How To Choose Ballroom Dance Shoes
In this blog, we’re going to talk about how to choose the right ballroom & Latin dance shoes for you.
What Is The Difference Between Dance Shoes and Normal Shoes?
Ballroom dance shoes are different from “normal” shoes in that they have a soft suede sole that allows you to turn smoothly and glide across the floor. They are also flexible, allowing the shoe to follow the foot’s movement. Normal shoes typically have rubber soles, which have too much grip on the floor, making them difficult to dance in.
Starting Out
If you’re just starting out, and haven’t taken any ballroom dance lessons yet, you’re probably wondering what kind of dance shoes you should get. With all the different shoe brands, styles, colors, materials, heel heights,…it can be very overwhelming. Eventually, the style of shoe you get will depend on the dance style(s) you are learning. Rather than buying the most expensive shoes, or highest and shiniest heels, it is best to start with something simple. There’s a lot to learn with every style of ballroom & Latin dance, so you’ll want to be able to concentrate on actually learning how to dance well, versus struggling to keep your balance in 3″ heels.
Dance practice shoes are a great starting point, as they can be worn while learning any style of ballroom and Latin dance. Dance practice shoes range in heel height (usually 1/2″-2″). Because they cover more of the foot, they can also provide more support for your feet. Some brands also carry what’s called a dance sneaker (a more casual version of a practice shoe). Soft jazz shoes and dance teaching shoes (made for teachers) are also good shoes to start with.
Your dance shoes should feel comfortable and snug against your feet. Your shoes will stretch a bit each time you dance, so they will not be as snug as when you first got them. Dance shoes should not be loose, but they should also not be too tight. You should be able to move your foot in the shoe, and feel the ground underneath you. If your toes are curled, and there’s not enough room to straighten them, then your shoes are too small.
2 Types of Dance Shoes
For men and women, there are 2 types of dance shoes: Ballroom Dance Shoes and Latin Dance Shoes.
Women’s Ballroom Shoes
Women’s ballroom shoes are typically “closed-toe” shoes usually with a buckle strap that goes across the arch of the foot. These shoes usually have a 2.5″-3″ heel height.
Women’s Latin Shoes
Women’s Latin dance shoes are typically strappy “open-toe” shoes with heel heights ranging from 2″-3″+.
It is recommended with both, women’s ballroom and Latin shoes, to wear what’s called heel protectors. Heel protectors help your heels to last longer, make less sound while dancing, protects the dance floor from your heels, and provides better overall balance.
Men’s Ballroom Shoes
Men’s ballroom shoes are similar to men’s dress shoes. They are closed-toe shoes with laces and a low (1 inch) heel.
Men’s Ballroom Shoes
Men’s Latin shoes have a higher, Cuban block heel that’s around 1.5 inches high. The higher heel is designed to keep the dancer’s body weight more towards the balls of the feet.
Where To Get Dance Shoes
Dance shoes can either be bought online or at your local dance store. If you’re starting out, and don’t know what size and brand to get, then it’s best to visit your local dance store, where they may be able to get you properly fited with your first pair of dance shoes. This will likely be more expensive than purchasing shoes online, but at least you’ll be fitted with the right size shoes, rather than guessing with a pair online. If you’re located in Houston, TX, then Dance Galaxy is a local store that carries several brands of ballroom and Latin dance shoes.
Once you’ve danced for around 6 months, you’ll have a better idea as to what kind of shoes you prefer, how they should feel and fit on your feet, and maybe even a specific brand you like. There are many dance shoe brands on the market. You don’t need to get the most expensive brand shoes, but it’s recommended to invest a little in a good pair of dance shoes. While there are many cheaper dance shoes available on sites such as Aliexpress and Amazon, they tend to not be as durable (lasting a shorter time) and are not as comfortable to dance in.
Some of the bigger and more popular brands include Supadance, BDdance, International Dance Shoes, AIDA, Ray Rose, and Very Fine Dancesport Shoes. After you’ve figured out the style, brand and size shoes you need, you can order shoes online at less cost. Some of these online stores are Discount Dance and Showtime Dance Shoes. If you’re located in Houston, and have questions on how to get started with your dance lessons, contact us here.