Tango Shoes!

[jivecat]

The quest for the ultimate tango shoe experience continues. Compared with the astronomical price of CiFs, Darcos (never answers his emails, anyway) and almost all other suppliers (they're only shoes, after all, a few bits of old goat leather and bog-standard lurex, it's not like they're futuristic space technology or are made from genuine offcuts from the Turin shroud, or anything) these Werner Kerns seem like a bargain, and look the biz as well.

http://www.dancesport.uk.com/shoes/ne/lad_tan.htm

Has anyone bought any? If so, how do they shape up for comfort, quality, sizing, width etc?

[Toasti]

I've had some Werner Kern latin style shoes and can vouch for the quality. I really like the styles on the link you posted.

However, my faves are the 'Guaranteed Fit' shoes from Argentina (on this thread?), mainly 'cos they're the first pair of shoes in 4 years that can adjust to fit my narrow feet, but also the padding in them is awesome (and that's not a word I use willy-nilly!). I've got the 3 1/2 inch heels and I can dance all night and they're still comfortable.

[rubyred]

I've had some Werner Kern latin style shoes and can vouch for the quality. I really like the styles on the link you posted.

I've got the 3 1/2 inch heels and I can dance all night and they're still comfortable.

I almost bought the most gorgeous pair of Werner Kern shoes at the weekend, but I thought they were a bit over priced at £125, is that about what they are or is that price too much? The heel was around 2 1/2, the heel was also in the same fabric as the fabric just covering the toes, gold flecks with a little black coming through. When the light fell on the gold bits they just dazzled.

Have to agree about the tall heels I am wearing CilF, and have got a 3 1/2 heel .The CilF are just so comfortable, they do cushion my feet.

[rubyred]

The quest for the ultimate tango shoe experience continues. Compared with the astronomical price of CiFs, Darcos (never answers his emails, anyway) and almost all other suppliers (they're only shoes, after all, a few bits of old goat leather and bog-standard lurex, it's not like they're futuristic space technology or are made from genuine offcuts from the Turin shroud, or anything) these Werner Kerns seem like a bargain, and look the biz as well.

http://www.dancesport.uk.com/shoes/ne/lad_tan.htm

Has anyone bought any? If so, how do they shape up for comfort, quality, sizing, width etc?

I bought my CilF's from these people, but still pricey at £120
www.coleccionlarecoleta.com.

[Jay Jay]

I bought my CilF's from these people, but still pricey at £120
www.coleccionlarecoleta.com.

That's where I bought mine from...and especially for you Ruby have attached photos............they are the most comfortable shoes ever and I didn't have to change them for the rest of the ceroc freestyle evening either...I'm in love

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[rubyred]

That's where I bought mine from...and especially for you Ruby have attached photos............they are the most comfortable shoes ever and I didn't have to change them for the rest of the ceroc freestyle evening either...I'm in love

I think I am in love too ...........er...with your shoes darling, they are deliciously gorgeous, as we say in Ireland I wish you health to wear them.

[Dottie]

That's where I bought mine from...and especially for you Ruby have attached photos............they are the most comfortable shoes ever and I didn't have to change them for the rest of the ceroc freestyle evening either...I'm in love

I have some gorgeous dotty CIlFs. Will try and get a pic up tomorrow.
I got them last year online from a European store when the exchange rate was not what it is today.

I am ashamed to say they have as yet not been used for Tango , but hopefully some time soon.

They are however so comfortable despite the 4" heels. Who needs Manolos when you can get CIlFs.

By the way Jay Jay - am loving your blue shoes and if I may say so - what fab ankles!!

[mshedgehog]

I almost bought the most gorgeous pair of Werner Kern shoes at the weekend, but I thought they were a bit over priced at £125, is that about what they are or is that price too much?

I have a pair of Werner Kerns, they were soft as butter on day one, and still are. I just wear them for classes now, especially classes where my feet might get trodden on as they're closed toe.

