I left my heart AND my shoes in Buenos Aires
I have started to break in my new tango shoes from Buenos Aires. I like to use them for solo practice first, then take them out dancing later. I did NOT follow my own advice and wore new shoes out in Buenos Aires—and am just healing a huge blister from one night of being stupid!
Look at your old tango shoes. Do you wear them down on the outside or inside of the heel? What are your movement habits, based on what you see from your shoes? I was that kid walking along on the outsides of my shoes, and after years of work, I still tend to roll out onto the outsides of my shoes. I focus on “big toe energy” to balance that tendency, and over time, my shoes have shown an improvement in the wear pattern.
New shoes do not have any of your old postural habits. They are a new canvas and start dancing with you at your current level of expertise. I know it is hard to throw out your old shoes. When you have danced with the support of your new shoes, try your old ones. Do they feel as if they are supporting you, or do they sag? If they are truly worn out, thank them for their service—and throw them out!