| If you're trying to find information about character | | | | industry. Part of their appeal may be their classical |
| shoes, here's exactly what you need to know. They | | | | design, but they are the only dance shoe on the |
| have been a staple in theater, dance and television | | | | market that combines a high level of function with a |
| industries for many years. While they are the most | | | | formal style. Character shoes are an important part of |
| popular type of shoe in theater, there are some basic | | | | theatrical performances because they are similar in |
| differences between those made for men and | | | | appearance to formal shoes. Sneakers and ballet |
| women. Regular heeled shoes are not practical for | | | | shoes may be functional, but they are not as |
| dance performances and can cause injure the | | | | aesthetically appealing. Large scale productions such |
| performer. Other shoes do not have the proper grip on | | | | as operas frequently employ the use of these shoes |
| the bottom to prevent slips and falls. Although they | | | | for a uniform and professional look. |
| may be similar in style to other types of shoes, their | | | | Modifications such as taps can be attached to the |
| functionality is what truly sets them apart. | | | | soles of the shoes. Character shoes are also used in |
| Women's character shoes are well known for their | | | | a number of different types of dance such as |
| distinct style. They resemble a low, high heeled shoe | | | | flamenco, tap and jazz classes. While they are made |
| with an ankle strap. While they are simple in design, the | | | | for vigorous dance, they were not constructed for long |
| leather upper is very pliable and designed for the high | | | | term use. Professional dancers and actors will go |
| intensity flexibility required in dance. The men's style is | | | | through a few pair a year, so it is good to purchase |
| best described as having a very low platform heel | | | | multiple pairs of comfortable shoes at a time. |
| styled after the traditional dress shoe. Both come with | | | | Almost every professional dancer owns a pair of |
| a non-skid surface on the bottom of the shoe as well | | | | these shoes. While they are a staple in the theater |
| as cushioned insoles. They are only made in selective | | | | industry, they also have been utilized in dance and |
| colors such as black and white. Most well known | | | | television productions. Having a shoe that is flexible but |
| dance shoe manufacturers also product them. The | | | | tastefully designed is essential in these industries. They |
| sizes available are somewhat limited, so custom | | | | can be altered to be used as tap shoes, but once |
| orders are required for those that do not fall within the | | | | done they cannot be dissembled. Knowing what |
| standard shoe size range. | | | | character shoes are used for as well as their basic |
| The only practical purpose for character shoes is to | | | | characteristics are important for making an informed |
| be worn during theatrical performance. Whether you're | | | | decision before making a purchase. Even if you aren't |
| acting, dancing or merely appearing onstage, they are | | | | planning on making a purchase, knowing how and |
| the standard footwear worn in the entertainment | | | | when they are used can be beneficial. |