Footwear that will keep me light on my feet

September 5, 2008 9:21 AM

I need recs for a lightweight shoe for my dance class.

The (free!) weekly West African dance class given in my neighborhood is unfortunately held in the same gymnasium where a bunch of filthy sneakers run about playing basketball all week.
African dance is supposed to be done barefoot but the floors in the gym are simply too dirty.
Any Mefites know of something I can wear on my feet during my class so I won't have to get a weekly tetanus shot?

posted by notjustfoxybrown to sports, hobbies, & recreation (9 comments total)

Would a pair of low-rise socks with some rubberized grip on the sole work at all?
posted by mahoganyslide at 9:41 AM on September 5, 2008

If you want to get as close to barefoot as possible, Nike make some nice yoga shoes which are really nice (neoprene upper with a thin rubber sole). If you want something a little sturdier, again Nike's dance line shoes are wonderful. I use them for Hip Hop dance classes, they are super comfortable - unlike the regular sneakers I was wearing before that hurt my ankles in tighter moves. The soles also have these circles that make spinning around easier on gym floors.
posted by neblina_matinal at 9:43 AM on September 5, 2008

You might try lyrical sandals or Hermes sandals. I'm a belly dancer and I like the lyrical sandals best, though I still prefer to dance barefoot whenever I can.
posted by velvet winter at 9:43 AM on September 5, 2008

These are all great suggestions but I think those Nike Calma's will work perfectly. Thanks all!
posted by notjustfoxybrown at 9:55 AM on September 5, 2008

These Vibram Five Fingers shoes make you look like you're wearing "Sports feet" - pretty cool. I bet they're crazy comfortable.
posted by dammitjim at 10:08 AM on September 5, 2008

What about tabi?

They appear to sell them at http://www.jika-tabi.com/
posted by Citrus at 10:12 AM on September 5, 2008

Another option is Jazz shoes. To me they feel like being barefoot while providing a little support. See for a source. They're typically a lot cheaper than Nike too.
posted by Arthur Dent at 10:49 AM on September 5, 2008

Vibram Five Fingers have EXTREMELY grippy soles. I have a pair that I use for only on slippery surfaces. Itherwise they grip too much and I twist my knees.
posted by mkb at 11:43 AM on September 5, 2008

Yes for FiveFingers. I've been waiting for them to get my size in stock since April. It's getting frustrating.
posted by PixelatorOfTime at 9:46 PM on September 5, 2008