Which shoes- adjustable toe strap! or pad "regular" shoes?

velvetvixen started this discussion · 10/15/2009

I been having problems finding shoes where the toe strap isn't over 1" above my toes, plus I have a narrow foot. My concern is do you think any of these will scratch the pole too much? The last one has a "corset" but isn't a solid color so it wont match as many outfits, though may be better for the pole. Plus I read the shoes will stretch over time so I could also readjust any of the following shoes! 🥂 Poleophile suggested on my blog this website (bless her!) and I found the following shoes with an adjustable toe strap! http://www.snaz75.com/el-601-nicole.html http://www.snaz75.com/el-601-tustin.html http://www.snaz75.com/el-609-tanya.html The other option-On another forum topic, several suggested just padding the "regular" shoes to make it fit (also other good advice on shoe fit) : https://www.studioveena.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=1890&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&start=10 I am wondering: 1. Are they any shoe options from snaz75 (links above) you DO NOT recommend b/c it might scratch the pole? 2. Do you think it would be better to have shoes that fit or try to pad "regular" shoes? Which would be better in the long run? Would padding keep falling off or will I be glad to have more padding? I'm a beginner and I don't know enough about poling shoes to make the best decision. Thanks for your help. 😀

6 replies

FreeTheSun · 10/15/2009
Outta your shoe choices I'm pretty sure those last ones aren't adjustable. The reason I say that is because I have a similar pair and it is more just cute lacing over a continued shoe bit and doesn't adjust without being super uncomfortable and looking weird. I'm parinoid about scratching the pole so I just do padding but you already knew that since thats what i suggested before. I know some people will just throw some clear packing tape over what might scratch the pole and they say it protects it. I've never tried it but that's what I hear.
miss fern · 10/16/2009
I wouldn't be too concerned about scratching the pole. Yes, we love our poles. Yes, they are amazing and shiny when you first get it - but they won't be that way forever. But the bottom line is - you WILL scratch it, and it doesn't matter. So get the shoes that will make you do your best pole work, in the most comfortable and safe way. The pole is there to be used, not looked at. (It's like when I was little and I used to cry if I wore out my shoes or something, or broke my skipping rope from playing with it too much. And Mum would hug me and tell me I was such a silly billy because that's what was SUPPOSED to happen. The toy were there to be used! 😉) Of course, take precautions where you can - to take good care of your pole. Clean it with the right solutions. Take off rings etc, and don't use scourers to clean it. But you have to accept that they do age. For example, Chrome fades and goes a matte colour - kind of grey as opposed to shiny silver after a while.
velvetvixen · 10/17/2009
FreetheSun- Hmm you may be right about the lace shoes. It could look not so pretty if they were adjustable! I do like the classic shoes I got (two pairs-red and black) so I may pad them (sole and toe strap!) and send the other pair back and get a different shoe for the other to try. Clear packing tape is a good idea,maybe even for clothing ? I'll have to try it. I have a skirt that has a ring to put strap on (I took them off) but the ring is still there, now maybe I could wear it on the pole! georgiamarie -Your probably right about poles in general wont be "perfect." I just got mine and it had scratches, discoloration (very lightly and small) straight from the box. I tried to wipe it away and it did no good. I have a little pretty box to put my rings in sitting on my window sill. 🙂 Your mom called you silly billy? That's so cute!
luvlee · 10/19/2009
You know what? I like the first black pair w that buckle. It looks like the buckle is out of the way of where you would be gripping. Also, you may be getting them in a too larger size. If you are a 9 in regular shoes, try a 9 or 8 even in dance shoes. You might be surprised. I just went to Hustler and looked at shoes the other day. Do you know of any other cool stores around the surrounding area to buy shoes? I HATE shipping charges!!!! So good luck and don't give up. You will find a pair of perfect shoes!!!!
velvetvixen · 10/19/2009
luvlee- I did check out hustler to get an idea of size but I may be skewed. I have it in my mind that I have big feet all my life. 😕 pixiedustbelly suggested a smaller size on here as well, that even though my toes are close to the edge, a smaller size may actually help, which is the opposite of what did and went bigger. I tried some Halloween stores but it was hit or miss, you may have some luck. I think I may go back to hustler and try on the other sizes. The lady there said I needed an 11 which they don't carry in any style but maybe she was thinking like I was. Maybe smaller is better. http://www.shoebuy.com/ has free shipping and free RETURNS. They also price match. I have a couple of $10 off of $50 coupon I can send anybody and I get credit for it (its legit from their site) so let me know if you go that route. If you find anything pole-related locally let me know! 😀
Kendra · 10/20/2009
I always stick to ones with an ankle strap. I usually buy them a half size or so smaller than what I wear, just so they fit snugly. If not, the extra motion (especially around your toes from the height of the heel) will cause friction and rub your toes, leaving nasty blisters. Also, I like the ones where the pad of the shoe is soft. I believe the ones I have now are pig suede... but I'm not sure. While you are buying shoes, you might consider picking up a cheap pair of knee-high boots. While I would be careful relying on the boots too much, they make learning some tricks a lot easier due to the extra friction and stickiness on the pole. I learned how to do the knee hold wearing boots first, and once I got the motion and balance down, it was easy to do it in regular shoes. The worm (upside down, climbing backward up the pole, not sure what everyone calls it) was a lot easier in boots, and they helped me to build strength so I could climb better in regular shoes. Plus, they look awesome =)