My name is Amélie, I’m the cofounder of Swivells with Christophe, my associate, and today I want to share a personal story - one that starts with pain, turns into passion, and ends with a mission: to design the perfect swing shoes.
It all started with a sharp pain in my foot…
Back in 2015, while we were preparing for the European Swing Dance Championships, I developed something called a Morton’s neuroma - a painful condition that feels like you're getting an electric choc on the foot. It made walking unbearable. Dancing, which I loved deeply, became impossible.
As I searched for shoes that wouldn’t compress my toes, offered soft soles, and cushioned insoles, I came up empty-handed. And when I did find something remotely comfortable, it was never stylish - certainly not something I’d wear for a dance or a night out.
That’s when I thought: why not create them myself?
Shoes made by and for swing dancers (and everyone else)
Swivells was born from that idea - to create swing shoes that are beautiful, functional, and truly comfortable. As a dancer, I knew the technical needs. As someone recovering from chronic foot pain, I knew comfort had to be non-negotiable. As a woman who loves fashion, I refused to sacrifice style.
Christophe, my associate and I partnered with a family-owned workshop in Spain known for traditional shoemaking, and we worked tirelessly to craft models that are soft, flexible, and kind to your feet - while staying true to the aesthetic of swing culture.
What makes a good swing shoe?
Swing shoes need to do a lot more than just look good. They must let you spin without slipping, bounce without tiring your joints, and stay on your feet for hours without pain. They need to support your foot but never restrict it. And ideally, they should transition beautifully from the dance floor to everyday life.
That’s what you’ll find in our swing shoe collection: elegant, vintage-inspired styles designed to move with you.
We use:
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Soft, breathable leather
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Flexible soles that grip just enough
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Cushioned insoles
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And an aesthetic that’s timeless, not trendy
From the dance floor to the streets
What we didn’t expect when we launched Swivells was how many non-dancers would fall in love with them. It turns out there are so many women and men looking for stylish, comfortable shoes that don’t hurt - shoes they can walk in, work in, dance in, live in.
From personal pain to shared purpose
Having had Morton’s neuroma myself, I know what it’s like to feel limited by your shoes - to hesitate before a walk or to say no to a dance. That’s why every detail of our shoes is designed with comfort and long-term wear in mind. Cushioned insoles, soft linings, shock-absorbing soles… I wish I had found Swivells back in 2015.
Now, I hear from customers who say Swivells are the first pair of stylish shoes they can wear all day without any pain. That means everything to me.
Made responsibly, with heart
All Swivells are handcrafted in Spain, in small batches. We use sustainable materials and focus on quality over quantity. No overproduction, no fast fashion cycles. Just timeless, high-quality pieces made to last.
We also design with inclusivity in mind - several of our models are unisex, and our sizing goes from 35 to 46. Whether you’re a dancer or simply someone who loves well-made shoes, Swivells are made to support you - literally and figuratively.
Swing shoes with a soul
To us, swing shoes aren’t just a product category. They’re a symbol. Of freedom, movement, joy. They represent that beautiful moment where fashion, function and emotion meet.
Wearing Swivells isn’t about trends. It’s about choosing something made with care, that respects your body, and expresses who you are.
Thank you for believing in us ❤️
Creating Swivells was our way of turning a physical limitation into something empowering - not just for us, but for thousands of people around the world. Whether you’re dancing under the lights or walking through the streets of Paris, we believe you deserve to feel great in your shoes. Thank you for trusting us since 2017!
Discover our full swing shoe collection and step into a new kind of comfort - one that moves with you, supports you, and makes you feel effortlessly stylish.
