Top five tango shoe shops in Buenos Aires

The 2015 Tango BA and Festival and Dance World Cup is over for another year. Sob. While my tango dancing has yet to take off, my passion for tango shoes has certainly been ignited.

Ladies (sorry varones), whether you’re into tango or not, tango shoe shopping should definitely be on your itinerary when in Buenos Aires. You don’t have to love the dance to love the shoes. 

An array of tango shoes

As you can imagine, BA has no shortage of tango shoes. With so many to choose from, and that’s just the colour, where does one begin? My tango teacher friend whirled me from shop to shop but I appreciate you might not have the the time or patience, so I’ve whittled it down to my top five.     

1. Comme Il Faut, Arenales 1239 door 3 apt. M

Price: AR$1,500

Opening hours: Monday - Friday 11.00-19.00, Saturday 11.00-15.00

Comme Il Faut is like entering a boudoir rather than a shoe shop. The décor is very Sex and the City, kitted out in plush sofas to rest tired soles and mirrors panelling the walls.

On almost every occasion the staff have been less than welcoming, but the shoes make up for the frosty reception.

I was in awe - shimmery gold, soft mint, silver, multi-coloured, black and white polka dots, red and white stripes, leopard and zebra prints, Dalmatian black and white… and so many more.

They have every model and combination possible – peep toes, diagonal straps, ankle straps, T-strap, crossing straps, closed heels, open heels and ruffles. The material also varies from leather to patent, satin to suede, woven leather, or a mix of them all.

Verdict: Whether you’re looking for a classical shoe, an outrageous number or something dainty and pretty, Comme Il Faut caters for all occasions, tango or no tango. There are limited numbers of each design, so if you like what you see be decisive.

2. Angelina, Viamonte 1662 1F

Price: AR$2,100-AR$2,600

Opening hours: Email info@angelinashoes.com to make an appointment, although we just turned up in the afternoon

I thought I had seen it all with Comme Il Faut. However, Angelina turned out to be a really pleasant surprise. The show room is welcoming, with a big sign in the reception, marble floors and a soft beige carpet in the shoe area.

Pretty much every single shoe was stunning - royal blues mixed with silver or gold, encrusted diamantes, floral designs or double straps.

My favourite was a simple tomato-red, open-toe, closed-heel model made of crocodile-printed leather, with a single black ankle strap. With names like Animal chocolate, jeans and gold, diamante and champagne, I almost wanted to eat them.

Verdict: They are on the pricier end, but they fit like a glove and were comfortable as I paraded across the marble floor.

3. Greta Flora, Uruguay 1295, Palermo

Price: Around AR$2,900

Opening hours: Monday – Saturday 11.00-19.00

I went to the sister shop which specialises in bridal shoes. However, the tango shoes that I saw had unusual, pretty designs with many models sporting the signature flower. The stiletto heel was slightly thicker than Comme Il Faut and Angelina but the overall shoe still looked elegant.

Verdict: I’m not sure I could justify the extra spend but am tempted by the names of some of the models: either Rosaura or Prudencia.

4. Neo Tango, Sarmiento 1938 CABA

Price: AR$1,500

Opening hours: Monday – Friday 10.30-19.00, Saturday 11.00-16.00

It has a decent range of models and colours, and the shoes come in two heel lengths. They are well finished, but you are walking into a shoe shop so the whole affair is slightly underwhelming compared with Comme Il Faut and Angelina.

A shoe that fits

Verdict: A good choice if you are looking for a more classical shoe. The staff are also friendly and leave you to browse in peace.

5. Souple, Juan D Peron 1757, 5º 21 CABA

Price: AR$2,100

Opening hours: Monday, Wednesday and Friday 14.00-18.00

The shoes are classical and comfortable. However, the stiletto tip seemed a bit too small which could be an issue if you plan to dance the night away. Besides rich blues and shocking reds, the rest of the collection is rather less eye-catching than the styles I have become accustomed to. For that price, I had expected to be blown away.

Verdict: Nice, classical shoes but more expensive than Comme Il Faut and Neo Tango. 

No woman’s wardrobe is complete without some showstopper sandals. If you want something slightly more unusual, as well as an enduring souvenir from Buenos Aires, tango shoes could be right up your street.