Ballo Shoes - Designed by Salseros for Salseros
Posted November 7th, 2007 by Jamin
Ballo shoes are unique in that they are dance shoes designed from scratch by salsa dancers for salsa dancers.
Ballo shoes combine the best qualities of the dance sneaker and ballroom dance shoe with a much needed dose of
modern salsero style.
For more info visit www.balloshoes.com
For more info visit www.balloshoes.com
First pair of Ballo Shoes
I just bought a pair of Ballos about 1 month ago and have nothing but good things to say about them. For a long time I've been looking for a dressier shoe with out the shiny ballroom look and at the same time wanted to keep the familiar feel of my dance sneakers. The Ballo shoes really were a perfect match.
The construction seems very solid with all leather uppers and a suede sole. The stitching seems very well done and doesn't look like it will start fraying any time soon. I was told that they have a gel insert that while it starts off very stiff, as you dance in them, it conforms to the shape of your foot for a better foot. After about 4 wearings, I can feel some difference and expect that it will continue as stated.
The sizing is a bit different from street shoes or the Blochs. I wear a 9 or 9 1/2 in most street shoes. In the Blochs I wear a 10.5 and with the Ballo shoes an 8 is just right.
All in all I'm happy with the shoes, price and to be able to dress it up a bit without having to go into a ballroom style shoe that doesn't really match my style.
Geo-
I'm all grown up
Eh, who's kidding who...no I'm not. Although i've finally grown past the jazz sneakers also and bought a pair of Ballo shoes recently at the Canada Salsa Congress in Toronto. Like George, I was looking for shoes that have a certain style, Ballo had that look, I purchased 'The Lead'. The suede sole allows me to feel more free while on the floor. There is quite a selection of shoes out there, but I believe I'll be getting Ballo's for a long time to come. Check 'em out!
Glenn
Laces for a size 20...
I'm not sure why, but the laces to the shoes are extremely long and I have to carefully thread them through the shoes to keep from tripping over them. My guess is that they ran out of the correct laces when putting the shoes together.
Geo-
Ballo Shoes
I was able to drop by the Ballo Shoes table at last year's NYC congress. The table was filled with people interested in thier product and I immediately saw the shoe i wanted... unfortunately the guy ahead of me purchased the last pair of "The Lead," in my size. Ultimately i was able to go to thier site and order the shoes... I was sold the first time i put them on. After wearing Jazz sneakers, mambo shoes and various othe rshoe types for salsa, i have never had a shoe that is as comfortable and provide as much control on the floor. I will be purchasing my shoes from them in the future. The laces are a bit long, but i typically double or triple knot the shoe. LOL