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Aris Allen

Aris Allen Women’s Black Classic Canvas Dance Sneaker

Aris Allen Women’s Black Classic Canvas Dance Sneaker

Regular price $89.95 USD
Regular price Sale price $89.95 USD
Sale Sold out
  • These are a very cute dance shoe version of the classic sports sneaker so popular in the 20th century.
  • They have a suede bottom sole.
  • The comfy insoles are very thick, molded, and removable. If you wear orthotics you may be very happy with how roomy these are when you remove the insoles.
  • Light, comfortable, and cute. The rubber foxing is sewn to the upper.
  • Not only do they look adorable with a skirt - these are perfect for dancers of all skill levels.
  • Aris Allen is known for making vintage style swing dance shoes and reproduction models that are more authentic equipment for dancing swing than ordinary ballroom shoes are. Their philosophy being that your dancing will look more authentic if you wear the same style of shoes the inventors of the dance were wearing.
  • Item #: 427-BK

SPECS:

  • The footbed is removable so you can add your own or wear them with orthotics.
  • Sneakers are the most comfortable thing you can dance in - but rubber bottom shoes will eventually harm your knees. The answer? Suede or leather soles.

    SIZING TIPS - (ALL SHOES ARE USA SIZES):
    (Our returns show we are right about 95% of the time - these are one of our least returned styles)

    CHECK THE PHOTOS FOR OUR CHART WITH MEASUREMENTS (measurements of the insole inside the shoes - NOT the measurements of your foot)

    When we tried these on 40 different women's feet:
    - Narrow width feet: were ok with the fit
    - Medium width feet: happy
    - Wide width feet: not happy (but see below about replacing the very thick insoles)

    • Our test group said that these fit pretty true to size - so if you fit in between two sizes, it's best to go with the one you purchase the most.
    • In case it helps:
      - When asked, women who said, for instance, "I almost always wear an 8, but sometimes a 7.5", found that they were happiest with the size 8.
      - Women who said "I almost always wear a 7.5, but sometimes an 8" were happiest with the 7.5.
    • These are average width - only women with very wide feet did not like the width. We have heard from several women with wide feet that they took the ultra-thick insoles out and replaced them with ultra-thin insoles which apparently makes them much roomier.

    ABOUT SUEDE SOLES:

    • All dancers know that suede soles 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 wants “fast” soles. Suede soles can be made much “faster” if you wear them everywhere to get them dirty, even walk in the rain a little - let them dry, then dance in them until they're shiny on the bottom. But: never think you can wear them in the rain just before a dance. Bad idea.
    • If you prefer them less zippy you can dull the "mirror finish" they can get by roughing them up with a wire brush periodically. And if the dance floor is super slippery a good trick is to just spill your drink on the floor and step in it!
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      Customer Reviews

      Based on 5 reviews
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      B
      Brenda
      Nice shoes!

      Nice shoes! Comfortable!

      S
      Sara Melton
      Good for all kinds of dance!

      I do international and contra dance, and decided to try these shoes. Both international and contra require soles that will slide easily, and I require a certain amount of structure and support because I'm getting old. And cuteness is always nice as well. These shoes are doing it all so far! I tried them for the first time last night at a contra dance, and they were comfortable AND cute, and spun like a dream. So far, so good.

      A
      ANDREA RODRIGUEZ
      As described in website

      Feels great to dance in them. As described in website, might be tight for people with wide feet. Very happy with them

      C
      Carole Bowen

      I was recommended to try these sneakers and could not be more pleased. Living in the UK meant our sizing is different to the USA, so I bought 2 sizes larger and it was the right choice for me. I thought shipping was expensive but now I've tried them, it was worth it. Very happy with my purchase

      M
      Melissa Krost
      Mostly comfortable

      These are pretty comfortable; slightly narrow. I got my regular size. The arch support is there but not substantial.