Wholesalers/Stockists
Contact
The three levels: beginner, semi-professional and professional
Beginner flamenco shoes (€25-52) are made of synthetic materials with basic nails and are enough for your first classes. Semi-professional flamenco shoes (€40-85) combine leather and synthetic materials with better support and higher-quality nails; they are the usual choice for dancers rehearsing several times a week. Professional shoes (€98-395) are made entirely of leather or suede, with double stitched soles and quality nails, built for intensive rehearsal and performance.
Getting the size right
A flamenco shoe should fit snugly without hurting: leather and suede stretch with use, and a loose shoe takes precision and sound away from your footwork. As a general rule, choose the same size as your street shoes. The standard heel is 5 to 7 cm for women; men use a 3-4 cm Cuban heel. Every maker uses its own last, so check each brand's size chart.
The nails: the sound of zapateado
The nails on the toe and heel produce the characteristic zapateado sound. Beginner models use standard nails; professional shoes use higher-quality nails (such as Osuna) at higher density, giving a more defined sound and better durability under repeated striking.
Begoña Cervera and Gallardo: the two reference brands
Begoña Cervera flamenco shoes (€98-395) are made in Spain in leather and suede, with classic models such as Trajín, Guatine, Malena and Cordonera, and the option to customize material, colour and heel. It is the brand worn by many professionals; its best-known ambassador is the dancer Eva Yerbabuena. Gallardo shoes (€146-199) are the professional alternative, with models such as Rocío, Fátima and Cala, also made in Spain.
Men's flamenco shoes and boots
Men's flamenco footwear uses a 3-4 cm Cuban heel, in lace-up or strap shoes, and high-shaft flamenco boots. See the available models in the men's flamenco dance shoes and boots section.
One representative shoe per level
At FlamencoExport we sell flamenco footwear of every level from Spain, with worldwide shipping. If you are unsure between two sizes or two models, write to us: we have been fitting dance schools and professional dancers for decades.