Lady Jemima's Costume Corner - Shoes

Street shoes: A soft, slip-on type street shoe can be used for a CATS costume, especially those with round toes and small/no heels. Sometimes shoe companies purposely produce shoes that look quite a bit like dance shoe, but are meant for normal wear. They can usually be dyed or painted.
Slippers: Occasionally a pair of around-the-house slippers can make for wonderful shoes! They can usually be dyed or painted.

2. Commission: You may want to commission an experienced costumer who can make shoes for your costume. Commissioned shoes cost anywhere from $15.00 (customer providing the shoe) to $70.00 (costumer providing the shoe) per pair.



Shoes are possibly the least important aspect of a CATS costume, though you will probably want to look for something resembling a dance shoe rather than wearing sneakers or clogs. Shoes can be found in many places and can range from extremely expensive to almost free. There are many of styles of dance shoes available, but this website focuses on canvas ballet slippers and jazz shoes, preferably laceless. Many shoes are available with a split sole, which means there is a pad on the ball of the foot and on the heel, but not on the arch. This give the foot extra support during walking and dancing.

1. Store-bought: Dance shoes: there are many different shapes, styles, and brands of dance shoes. As stated above, I have chosen to focus on only jazz shoes (the choice shoes of performers and good for advanced costumers) and ballet slippers (great for beginners or costumers on a budget). I believe these two shoes will fit just about every costumer's needs. Jazz shoes come with either lace-up or elastic, the latter of which is preferable. Jazz shoes can be dyed or painted. Ballet slippers (not pointe shoes) are small, soft slip-on shoes made from canvas, leather, or satin, and can be dyed or painted. Street shoes: A soft, slip-on type street shoe can be used for a CATS costume, especially those with round toes and small/no heels. Sometimes shoe companies purposely produce shoes that look quite a bit like dance shoe, but are meant for normal wear. They can usually be dyed or painted. Slippers: Occasionally a pair of around-the-house slippers can make for wonderful shoes! They can usually be dyed or painted. 2. Commission: You may want to commission an experienced costumer who can make shoes for your costume. Commissioned shoes cost anywhere from $15.00 (customer providing the shoe) to $70.00 (costumer providing the shoe) per pair.