Fauts. That’s it. Look no further. Really. Nothing else matters. Drama aside, to be certain there are other shoes made by other people, and I’m certain they are FAB, well made shoes (take for instance Robin Tara Shoes in Maine, yes Maine, she makes a fab line of shoes), or NeoTango shoes, however for me I don’t want anything else. Its a personal choice. So you’re saying to yourself, ok where can I get these FAB shoes Miles ? The shoes can be purchased online but not in a ‘retail store’. If you’re looking online, you will more than likely not be able to see the whole shoe (you have to email them to show you the WHOLE shoe AND you’re still going to have to send you several shoe sizes to see if they fit properly), which can be rather expensive. You will NOT find them at your local dance supply store so don’t even look for them. Your best bet is find a tango festival and try and buy there at the festival. Aside from a tango festival, unless you’re going to Argentina directly, you may find a pair on ebay.com. But again, you’re going to want to try them on.
In short, these shoes have to be ordered directly from Argentina, or you have to buy them at a tango festival. You want to try them on first, and then keep trying them on. I used to own a pair, until they burned up in a fire (yes I’m a guy, and no Im not gay or a closet cross dresser. In order to teach what I know I had to put myself in the role of a follower and that meant being in 3 in heels and to dance socially in them), and I gotta tell ya, they were the best investment of my life. I don’t have an opportunity to dance in them anymore but when I did…I loved them! Now for the down side. Don’t buy them. Keep your money in your pocket, you’re going to need that for private lessons for a while until you learn how to walk properly! Some teachers will put you in heels immediately. I’m not one of them. I believe that you have to learn how to walk first, and more over learn to use your feet, because you haven’t been all your life in respect to tango. So before you buy the most amazing pair of $200.00 shoes you’ll ever own…learn how to use your feet first!
Update: There are some retailers online that I can recommend.
Julia Bella – https://www.julia-bella-store.com/default/customer/account/login/
Julia’s shoes are excellent, and she’s really good about taking care of you. I’ve sent many a follower to her, and she’s always been good. She really does match the shoe to the follower. “Oh if only she had my size…sigh!” Because her site forces a login, you’ll get to see the whole shoe online, and pay for it online. Nice.
Jennifer Bratt – http://malevashoes.com/shoponline.html. While I’ve never purchased Jen’s shoes, or sent anyone to her. She does have a loyal follower following and a really good reputation for selling this brand of shoe. She usually has a really good selection in your size!