Best place to buy dance shoes for a boy?

[kozachka]

DS just started taking dancing classes (2x so far), he seems to like and teacher told me to buy him shoes for standard ballroom for a beginner. She has referred us to a local store but it's kind of far from where we live and requires a special trip, which given our already busy schedule I'd prefer to avoid if possible. Also, even after 10% discount with teacher's referral, local store's prices are quite high ($60-$75) from what I've heard from another mom.

I tried to look online, but came empty handed so far. I've checked at Amazon, Zappos, Discountdance, Allaboutdance, Danceshoesonline, Onstagedancewear, DanceFashiosSuperstore and eBay, which was the only site that seemed to have reasonable prices but shoes would have shipped from China. If I decide to buy online, what are the good brands for boys? Are they the same as for adults (e.g. Bloch, Capezio)?

Last but not least, do dance shoe sizes run differently or the same as regular shoes? Is it 'safe' to order dance shoes online? Anything else that I need to stock up for DS ballroom dancing while I am at it/paying shipping?

[SnuggleBuggles]

My ds only did tap and ballet. I could buy ballet ones at Payless but I had to buy the tap ones at a dance store. I bought him either Capezio or Bloch. :) I think it might be worth it to buy the 1st pair at the dance store so you can learn about fit and options. After that you will know what to seek out online more.

Beth

[bubbaray]

I would call Discount Dance. They have more stock than on their website.

ETA: Some dance shoes run very different than street shoes, it depends. I can buy online because I have found manufacturers that fit my kids' feet (Bloch).

[mom2binsd]

I'm not sure what standard ballroom shoes would be, but a good pair of Bloch black jazz shoes are only about 30.00 at our dance store, if that.

What brand and style is it?

[kozachka]

Thank you for all your suggestions, ladies. I kept meaning to call the store recommended here but would not remember to do it until too late in the day. So I ended up placing an order for a pair of Capezio leather oxford shoes (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=380233032993&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT)from an eBay store that has 99.7% positive feedback from almost three thousand unique buyers. It's run by a lovely couple from FL, who are professional dancers, and who have a physical store. Laurie, one of the owners, was very patient with me and sent detailed and to the point answers to my questions. I was also able to use a Groupon. Call me shallow, but I like that these shoes are from a recognized brand. I ended paying a total of ~$55 for these before $15 Groupon, so a total of $47 out of pocket. Now, let's just hope they fit DS.

Other places had similar shoes for $80-$90 plus shipping, and had limited/no information about fit or were out of DS street size.
http://www.backbaydancewear.com/catalog_i10289868.html?catId=36534
http://www.backbaydancewear.com/catalog_i10263563.html?catId=36534
http://www.danceshoesonline.com/tags/dsol/kid_boy_shoe/250502b.htm
http://www.amazon.com/5500-Ballroom-Black-Patent-Leather/dp/B000ZK89ZI/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=shoes&qid=1308211674&sr=8-2

[Melanie]

I'd get the first pair in person. If the boys' shoes run anything like the girls they aren't the same as street shoes.

[AnnieW625]

DiscountDance.com or order from Zappos and then return and rebuy at DiscountDance.