Very Fine Dancesport Gabriellas Rhythm Shoe Pair

When I first switched to a higher heel for rhythm and latin dancing, I could immediately feel the difference. The taller heel forced me to put more weight into the toe of my foot, which in turn improved my dancing. The taller heel on the Gabriella is a popular choice for dancers who want a mix of style and comfort without breaking the bank. In this review, you will learn about the standout features of this shoe and what to keep in mind when sizing.

What Very Fine Says About the Gabriella

  • Classic 2.5-Inch Heel: A standard heel height built for rhythm and latin dances.
  • Cushioned Insole: Designed for shock absorption and foot protection during long sessions on the floor.
  • Minimal Shank Board: Built to give a balance of arch support and flexibility.
  • Suede Sole: High quality natural suede on the outer sole for the right amount of traction and slide.
  • Quick Release Buckle: Uses a clip and hook system for fast adjustments.

What Dancers Say

Comfort (4/5)

The cushioned insole of these shoes makes them comfortable for extended periods of dancing. Even though the toe box of these shoes runs wide, the straps on the inside edge may press into your big toe uncomfortably. Like any dance shoe, there is a break-in period for the upper shoe to conform to your foot. These shoes trend towards a short breaking in period, likely due to the wider toe box.

Support (3/5)

A shank between the heel and toe provides arch support. The shank is connected to the heel, but split from the toe. Naturally, a taller heel will be more difficult to balance. While both of these design features aid in the stylization and technique of rhythm and latin dancing, they do compromise support. Further, the T-strap is primarily decorative. The strap wraps around the top of the foot to keep the shoe from slipping. The strap running across the top of your foot from the toe box doesn’t tighten.

Sizing (4/5)

The toe box of the Gabriellas runs wide, which is a feature for dancers with wider feet or bunions. For others, the wider toe box may necessitate more aggressive sizing down when picking these shoes. The satin uppers will stretch and conform to your foot, so aggressive sizing down benefits those with narrow feet. Overall, as long as you keep in mind that these are wide shoes, you will be able to find the appropriate size.

Longevity (4/5)

The Gabriella shoes won’t last you years, but they will last you longer than the average dance shoe. Many dancers have put countless hours into these shoes and they still hold up. The strap will stretch, so you may need to occasionally go down a hole when buckling them. The suede bottoms will eventually become matted, but can be restored using a wire brush. The aspect of these shoes to look out for is the occasional quality control issue Very Fine is subject to when mass producing their shoes.

Style (3/5)

The Gabriella is generally a stylish shoe, blending in with other rhythm and latin shoes. This, however, is its weak point; it blends in. Further, the T-strap and solid sides of the toe box tend to be a more modest look than other styles. The T-strap is even more noticeable because it doesn’t tighten, meaning when pointing your toe, a common stylization for rhythm and latin dances, the bottom of your foot will lift off of the insole, creating a gap between foot and shoe.

Very Fine Dancesport Gabriellas Rhythm Shoe left shoe

Final Verdict

Like many of Very Fine’s shoes, the Gabriellas are comfortable and provide adequate support. These shoes in particular run wide, which isn’t an issue with the shoe, but rather an aspect to keep in mind when shopping. The style trends to rhythm ballroom styles more than latin dancing. As such, these shoes are great for the ballroom dancer with wide feet looking for a practice shoe or a social dancer looking for a shoe that will keep them going through the night.

Are the Gabriellas the perfect shoe for you? Shop the Very Fine Gabriella on Amazon.

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