Hello!  Where can I find a ballet-style, non-skid water
shoe--lightweight, with no buckle or laces?  Man who wants them thinks
he saw them sold years ago in Scandinavian countries--he remembers them as
ballet-style slipper, that is, with rounded toe and strap across
front, lightweight.  He needs size 6 and one-half and would like
several pairs.  Any google researcher know  who manufactures and where
to find this style new? Nothing decorative,--just practical--probably
black color.  Thanks for prompt attention--man's birthday
is coming quickly and he is very old and fearful of slipping when
walking.  Thanks so much.

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Clarification of Question by sylk-ga on 21 Aug 2004 11:11 PDT

More clarification on men's "water shoe", ballet-style I am looking
for:  this shoe does not have a heel and can be used for beach
walking--it should slip directly on the foot.   Hope all that helps. 
Thanks.

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Request for Question Clarification by bobbie7-ga on 21 Aug 2004 12:16 PDT

Hi!

Is this the kind of water show that you have in mind?

http://www.skilimited.com/xq/asp/clickpath.144~/base_no.XBB-WATERB/str_base_no.BB-LACEW,BB-TANLS,XBB-WATERB,3WW-BT,3BW-CG,4PC-GT,RE-CT,3CH-PO,2CO-LH,3SW-EZ,RE-MT,3FE-SS,X3FX-BBS,3FX-CH,2FX-HT,3FX-019,2FX-NV,X3FX-LRG,X3FX-HT,X3SN-HG,/header_title./page_name.prod_list_display.asp/search_type.L0~144/ShowImages.yes/sq.0/cont.1/intPgNo.1/qx/product.htm

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Request for Question Clarification by bobbie7-ga on 21 Aug 2004 12:22 PDT

Sorry for the typo. It should be "shoe" not "show".

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Clarification of Question by sylk-ga on 21 Aug 2004 12:51 PDT

Dear Bobbie 7-ga,

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Clarification of Question by sylk-ga on 21 Aug 2004 12:56 PDT

Dear bobbie7-ga,
No, I do not believe that is the shoe this man remembers seeing. It
does not look enough like a ballet-type slipper, with a small strap
across the front.  Also it seems from the website that the smallest
men's size is 7--he needs a six and one-half.  Also, would be better
if didn't have name of company so prominently featured across the
front  band--in picture looks more like a band than a small strap. 
Thanks so much for trying--hope there is something else better out
there.  Sylkar

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Request for Question Clarification by feilong-ga on 21 Aug 2004 20:15 PDT

Hi Sylk,

"Where can I find a ballet-style, non-skid water shoe--lightweight,
with no buckle or laces?"

I have this brand of shoe (Teva Gamma Pro) and I know it works great
in dry or wet surface because of its track design and sticky rubber
sole. Take a look at these links:

Neutron II
http://www.teva.com/Apparel_Detail.asp?dept_id=1&sku=6751&sc=all&g=men

The Neutron II fits your descriptions perfectly because it's easy to
wear, it has non-skid and super sticky, it has no buckle or laces but
it has a strap to secure the foot in place. Click on the picture for a
larger view.

Proton II
http://www.teva.com/Apparel_Detail.asp?dept_id=1&sku=6752&sc=all&g=men

Proton II basically has the same features of the Neutron II except
it's more simple in design and it has no strap.

Neeman
http://www.teva.com/Apparel_Detail.asp?dept_id=1&sku=6797&sc=all&g=men

This shoe also fits within your descriptions. It has the same sticky
rubber sole and simple design but it is a casual shoe.

You can browse Teva's 7-page catalog for men's footwear here:
http://www.teva.com/Products.asp?d=1&g=men&sc=all&NAV=1

Unfortunately, 7 seems to be the smallest size for this brand. They
don't have a 6 and a half. However, you may ask their customer service
for assistance.

As with your other comment, "I still do not think this is what my
friend had in mind--picture a rubber ballet slipper with a thin strap
going across the foot--any other possibilities", the best way to know
for sure is to show your friend the links that we have provided here.
You may have the same idea but have a different picture of what your
friend had in mind.

Please let me know if the shoe I mentioned is the brand that you are
looking for so I'll know whether to post this as an answer or not.

Regards,
Feilong

I am delighted to learn that my suggestion was useful!

I have used these "Water Walkers" as shower shoes for years, and they
are truly a blessing for a person who is concerned about slipping and
falling. These shoes are comfortable enough to wear around the house,
too, and since the sole is waterproof, you can even go outdoors in
them.

Vermont Country Store: Water Walkers
http://www.vermontcountrystore.com/jump.jsp?itemID=7828&itemType=PRODUCT&searchid=inceptor

The Water Walkers last for months, even with daily wear, but you might
want to buy in quantity to ensure having a good supply, in case they
might be discontinued in the future.

One hint: these slippers are machine-washable, but don't use chlorine
bleach. It can damage the nylon fibers. When I wash my Water Walkers,
I add some laundry borax to the detergent to freshen them.

Best regards,
pinkfreud

You want a windsurfing shoe, basically.

I'm assuming you're not worried about cold (you can get
heavier neoprene).

There are high top models and low top models.

They use similar boots for kiteboarding nowadays also.
The kiteboarding shoes might have a more positive lock on your foot,
with velcro instep straps. (kevlar soles too!). Maybe those would 
be better for you.

see here for Okespor high and low kiteboarding models, mens 4.5-13
http://www.realkiteboarding.com/index.ihtml?page=gearlist&category=91

okespor sizing is unique. use their table for correct size.

Here's another model. Okespor Superfun:
http://www.boardshop.com/ok201zz.html

Some other models. You might like the GUL strapped slipper
http://www.murrays.com/wetsuits/bootglove.html

There's plenty of models/suppliers. You might eyeball these and mention
what you like or dislike about these. (the sturdier sole on the kiteboarding
models might be useful on the beach).


-lev

This is not a ballet-style slipper with a strap, but it's a very nice
product. Illness causes me to be unstable on my feet, and I've used
these to prevent myself from falling in the shower. They are both
comfortable and effective:

http://www.vermontcountrystore.com/jump.jsp?itemID=7828&itemType=PRODUCT&searchid=inceptor

Hi!  None of the pictures seems close to a ballet slipper--I am not
looking for a boot--or anything that come above the ankle--most of the
pictures seemed to look like they come up much higher than the ankle.
Pinkfreud-ga's style seems closest but I still do not think this is
what my friend had in mind--picture a rubber ballet slipper with a
thin strap going across the foot--any other possibilities?  Thanks for
all your help.  sylkar

Again, thank you for all your help.  Nothing, alas really looks like a
ballet slipper--I do not want anything so gross-looking.   And I need
smaller than size 7-- so Teva is not right at all. Please keep trying.
 Anybody know of any made in Norway or the Scandinavian countries, as
that is where this man saw them sold many years ago?
Thanks,
sylkar

NO, it does not seem that an brand is a definite answer==possibly the
Vermont shoes but I won't have an answer now for a few days.  I am in
Norway==still wishing someone knew of a brand in the Scandinavian
countries I could locate here.  thanks,
sylkar

Please give credit to pinkfreud-ga.  The Vermont shoes turned out to
be just what was needed--thank you so much for offering this
suggestion.  At this point, please charge my account and consider the
question closed.  I very much appreciate everyone's help, but
especially pinkfreud-ga.
sylkar