Flamenco Shoes

Many dancers and flamenco students often ask what shoes are best, which are most economical, which have the best sound, how to order your size, where to buy shoes. I will do my best to inform you from personal experience, on which ones I think fit each category.
Gallardo [Madrid] - Great professional handmade shoes, many styles, colors, designs and heel options for you to choose from. Strong shoes with great sound, but they do take a long time to break in. Can be purchased online at: http://www.flamenco-world.com/tienda , http://www.flamencoshoes.com (Catalina Isand), http://www.Flamencoexport.com (Madrid). Prices range from $110-$200 (not including shipping).

Don Flamenco [formally Don Piel, Madrid] - Great handmade professional flamenco shoes made to order or choose from available styles in their catalog. Choices of colors, designs, heels, straps, material. This is a great, sturdy shoe, great sound, excellent arch support, good service from the owners. Prices range from $100-$135 (shipping not included). http://www.flamenco-world.com/tienda

Coral [Madrid/Sevilla] - offers ameture and professional handmade shoes. Choices of colors, design, straps, heels, leather or suede. Prices range from $85-$150 (shipping not included). Can be purchased online at: http://www.flamenco-world.com/tienda , http://www.flamencoshoes.com (Catalina Isand), http://www.Flamencoexport.com (Madrid).

Menkes [New York, Madrid, Sevilla + more] - Strong handmade Professional and ameture flamenco shoes, Note...they do take a while to break in as well. Choices of design, color, heel, material, straps. visit http://www.flamenco.menkes.es . Prices range from ameture styles at $40 to professional pairs ranging from $100-$200 (Shipping not included).

There are other makers of semi-professional and ameture shoes such as Begoña Cervera, Ball Pilmar, Yebra, Gladis and more (all in Spain), and for those living in Los Angeles the Duran flamenco and folklorico workshop is still being run by his cobblers in Los Angeles on 4th St. all of these shoemakers have shoes at various prices. But be sure to look for things like: Leather vs. Synthetic , Nails already put into the heel and toe (it's hard to find someone in the U.S. to put them in correctly). Buckle vs. Straps and look for the style of heel and shank of the shoe appropriate for you.

Remember when ordering sizes on the internet that European sizes don't normally have 1/2 sizes. For example if you wear a size 6 or 6 & 1/2 U.S you should try a 36 or 37 Spanish Size. Many professional shoe makers like Gallardo and Don Flamenco will have you trace your foot and have you email or fax it to them so they can make it to your size (great for people with wide feet or people who have one foot slightly larger than the other.)

As for the sound of your shoes, any good sturdy, leather or suede professional shoe with te nails on the bottom should have a great sound, Quality of sound may depend on the surface you dance on.

For anyone living in the Los Angeles area looking for some slightly used professional flamenco shoes at great prices, ranging from $40-$90. I have several shoes for sale sizes 36-37. Call for more info (626)274-1500. Ask for La Sole.

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