They were a lot cheaper than that - more like £70 or £80 - but that was nearly two years ago when the exchange rate was very different and Werner Kern had not really twigged to the tango market. Mine are black and plain, like this. Very wearable. They're very soft, flexible, well built, and the buckle is the kind you adjust once to fit and then fasten and unfasten with a concealed popper - very handy for changing your shoes in the dark. They have suede soles, unlike most tango shoes which have smooth leather soles. I think the heel on mine is nearer 7.5cm than 6.5 so I don't know how they measure it exactly. That link is to the manufacturers' website, which has them for EUR 109.

[rubyred]

I have a pair of Werner Kerns, they were soft as butter on day one, and still are. I just wear them for classes now, especially classes where my feet might get trodden on as they're closed toe.

They were a lot cheaper than that - more like £70 or £80 - but that was nearly two years ago when the exchange rate was very different and Werner Kern had not really twigged to the tango market. Mine are black and plain, like this. Very wearable. They're very soft, flexible, well built, and the buckle is the kind you adjust once to fit and then fasten and unfasten with a concealed popper - very handy for changing your shoes in the dark. They have suede soles, unlike most tango shoes which have smooth leather soles. I think the heel on mine is nearer 7.5cm than 6.5 so I don't know how they measure it exactly. That link is to the manufacturers' website, which has them for EUR 109.

Thank you mshedgehog, I have been thinking about getting some comfortable closed toe shoes for practising in, the toes in my stockings always come a cropper through dancing tango. I think you do need a taller heel for tango though, and 7.5cm, 3 inches [ I still think imperial]and that is in my opinion just about right. I practise in 2/12 open toe at the moment, ouch !!! I wore my CilF all night for the first time on Saturday, I lasted until around 3.30am and had been dancing from around 10.30pm, no major problem with my feet at least thankfully.

[rubyred]

I have some gorgeous dotty CIlFs. Will try and get a pic up tomorrow.

Dottie I have seen the shoes that were just made for you, they are CilF and the front part are red with white polka dots and the backs are black with also white polka dots. They looked really fab, they could be your forum namesake, a bit like Blueshoes and his blue shoes!

[Jay Jay]

Dottie I have seen the shoes that were just made for you, they are CilF and the front part are red with white polka dots and the backs are black with also white polka dots. They looked really fab, they could be your forum namesake, a bit like Blueshoes and his blue shoes!

I saw those ones when I was looking but they didn't have my size...in fact needing a 2.5 or 3 I actually didn't have a lot of choice, but they are all so lovely...and the physcological affect they have works wonders too I felt I was dancing better in them...or perhaps it was a case of 'you've spent all that money on them you had better dance better attitude'

[mshedgehog]

I think you do need a taller heel for tango though, and 7.5cm, 3 inches [ I still think imperial]and that is in my opinion just about right.

I agree - they are my comfort shoes, except for a pair of Taras with the cork platform. I choose them if it's going to be a long class, or two workshops followed by a milonga. Not everybody likes the cushiony platform, though, some people just can't get on with it.

I see Werner Kern are doing some much more adventurous designs these days - looking at the prices on their website in Euros, I think the prices at Dancesport are very reasonable and likely to go up soon. Based on the ones I've got, I'd definitely try them. In fact I'm rather regretting my latest Darcos purchase, I could have done a lot better. If I hadn't just bought something else I'd definitely buy the red ones. I trust Werner Kerns' sizing and quality.

I have a pair of CiFs but I'm actually not that nuts about them - they're a bit lurid, and the soles are too thin for me. They're extremely well balanced, though, and a lot of people really like the extreme lightness. I sort of like it too, but I can't dance in them for as long as other pairs that were cheaper.

[rubyred]

I see Werner Kern are doing some much more adventurous designs these days - looking at the prices on their website in Euros, .

mshedhog you've found my shoes!! They are the first pair on the third row,Celia and cost 169 euros about £152, but then on the Dancesport they are £85 a lorra lorra difference there then, even a good mark up for the seller at £125. Just pays to shop around I guess, thank you for the links.

[jivecat]

mshedhog you've found my shoes!! They are the first pair on the third row,Celia and cost 169 euros about £152, but then on the Dancesport they are £85 a lorra lorra difference there then, even a good mark up for the seller at £125. Just pays to shop around I guess, thank you for the links.

