Latin Dance Shoes

Ballroom dancing is a style of dance that generally refers to a type of partners’ dancing which is performed either socially or competitively.  It is a widely popular dance style and can be found on stage, on T.V., and in movies.  It is also a style of dance that is practiced internationally.  The most popular variations are the International Standard, the International Latin style, American Smooth, and American Rhythm.

Whether you Swing, Mambo, Foxtrot, Waltz, Rumba, or Cha Cha, you want to make certain that you put your best foot forward in the right shoes.

The Basics
For men, ballroom dancing shoes typically follow a very traditional standard: a black, lace-up Oxford.  For standard dances, the heel will be flat, and for Latin dances, the heel may be 1 or 2 inches.

For women, the look of the shoes is almost as important is how well one can dance in it as the aesthetics of a shoe is part of the performance.  This can vary as much as the dances itself.  The basic design is either a pump or a sandal with either an open or closed-toe. The height of the heel can range from 1 to 3 inches and can be either flared or slim.  Slim heels work better for turns and other moves.  Flared heels are preferred for Latin dances, as with men’s’ shoes, because they provide more stability and balance in the shoe.

For Women Only
If you are new to ballroom dancing, consider the “standard,” “court,” or “modern” dance shoe.  Any of these should be a closed-toe pump with an ankle strap and a 2 to 2 ½ inch heel.  These will work for a number of dances as you start out.

There are many possible colors, with black being the most popular.  Some women choose a flesh-colored shoe for ballroom dancing competitions as it makes the leg appear longer.

Dancers who perform Latin dancers often wear open-toed shoes or strappy sandals with a higher, flared heel. As you become a better dancer, you will be able to add more varying styles and colors to your ensembles.
Any dancer should expect to spend around $100 for any decent pair of ballroom dancing shoes.

What to Look for
Not all ballroom dance shoes are created equal, and the construction of a shoe is very important to how it will fit, wear, and impact the dancer and the dance itself.

The soles must be non-slip.  Ideally, they will be suede as this will provide just the right mix of slide and grip together.  They will also be thinner than the soles on regular shoes. Avoid rubber soles (like on sneakers) and leather soles because they both will likely stick to floors or slide to much instead of moving fluidly. This can also cause injuries which could be avoided with proper shoes.

The shoe should be lightweight and flexible, and most will have some kind of steel shank for support.

Finding a Good Fit
Some people recommend that you always try on your first pair of dance shoes, and then once you know what you like and the correct fit, you can purchase online. Either way, it is a good idea to find an experienced salesperson or expert site that can help you select the right style and fit with you.  Specialty shops and websites are good places to look, and don’t hesitate to ask an instructor for a recommendation on where to buy shoes online.

Choose a snug, but not toe-crushing, fit. Try on several styles before purchasing. Shoes should be both comfortable and functional.

Keeping Your Shoes in Dancing Shape
Do not expect one pair of shoes to last forever.  They are designed for dance and activity and will wear out.  That said, there are definitely tips to help lengthen their life

~        Do not wear them on the street or out for regular use.
~        Carry them with you and wear only when dancing and practicing.
~        It is a good idea to have a practice pair of ballroom dancing shoes as well as a performance pair.
~        If your shoes need to be fixed, make certain that you find an expert in dance shoes.  Online is a great place to look as there may not be one local to you.