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The Ultimate Guide to Flamenco Shoes

The Ultimate Guide to Flamenco Shoes

August 10, 2022 Posted by rina@rinaorellana.com Flamenco Accessories & Tools, Flamenco Dance, Learning Flamenco 24 Comments

Buying flamenco shoes can be such a hassle since you can’t run to the local mall to find them. They’re also very expensive, which makes them unattractive to new beginners. If you buy them online from Spain, there’s a small chance they might not fit- then you either have to sell them or pay for return international shipping.

What makes a shoe a “flamenco shoe” is that it has a sturdy wooden heel, nails on the bottom of the toe and heel, a steel shank and steel toe, and for professional models, a hand-stiched sole. There are many options from material, heel style and height and models.

But rest assured, there IS a flamenco shoe option for you! Read on!!

 

FOR NEW BEGINNERS

New beginners should not start with professional model shoes unless you have the extra money to burn! “Beginner flamenco” shoes have a lesser quality of leather and the nails on the heel and toe will be sparse- so you’ll need to smooth the nail heads out on pavement or else they will completely tear up the dance floor.  But, they run from $60-$125, so it’s doable.

Before, searching online, try your LOCAL DANCE WEAR STORE. Please note, if you’re going to spend money on new shoes, DO NOT get character shoes. They don’t have the support that you will need when learning how to do footwork. Also, these shoes have to fit snuggly on your feet. If there’s any extra room, you will slide within the shoe and be liable to injure yourself.

You can also look for “semi-professional” flamenco shoes online and those will be better quality than the ones you buy at local dance wear stores.

FOR DANCERS WITH THE FLAMENCO BUG

If you’re ready to upgrade your shoes and you’re committing to flamenco for a longer period of time, then go straight to buying a “real” pair of flamenco shoes. There are “semi-professional” models which are very good, but you might as well pay the extra $50-$100 for a professional model. The quality of the leather is superior which makes the overall fit better— and more importantly, you’ll dance better.

Each dancer has a particular preference for a particular brand, depending on fabric or fit. Right now I’m into Senovilla but I also love Gallardo and Begoña Cervera. I wish I could try them all!

Material

Choices are leather, suede, patent leather and sometimes a fancy fabric. Leather is the best because it’s the most durable. Suede is good as it “breaks” in faster, but then it also tends to wear faster as well. You’ll need to get a 1/4 to 1/2 size bigger for patent leather since it doesn’t stretch (or breathe) at all. Leave that for a performance shoe. The same is true for any fancy fabric shoe since it’s less durable and may “shred,” so don’t use that as an everyday shoe.

leather flamenco shoes
fabric flamenco shoes

 

Heel

Heel height and style are important, but also very individual. “Tacón cubano” would be the most sturdy, but not very sexy 😉 “Tacón normal (or Standard or Clásico)” is the norm. The “tacón carrete” or “garrucha” are beautiful but might not be right for everyone as they tend to “feel” different when standing on them for some dancers, i.e. less stable.

The higher heels like 6cm were very fashionable about 15 years ago. But I’m glad that style went out since they were so difficult to dance in! Go for the standard size of 5 or 5.5 cm heel height. The 4cm is pretty standard for the “tacoón cubano” and more appropriate for dancers who need that extra help for balance.

tacones-gallardo_2

 

Model

The sky is the limit for model design, but there are a few things to consider. Stay away from elastic straps. They’re ugly and they’ll wear out quickly. Choose buckle closures instead of  button ones because they are more sturdy (although I haven’t seen button closures in ages).  Stay away from designs that have open sides to make them look more like sandals or ballroom shoes. They don’t have enough support and you’ll be ripe for injury. I also do not recommend the styles that lace up the legs. You have to tie them super tight so they don’t fall down- so you end up cutting off circulation!

open sides flamenco shoes
elastic flamenco shoes

 

Color

Black is usually the best color to start off with. Then you’ll probably get a red shoe because EVERY flamenco dancer needs a red shoe. Then you might get a beige shoe to match with everything else you have. Then, of course, there’s pink, green, blue, leopard print……….

fancy flamenco shoes
leopard print flamenco shoes

 

Fit

This is the most important element of the shoe. They need to fit like a glove or else you’ll slip and slide within the shoe and your footwork will suffer AND you’ll be prone to injury. I recommend wearing no socks or hose because the sweat is important to work the leather and you need that proprioception, which means you need to feel inside the shoe. But I do have dancers that wear half socks that just cover their toes, which they say help with their bunions. However, if there’s ANY space for you to slide, RETURN those shoes!