Those black/gold ones really are gorgeous and I love the crossover ankle strap. I'm still dithering because I suspect the Werner Kerns would be too narrow for me and the delicate thin front section might not be very flattering as well as uncomfortable. And then, there's all those styles to pick from and I can only have one pair!!
I'd really prefer a more closed in pair as I think they'd be more comfortable but I can't cope with a pointy toe, and would really like a pencil heel.

I'll probably carry on dithering a bit longer, meanwhile I'll stick with the Doc Marten's!

[jivecat]

I agree - they are my comfort shoes, except for a pair of Taras with the cork platform. I choose them if it's going to be a long class, or two workshops followed by a milonga. Not everybody likes the cushiony platform, though, some people just can't get on with it.

I'd just love to have a pair of their Corazons, in wine red. I'd have to ask lots of searching questions about the sizing, though. Funny how dance shoe sites make lots of fuss about heel height and shoe length but never tell you the width.

I see Werner Kern are doing some much more adventurous designs these days - looking at the prices on their website in Euros, I think the prices at Dancesport are very reasonable and likely to go up soon. Based on the ones I've got, I'd definitely try them. In fact I'm rather regretting my latest Darcos purchase, I could have done a lot better. If I hadn't just bought something else I'd definitely buy the red ones. I trust Werner Kerns' sizing and quality.

They're not in the league (appearance wise) of CilF but still have plenty of tangoey glamour! Why don't you like your Darcos purchase?

[Dottie]

Dottie I have seen the shoes that were just made for you, they are CilF and the front part are red with white polka dots and the backs are black with also white polka dots. They looked really fab, they could be your forum namesake, a bit like Blueshoes and his blue shoes!

I don't think I've seen those Rubyred, but they sound verrrry nice.
Here are my dottie CIlFs. They are grey and white polka dot with pewter leather trim and silver heels.

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[Jay Jay]

I don't think I've seen those Rubyred, but they sound verrrry nice.
Here are my dottie CIlFs. They are grey and white polka dot with pewter leather trim and silver heels.

Dottie they are lovely, I do have to say that I think CIF's do have the edge on sexiness and style...appreciated by other woman more than anyone else

[rubyred]

I don't think I've seen those Rubyred, but they sound verrrry nice.
Here are my dottie CIlFs. They are grey and white polka dot with pewter leather trim and silver heels.

Thank you Dottie they are fab and very sexy shoes, I like them.

[mshedgehog]

They're not in the league (appearance wise) of CilF but still have plenty of tangoey glamour! Why don't you like your Darcos purchase?

I do like them and I've worn them several times already, I just didn't realise I could have got Werner Kerns for less in a design I like just as much. The Darcos also turned out to be more expensive than I expected. I'm pleased with them, they're silver and twinkly and go really well with a lot of my outfits. I find them very comfortable. The only thing with Darcos is that YOU MUST try them on because their sizing is totally random. On the upside, if you have wide/narrow/funny shaped feet and you just try on everything your size, one size up and one size down, you have a very good chance of finding something that fits. And they're really, really stable.

I have another pair of Darcos that are a bit frayed at the edges and they're now my shoes for outdoor festivals. They've done great service and they're very stable and comfortable, and in a style that you can adjust quite a bit around your foot. They were £85 when I bought them in autumn 07.

I have slightly wide feet and the WKs had to stretch a bit for me.

With the Taras, email the lady at Diva Boutique and she'll take measurements. With my Taras, the size I got are the same length as the next size down but wider. Other styles are relatively narrow. I really want the red polka dot ones or the red suede with the platform but they're out of budget for the moment.

[mshedgehog]

the delicate thin front section might not be very flattering as well as uncomfortable. ... I'd really prefer a more closed in pair as I think they'd be more comfortable but I can't cope with a pointy toe, and would really like a pencil heel.

I prefer a more closed in toe as well, I find peep-toe styles are a good compromise. But a lot of tango dancers with wide feet prefer the very open-toed styles because they say it lets them spread their toes and get better balance and grip. I have only slightly wide feet and I'll take the extra protection.