LaDuca Dance Shoes

These character shoes are industry standard in musical theater. If you’re going to have to take class or audition in heels, these are a good investment. They are expensive, but impeccably made. If you find that the flexible Bloch character shoes are falling apart too quickly, or the solid Capezio character shoes don’t really allow for good movement (or feel clunky), this is the next step for you. I would really recommend being fitted for shoes in the store, rather than ordering online if possible.
I would also recommend only wearing these if you’re training your feet to be strong by taking class on a weekly basis. The flexible character shoes require strength, and they don’t prop you up like a street shoe (heel) does. If you are going to use these shoes for theater that does not require much dancing, get one of the non-​flexible models. You’ll get much more support and your feet/​legs/​ankles won’t be as tired after wearing them. If you don’t take class regularly, throwing yourself around in flexible character shoes could cause injury.
The shoes break down faster if you wear them barefoot instead of with stockings. After I got my first pair of laducas, I ordered a 6-​pack of nylon footie socks off amazon to keep in my bag because I don’t like taking class in tights. They help.
LaDuca will take custom orders. They made me shoes for my wedding. For about a hundred bucks of surcharge on top of the standard listed price, they’ll let you order any of the stock models (NOT bespoke design) in a different color of leather (there were at least 30 on the sample card they showed me, including a bunch of different metallic shades). If I’m going to pay $ 300 – 400 for wedding shoes, as people seem to do with Jimmy Choos and such, I’d like them to fit perfectly and I’d like to be able to wear them to class afterwards. Because I knew I’d be on my feet all day for my wedding, I ordered the Angelique (non flexible) model in bright silver. Depending on their workload, it can take a while to get the shoes back from the factory in Italy, but mine showed up in about a month. Your mileage may vary.
I have had good experiences stopping into the store during the day, when they are less busy. Especially with the custom wedding order, the sales associates were very helpful and communicative.

I called and ordered a pair of LaDuca character shoes from this store. They are 3″ Elizabeth, in beige. They are simply breathtaking. I was given excellent advice from the woman I spoke with on the phone (I *think* her name was Sarah) about sizing. She also gave me her perspective on the two different styles I was contemplating (Elizabeth v. Rachelle).
I will say that I was pretty well-​prepared with my questions, having done much research in advance. I knew I was going to buy a pair of LaDucas that day, it was just a matter of making sure I got the perfect size and style.
My nutshell thoughts to anyone truly on the fence about forking over the cash:
If dancing (well) in character shoes is important to you, figure out a (legal!) way to buy them. Forgoe lattés for a couple months, eat kraft mac n cheese, whatever makes it happen.
I wish I bought a pair 15 years ago (sigh). At least I have ‘em now :)

Rude, dismissive. I am a dancer with some specific needs for custom made dance shoes if I want to continue. I’ve been in several times to talk to them and no one seems to have time. I can’t rightfully fork over that much dough to people who don’t have my best interests at heart.

the best quality character /​dance shoes carefully crafted from a factory in italy! located in the heart of the theatre district, the store itself is also v stylish with regal colors and photos of celebrity clients.
these shoes are a must have for any dancer /​theatre person :-)

I WANT SHOES FROM THIS PLACE!!! This is pure want there is nothing NEED about it and — I — don’t — care!!!
«Heaven…I’m in heaven and my heart beats so that I can hardly speak» LaDuca is a character shoe store but guess what I found out the last time I stopped in to drool on their merchandise? They have a line for us non theatre people — yaaaaaa!!!
And to top it off they make custom shoes to order for us commoners. Now, you have to be a very wealthy commoner to get a pair which is why I don’t actually have shoes from LaDuca but I’m adding a self designed, custom made (probably red and really high) pair of shoes from LaDuca to my «when I win the lotto» list. I think this dazzling footwear will go right after apartment in the South of France and before the team of people (trainer, hair, nails, massage, facial, waxing, private shopper, nutritionist, chef, personal assistant etc.) for my regular body preservation.
I can see them now dancing on my feet but until that day comes I can only give my enthusiastic thumbs up to anyone who can buy from this store — they give good shoe!

If you’re in the market to shell out 200 bones for character shoes, this is the place to go! Granted they are SUPER expensive, but your feet will thank you!
They have many different styles, so plan on spending some time here during your fitting to make sure you get the best fit. Also, they will rubberize your shoes for you, so it really is a one stop shop.