Also, if you have wide feet, get the extra wide shoes. But beware, some companies will instead of sending you an extra wide for the size you requested, will send you just a size up. This will fit your wide feet, but then it will be too long for your foot and you’ll slide.

Look at their size chart to make sure your feet match their sizing (just in case there are any variables).

BE SURE TO UNDERSTAND THE RETURN POLICY!

 

RESOURCES

Senovilla– available locally at Flamenco West in Playa del Rey. They’re known for the rosewood heel that makes a nice crisp sound. I’ve been ordering from John from Flamenco West for years because I’ve found the right style that works for my own little duck feet, which is a wide with box toe. 😉

Menkes–  A nice solid shoe with fantastic leather quality.

  • Please note that the last time I tried to order a wide foot, these came in a half size larger. I’ve heard they have since corrected their sizing, but be sure to ask in advance about return policy or verify any special sizing you may have.
  • They sell a good beginner model shoe available on Amazon.

Begoña Cervera– available locally at Naranjita Studio in Anaheim. Their styles are usually on the fancy side. Beautiful.

  • Please note that the last time I tried to order a wide foot, these came in a half size larger. It might not be that way for you, but be sure to ask in  advance about return policy or verify any special sizing you may have.

Arte FyL– I have had a few pairs of their shoes that lasted me ten years!

Gallardo– This is one of the best brands with the quality of the leather and heel sound. I’ve had several pairs of these also that have lasted me for years.

Don Flamenco– I’ve never tried these, but I’ve heard only good things about the brand.

Flamenco Export– They sell different brands but also carry very reasonably priced “semi professional” shoes, that would be good for beginners!

Luna Flamenca– I haven’t tried them, but a student has said, “I love La Luna, they suit my wide, high arched feet. I was lucky enough to be measured up in Spain for a perfect fit.”

Zapatos de Baile Flamenco Roberto Garrudo– They sell their own line of shoes as well as Garrardos and Begoña Cervera. Also, they carry a line of shoes featuring La Lupi and Matilde Coral.

Thanks for reading! Please add your favorites in the comments.

Gracias! ~Rina

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Tags: Arte FYLBegoña CerveraDon FlamencoFlamenco Exportflamenco shoesFlamenco WestfootworkGallardoLuna FlamencaMenkesNaranjita StudioRoberto GarrudoSenovillaThe Dance Store
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24 Comments

Leave your reply.
  • Sooz
    · Reply

    March 19, 2015 at 6:43 PM

    Great info! Thank you for all the resources on where to buy, too! I had no idea there were so many choices locally in SoCal. Cheers!

    • rina@rinaorellana.com
      · Reply

      Author
      March 20, 2015 at 9:27 AM

      Pretty amazing, isn’t it Sooz?! Thanks for reading. Besitos- ~Rina

  • Vanessa
    · Reply

    December 10, 2015 at 1:13 AM

    Rina, do you know where I can get a pair of used size 8 shoes in SoCal. I have been looking for months with no luck. Thank you in advance and I’m in love with your blog!

    • rina@rinaorellana.com
      · Reply

      Author
      December 10, 2015 at 8:43 AM

      Hi Vanessa,
      Try Flamenco West in Playa del Rey. They sell Senovillas. Lots of stock to choose from plus special ordering. Also try Naranjita Flamenco Studio in Anaheim. Justine sells Begoña Cervera shoes at her studio. 🙂 Suerte!!!!!
      ~Rina

  • Anne
    · Reply

    December 30, 2015 at 11:03 PM

    Thank you for this article! The information is so helpful. I started flamenco in May of this year. It’s safe to say I’ve caught the bug 🙂 The character shoes I’ve been using are already falling apart. Plus my feet hurt after class. The right shoes are essential. I just ordered a pair through Flamenco West, as you suggested. I can’t wait for them to arrive! Thank you also for the suggestions regarding breaking them in. I guess I’ll have to forego luxurious pedicures for a while. It sounds like I’ll need the callouses.

    Thanks again for your help!

    • rina@rinaorellana.com
      · Reply

      Author
      December 31, 2015 at 9:44 AM

      Ole tu Anne! I’m glad you found the post useful. I’m sure you’ll love your shoes from Flamenco West! 🙂 Rina

  • Maria
    · Reply

    March 4, 2016 at 2:53 PM

    There is a new flamenco store in San Diego, The Pure Flamenco Store. They have beginner, semi-professional and professional flamenco shoes (Begoña Cervera and soon to come Menkes). They sell online and at the store, they have shoes in stock and you can custom order as well. The also have castanets, fans, mantones, peinetas, skirts and more. Loved it!
    http://www.pureflamencostore.com

    • rina@rinaorellana.com
      · Reply

      Author
      March 7, 2016 at 12:09 PM

      Thanks for the info Maria!

