Character shoes are a sturdy, yet flexible, dance and performance shoe with a formal appearance, worn by both men and women in the dance and performing arts industry.
Men’s character shoes are often an Oxford style shoe designed with a suede or leather sole, leather upper, flat stacked heel and lace-up fastening.
Character shoes for women are often identifiable by the shoe’s resemblance to a heeled dress shoe, with a chunky substantial heel height typically ranging from 1 inch to 3 inches. To ensure stability when performing in a heeled shoe, women’s character shoes require a strong heel counter that cups the heel for increased security.
Women’s character shoes often mimic the look of a Mary Jane style shoe. They come in a variety of ankle strap styles, with the most common being T-straps and single ankle straps with pin hole buckled fastenings. The adjustable ankle straps work to keep the shoe properly fit against the foot and ankle so that the shoe stays in place during various movements, such as leaps, kicks and taps.
Character shoes often come in a neutral color, such as black or tan, so that the shoe is not distracting when the performer is moving on stage.