Finding The Right Pair Of Dance Shoes
There I was, dancing in 15-pound dress shoes… wearing down. Up until that point, I had decided that I would only dance in my dress shoes. “I can dance just fine in these,” I would say.
Boy, was I wrong.
There’s a crossroads every new dancer reaches. It’s that point where your dancing surpasses your street shoes. From there, only dance shoes can finish the journey. So, after years of leg weights fashioned into dress shoes, I caved in.
I bought my first pair of ballroom shoes and, instantly, looked, sounded, and acted like a paid actor on an infomercial. I was undeniably sold.
The following is a guide to help you make your transition into the right pair of shoes for your dance level. You may jump at the chance to purchase shoes, or, if you’re more like me, it may be a gradual metamorphosis. Either way, the world of dancing looks, and feels, better when you’re wearing the right ballroom and latin shoes.
Stage One: Every Day, Every Dance
“The Everyday”: For Men
Everyday ballroom shoes should be all-purpose. They should blend in with a suit, if necessary, and survive the most grueling ballroom and latin maneuvers you can throw at them.
Here’s what you’re looking for:
- Suede on the soles
- Lightweight leather
- Made for ballroom dancing
In fact, the weight difference alone between street shoes and proper dance shoes is remarkable. That lightness translates directly to less fatigue and more control. Your feet will thank you after every practice party.
“The Everyday”: For Women
The women’s version of an “everyday” shoe must be lightweight and with suede soles, just like the men’s shoe. However, we don’t recommend looking for the same style. In fact, for every one style of men’s shoes, there’s probably 950 for the women.
Here’s what to look for:
- Open toe shoe
- Made for ballroom and latin dancing
- Heel no higher than 2.5 inches
- Select shoes as close to your skin tone as possible
TIP: With all leather ballroom and latin shoes, keep in mind that the fit, in most cases, should be snug in the beginning. After a few practice parties – they’ll fit like a glove.
Stage Two: Expanding Your Options
For Men:
As an intermediate dancer, it’s time to pick up two pairs of shoes.
Here’s what to look for:
- Some patent leather ballroom shoes
- A pair of Latin heels
Yes, even to this day it still sounds crazy to type the words “heels” as a shoe recommendation for dudes – but they really do help.
The Latin heel changes your posture in ways that make certain movements more natural. Once you get past the initial “this feels weird” phase, you’ll understand why serious Latin dancers swear by them.
For Women:
As an intermediate dancer it’s time to diversify your shoe options. After all, you won’t have an excuse to buy a fantastic shoe bag if you’re only carrying one pair of shoes.
The benefit of extra shoes is just like your Mom used to say: “they won’t wear out as fast.”
Here’s what to look for:
- Latin heels – 3 inch heel max
- Ballroom shoes (closed toe)
TIP: Not sure how high a heel to wear? Try this: Go up a 1/4 inch for every level of Bronze you complete.
Safe to say this gradual approach gives your ankles and calves time to build the strength needed for higher heels. Rushing to 3-inch heels before you’re ready is a recipe for wobbling.
Stage Three: Make a Statement
Advanced Level Shoe Options For Men:
As an advanced dancer, foot flexibility is key. Now you will be in the market for shoes that are “split-sole.” These shoes can, literally, fold in half and allow for more range of motion. They are available in both ballroom and latin varieties.
If you have a history of foot problems, or just need more arch support, split-soled shoes may not be the way to go. In that case, you can look at “half-shank” varieties of latin or ballroom shoes. These offer a bit more flexibility, but better support.
Here’s what to look for:
- Split-soled ballroom or latin shoes
- Half-shank ballroom or latin shoes
Advanced Level Shoe Options For Women:
Your teacher has recreated your feet and legs into works of dance-art. Now it is time to glam up your shoes. After all, if you’ve got the footwork, show it off with great footwear.
Here’s what to look for:
- Shoes with rhinestones (or add your own)
- Routine-specific dance shoes
TIP: Great footwork is the best accessory to great footwear.
Final Thoughts
Selecting the right dance shoe does much more than add comfort, flair, or flexibility to your dancing. That small purchase makes a bolder statement than all the rhinestones, patent leather, or flashy color.
It’s hobby validation.
When you invest in proper dance shoes, you’re telling yourself that this isn’t just a passing interest – it’s something worth equipping yourself for. That psychological shift matters more than most dancers realize.
Looking for dance shoes? Here are some of our favorite ballroom dance shoe providers:
For related reading, check out 25 Signs of Dance Progress and Tips for Couples Starting Social Dance Lessons.