  • Olivia Chacon
    · Reply

    June 10, 2016 at 12:14 PM

    I love Luna Flamenca shoes from Madrid, handmade by Luis! For me the best price/quality relation: http://lunaflamenca.net/

  • Lisa
    · Reply

    June 13, 2016 at 5:26 PM

    Hi Rina,
    I am wondering if you have ever heard of the online store Flamencista? I ordered shoes in February and still haven’t received them. Thanks!
    Lisa

    • rina@rinaorellana.com
      · Reply

      Author
      June 14, 2016 at 10:22 AM

      Lisa- how were the shoes you ordered? Were they the Flamencista brand? Thanks, Rina

  • GILBERT RIVERA
    · Reply

    July 29, 2016 at 7:37 AM

    Have you tried Miguelito’s brand they have been know to last a long time, reasonable priced, hand made in leather or suede both men and women.

  • Manuel Montilla
    · Reply

    January 4, 2017 at 6:58 AM

    Hello, a other place, where you can order Flamencoshoes to is http://www.flamencoshop-montilla.com

  • Paz
    · Reply

    July 30, 2019 at 7:25 PM

    Thanks so much for all the great info! Very helpful indeed.

    XO!

  • Dawn Svendsen
    · Reply

    September 8, 2019 at 12:21 AM

    Greetings, Rina

    Just discovered your site – thank you for helping us to see that others have many of the problems we do.

    I have a wide ball & narrow heal.

    I’ve ordered, returned & re-ordered flamenco shoes & they still did not fit.

    Are you familiar with which brand more closely fits this shape of foot best?

    Thanks,

    Dawn

    • rina@rinaorellana.com
      · Reply

      Author
      September 11, 2019 at 5:31 PM

      Hi Dawn,
      I’m sorry i don’t personally know which shoe would work best for you. You can try Flamenco West (Senovilla) and see if John can accommodate your shoe specifics. 🙂

  • Anais
    · Reply

    December 3, 2020 at 12:38 PM

    Hi Rina,

    I have a new pair of red leather flamenco shoes and I seem to have really dug into the toe cap of one shoe with the nails of the other. Do you have any advice on shoe care? Do you try to fix the ugly black marks or just embrace them?

    Thanks for your blog posts, they are so helpful to us novices!

    • rina@rinaorellana.com
      · Reply

      Author
      December 3, 2020 at 1:43 PM

      I’m sorry I don’t know how to fix that. Perhaps shoe oil? And for the ugly marks- perhaps some shoe polish? I know in the past I’ve covered leather shoes with show paint to cover marks. I hope that helps!

  • Sarah
    · Reply

    August 30, 2021 at 7:29 AM

    Roberto GARRUDO has amazing shoes. The prices are good and they ship very fast. I also bought one of their skirts, which I love. Communication is very good with the ordering process. I’m also into Senovilla, Artefyl and Gallardo at the moment. I was not happy with my custom order from Menkes recently, however. Not only was the color waaaay off(even for pixels and photo colors. It was a different shade) but they didn’t have an option for AA width. They’re very snug, but the suede will loosen up. I don’t think their shoes are for me. I wasn’t real fond of the customer service when I checked in (It had been two months with no communication) and I liked the color I did get, so I said nothing and kept them.

    • rina@rinaorellana.com
      · Reply

      Author
      August 30, 2021 at 8:43 AM

      Thanks for this!

  • Irina
    · Reply

    August 30, 2021 at 10:04 AM

    I LOVE Senovilla shoes, altho they will wear out faster than some other brands, but they really fit well (for me, anyway) and you don’t have to “brake in” – they are perfect from the first day. I have “difficult” feet, and I almost ruined my feet wearing the beginners’ style for the first year dancing. I had a terrible pain and had to stop in the middle of the class a couple of times for a break. Senovilla shoes were a game changer. Also, getting mine from Flamenco West.

    • rina@rinaorellana.com
      · Reply

      Author
      August 30, 2021 at 1:30 PM

      fantastic!

  • Catherine M. White
    · Reply

    August 30, 2021 at 1:14 PM

    I also totally endorse John Silva at Flamenco West listed first under your Resources. I have hammer toes and he was able to custom-make my flamenco shoes with a higher toe box to accommodate my feet so well that I can dance for hours in them without pain. His zapatero in Seville was the only artisan I could find who could do it. It was expensive but very worth it for me.

  • Mary McCourt
    · Reply

    June 11, 2022 at 3:39 AM

    This is really useful information. Very informative. 🙂

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