[atomicpenguin12]

*sigh* I wear running shoes and have for years. but now that I'm getting into the dances here I'm starting to realize the drawbacks. you see, running shoes grip the floor, thus making sliding and a lot of other moves really difficult/impossible. should I get some flat-soled shoes and if so what brands? I'd rather not spend the money and friends in the past have just taken off their shoes and danced in their socks, which sounds easier.

[ukeyouee]

I am not ever an advocate of dancing in socks or barefoot unless you know you have a spotlessly clean floor - I shredded the shit out of my right foot on a piece of glass that way. what you might look for are some jazz shoes (you can usually get them at a dance specialty place, or you can order them online) they're basically a soft leather upper and a smooth leather sole. they tend to run about $45 (or did the last time I bought a good pair) but they will last forever. and they are usually thin enough that you can put them in a cargo pocket easily. once you get them broken in it's almost as good as being barefoot. good luck on your quest!!!