Choosing the right dance shoes can make a huge difference in your learning experience and overall in your social dancing or performing experience. Whether you are a Beginner or a professional dancer, choosing the right dance shoes is the KEY!

TIPS FOR MEN:

The dance shoes must be light in weight.

Your choice of style should be secondary to a comfortable, secure fit.

Your foot should not be able to move inside the shoe, it should be fitted but not too tight.

When trying on a new pair of dance shoes, make sure you wear the type of socks you plan to wear out dancing.

Choosing a heel depends on the type of dance you wish to do. For example a flat low heel (2cm) can be used to Latin dances (ballroom or Latin); a French heel (3.5cm) which is higher and angled can be used for dances such as Tango & Flamenco. (It can also be used for short men ;) A heel in between (2.5cm) can be used for any dance. Click here to see our photos of heel types.

Here are some photos of the types of shoes we sell:

TIPS FOR LADIES:

Strappy shoes:

Shoes with thin straps are less supportive than wider ones & more likely to stretch too much.

Sometimes, toes escape through the straps and end up on the dance floor.

Thin non-stretch synthetic straps may dig into the skin causing your foot to swell making the shoe tight and uncomfortable.

When choosing strappy shoes, choose high quality leathers where straps are very close together not allowing the shoes to fit through.

Open toe versus Close toe shoes:

Some shoes have a very wide opening at the front allowing the foot to slide forward causing the toes to overlap the front of the shoe, leaving your toes on the floor. If you have very narrow feet, don't choose a wide open toe dance shoe. (If you already have this problem with your current shoes, you can place a small toe insole which is designed for this problem. It sticks to your shoe and the suede surface prevents your toes from sliding forward. This insole is also used for added comfort and reduced perspiration.) These insoles are available at our studios.

When trying on a new pair of dance shoes, try to slide your foot forward as if you want your toes to touch the floor, if you can do so, the shoe is too wide for you. You can either choose a narrower style or you can use the insole technique to see if it helps. Never buy dance shoes for the look only. They must fit right and be comfortable. :)

Keep in mind that some women when they dance, their feet swell. If you have poor blood circulation, in this case, your shoes may feel too tight causing the swelling to get worse. If this is you, when trying on a new pair of shoes, make sure they are not too tight to begin with.

An advantage to having an opening in the front of an open toe style of shoe is that it allows more air to flow around the foot, keeping the foot cooler and reducing perspiration. Some women also find that they have better balance when their toes are spread out.

Close toe shoes are great in the winter time when you want to wear stockings or when you are expecting your partner to step on your toes. When learning dances such as tango, we recommend that the toes are not too exposed since there will be some stepping on toes... ;)

Be careful with the more pointy closed toed styles as they can make the shoes too long and un-fitted for dancing. They may also squash the little toe and put side pressure on the big toe.

Heel styles & heights:

The most acceptable heel height range for most dancers, compromising between look and comfort, is usually between 2 to 2 ½ inches. Some women, who are used to wearing high hells, feel comfortable wearing a 3 inch heel. I would not recommend any higher than 3 inches. Remember, your dance shoes should help you dance better... not prevent you from dancing and cause pain!

Bulky or chunky style heels are not suitable for dancing.

When choosing a heel type, look at the heel from the bottom (sole of shoe) to see the real support in terms of width. For example, you could have a very small round tip, or a square, or a half oval shape... see these photos for examples: HEELS

Heel backs & Straps:

Sandal style dance shoes with closed-in backs are more secure on the foot for dancing than open-back styles with just an ankle strap. We recommend a closed-in back unless you are a very experienced dancer. When choosing an open heel back, make sure the ankle strap if tight and secure. If your heel separates from the shoe as you lift the foot, then it is NOT recommended you wear them for dancing.

Shoe Widths & Sizes:

Choosing the proper shoes can be very confusing when you don't know exactly what you are looking for: multiple width fittings, proper half sizes and a variety of heel heights, etc.

Being able to cater to the "odd feet" can be extremely important to many dancers, narrow feet, wide feet, flat feet.... OUR MADE TO MEASURE FOOTWEAR is one of a very small number of footwear suppliers left in the world, whose footwear has all the above features.

The majority of dancers, who need these features, will find choosing dance shoes "off the rack" do not fit properly. One foot may be wider or narrower or longer or shorter. Most "off the rack" brands of footwear have only one width fitting, and may or may not even have proper half sizes in length.

Leather versus Synthetic:

Sometimes it's very hard to tell if a shoe is made out of REAL leather or man made materials.

Not all leathers 'breathe', and some synthetics 'breathe' very well. Shoes that breathe better are healthier for the feet because moisture and heat build-up in the shoe are reduced. This in turn increases comfort and reduces foot problems and infections.

Good quality leathers have a HUGE advantage over any synthetic materials in that they have the ability to stretch and mould to the shape of the foot making the shoes more comfortable. They don't go hard, crack or peel over time. Cheap leathers can vary from being too hard and thick, to being too thin, soft and VERY stretchy - none of these features are desired in dance shoes.

We offer the BEST QUALITY LEATHERS in our Argentinean custom made dance shoes. Visit our Shoes page for the latest styles and details.

Sole Materials:

The sole materials used in dance footwear are usually chrome, suede & leather.

Chrome soles are extremely hard wearing, but flexible. They can be used for almost any surface. They have a less slippery, softer feel when worn in, somewhere between suede and leather. Ideal Latin dances such as salsa, tango, merengue, cumbia, bachata, etc. (not ballroom dances such as Rumba)

Suede leather soles are very thin, light and flexible. They can be used for many different types of dancing, but may only be used inside on a wooden dance floor. Ideal for ballroom dances such as Rumba, cha cha, Samba, etc.)

Chrome & Suede soles usually pick up a layer of wax or other things found on the older wooden floors, which may make the shoes less slippery or too slippery. A shoe brush can be used to brush the sole of the shoe. Each time you do this it takes some of the surface suede as well, reducing the life of the soles each time this is done. Do not use wire brushes not designed for dance shoes, these brushes are too harsh and will ruin the sole.

Smooth leather soles may be too slippery to dance on. They are used for some Latin Dances; Modern Jive & Rock 'n' Roll by "experienced" dancers with good control on the dance floor, who like to do a lot of "fast spinning".

You can also combine leather sole with half chrome add on. This would make the shoe harder (not able to point) but it will also make the shoe more durable and stable. (Recommended for very beginner dancers)

Rubber soles are not good, as they will inhibit your spins and may ruin your knees over time. Only the rubber soles from jazz sneakers are good.

Thank you for taking the time to read our "Tips on how to choose the right dance shoes" and keep checking our site for more tips!

Any questions, email us at info@latinenergy.ca.