Starting in the world of dance shoes can be overwhelming. You may wonder why you can’t dance in the shoes you already have or think that a heeled shoe is a heeled shoe. However, there are many differences between regular and dance shoes, and a good pair of ballroom shoes can make a big difference in your dances. The options can be daunting, from color to heel to style. The main goal is to find a pair of shoes that fits your needs, is comfortable, and suits your taste and budget.
Dress Shoes vs Dance Shoes
First, what are dress shoes, and why you shouldn’t dance in them? If you’re starting, you can wear dress shoes for your first lesson or two just to get an idea of what kind of shoes you need. If you are going this route, don’t use shoes with rubber soles. A rubber-soled shoe against a wooden floor doesn’t make for slippery, smooth steps. Rubber-soled shoes (especially sneakers) are designed to offer good grip. Whether crossing the basketball court like LeBron or Kobe or running a race, these rubber soles will ensure you don’t slip. And while this is perfect for other sports, ballroom dancing is different. In dance sports, you must be able to glide across the floor. A rubber sole impedes movement and can be dangerous; imagine trying to turn in a shoe that sticks to the floor. Your ankles, knees, hips, etc. won’t thank you. If you must wear dress shoes, use a pair that has leather soles.
If you don’t have leather-soled shoes, then it is wise to invest in a good pair of dance shoes, even if ballroom dancing is something you’re doing as a hobby. You’ll be glad you did. Dance shoes are designed, of course, to help you dance. The sole is either suede or leather. Suede soles offer the right balance of slip and slide, allowing you to hold your position securely while gliding to your next step.
Heels and Balance
The heel height of your dance shoe could be more problematic for women. Men’s ballroom dance shoes are generally 1 inch or more wide, while men’s Latin dance shoes have a maximum 2-inch Cuban block heel. As a guideline, women’s heels range from 1.5 inches to 4 inches (stilettos). If you can walk with a 4-inch stiletto heel, don’t buy dance shoes of the same height especially if you’re new to ballroom dancing. There’s a difference between walking in stilettos and dancing in them.
It’s best to get used to the movement with a lower heel. As you gain confidence in your steps and progress, you can continually advance to a higher heel. Gentlemen, if you’re uncomfortable with a 2″ heel for Latin dancing, start with a ballroom shoe and work your way up.
Another point to remember about heels is that, as dance shoes are designed for dancing, the heel is placed differently from that of walking shoes. In fact, in ballroom and Latin dancing, dancers want to maintain what’s known as “forward balance,” where the weight rests more on the balls of the feet. Dance shoes are designed to facilitate this process. As a result, the shoe’s balance is different and may slightly compensate for your balance if you’re not used to it. If you can walk slowly in a pair of ballroom dance shoes, you’ll find it even harder to dance in them.
Starting out with a heel height of 1 to 1.5 inches for women is often the recommendation. Before progressing, start with a Cuban heel (block heel) or a thicker heel. Training with a 1.5-inch heel will allow you to gain a little height while remaining closer to the ground. This will enable you to familiarize yourself with your shoes and the movements you’re learning. You can slowly increase the height as you progress through your lessons.
Fit
Fit is extremely important, even more so with dress shoes. Your dancing shoes must fit correctly. If your shoes are too big, your feet will move around. This movement will cause you to lose your balance, making it easier to trip and injure yourself. You need to be able to wiggle your toes but not slide your foot inside the shoe. Make sure the shoe moves with your foot – it should feel like an extension of your body, not an add-on. You need to be comfortable – that’s what you’re looking for here. Dance shoes should be comfortable and flexible so you can wear them for long periods without pain.
Style and Colour
What style and color of dance shoes should I buy?
There are no set colors so it’s really a choice you can explore. Tan shoes are generally worn for ballroom dancing and competitions. They protect your toes, which protects you if your partner steps out. Strappy dance shoes are famous for Latin dance competitions, but you can choose a slightly more closed toe for added safety. Choose a color that suits your skin tone to elongate your legs or choose something that suits your personality or outfit. As tempting as it may be, don’t buy shoes just because they’re pretty – the most important thing is that they’re comfortable to dance in. Style can help your confidence but having it in your shoes can also help you move better.
Fastenings
What are the fastenings on ballroom and Latin dance shoes?
For most ballroom shoes, it’s the traditional buckle, but some other pairs have an easy-release closure. These shoes look the same: they have a strap and a small metal buckle, but you can adjust the buckle to have the desired position and then attach it to the shoe. The buckle is for appearance only, as the shoe is closed by threading the strap through a small hook or by opening the snap fastener. The T-bar creates a sophisticated look and gives a multi-strap look with added security.
Fabric
Satin dance shoes are the most popular for competitions and create a glamorous, professional look, but you’ll want to avoid them when rehearsing. Satin gets scratched more easily than other fabrics, which means they need special care to keep them perfect for competition. Choose a closed pair in tan or flesh-colored satin for ballroom dancing competitions. Other fabrics, such as leather or canvas, are more suitable for rehearsals, as they are more versatile and durable.