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Accessing this guide is the best decision you’ve made today.  Executing flawless moves as a ballroom dancer requires many elements to come together: strenuous practice, the perfect partner, and an energy-filled audience are among the things that help dancers tick. What about dance shoes?  The shoes on your feet affect performance more than you may realize.  While choosing ballroom footwear can feel overwhelming, stepping onto the dance floor and wearing the right shoes ensures an amazing performance.

Ball room shoes give you an advantage on the dance floor. Created with special features designed to help grip the floor, protect your feet and ankles from injuries, and execute every move impeccably, choosing dance footwear appropriate for your needs can feel overwhelming.

Ease some of those headaches with this guide. The information below ensures you know the styles, what to look for, what to avoid, and other details so you step into the right ballroom shoes.

 

Types of Dance Shoes

Ballroom shoe designs accommodate every dance style.

If you dance the Tango, Waltz, Foxtrot, or similar styles, purchase Smooth/Standard dance shoes. Featuring short, flared heels, closed toes, and suede soles for maximum floor grip, this shoe style provides the stability and support needed to fluidly sweep across the dance floor.

Latin-style dancers shaking their hips to mambo, Swing, Cha-Cha and similar styles need Latin/Rhtym dance shoes.  Offering single or double-strap closures over the top of the foot, the shoes give added stability and support. They have a Cuban-style heel, easing spins and turns, and a suede or leather sole for extra grip on the dance floor. This shoe style can keep up with the upbeat tempo and hip-shaking known in the dance world.

 

Heel Height and Shape

Heel height and shape impact aesthetic appeal and performance. Follower dance shoes feature satin or soft materials on the inside. They come in a variety of heel heights and shape options.

The stiletto heel and flare heel are two popular styles.

Experienced dancers wear stilettos mainly for aesthetic appeal. The style elongates the legs and looks great in all shapes and sizes. The flared heel provides more stability than a stiletto, although it lacks the same appeal.

Ask your instructor for heel height and shape recommendations. Instructors can recommend shoes based on your dance style and skill level and reduce mistakes when shopping.

Shoes for leaders typically feature a half-inch heel. This heel size allows dancers to form proper techniques to execute their dance moves. Latin/Rythm Leaders shoes are the exception. The heel on this shoe is 1.5”.  Leader’s shoes can be constructed using leather or synthetic materials.

 

Size Matters

People who say “size doesn’t matter” are liars! Don’t listen to what they say. Wearing shoes that are too small, too big, or fit too loosely, can lead to injuries, pain, and a less-than-stellar performance.

Never assume you wear the same size dance shoes as everyday shoes or regular high heels.

Few people wear the same size.

A few additional tips that can help you select the right shoe size:

  • Heel Fit: Dance shoes should fit snugly against the heel without excess movement.
  • Toe Space: Does the shoe give enough wiggle room? Moving toes during performances is essential. Always find shoes offering comfortable toe space.
  • Width: Dance shoes come in assorted widths designed to fit slim, wide, or average-width feet, there is footwear to match your foot.
  • Arch Support: Arch support should be one of the first features you look for in dance shoes. Shoes offering an arch similar to your natural arch provide maximum comfort and support.
  • Brand: Your ballroom shoe size may differ from one brand to the next. When in doubt, choose customized options instead.

 

How to Maintain Dance Shoes

Ballroom shoes average a lifetime of about six months to one year. The amount of time spent on the dance floor and how well shoes are maintained impact the length you’ll get from them. Use the following tips to maximize the lifetime of your dance shoes:

  • Avoid placing dance shoes in hot, humid spaces.
  • Keep shoes out of direct sunlight.
  • Keep your shoes clean.
  • Do not allow your shoes to get wet. Avoid placing them in moist or damp areas. If your shoes become wet, allow them to air dry.
  • Like any footwear, dance shoes get dirty. Luckily, that’s nothing that can’t be fixed with a soft cloth. Clean shoes give you more confidence, but most importantly, give shoes added longevity. Is.
  • If you own only one pair of dance shoes, it is time to replenish your closet. Wear different dance shoes for practices and performances. Rotating between shoes minimizes wear and tear on each pair.
  • Keep your toenails trimmed! Long nails can tear, scratch, or otherwise harm dance shoes.

 

FAQ\

  1. Should I Break in My Ballroom Dance Shoes Before a Performance? Breaking into dance shoes before practice or performances is critical to success. Wear them around the house for short periods while performing flexibility exercises to break them in.
  2. Can I Wear Regular High Heels Instead of Dance Shoes? You can do anything you set your mind to, although wearing regular high heels for ballroom dancing is frowned upon and not recommended.  Ballroom shoes are designed for added support during extended use. They include enhanced features for stability and grip on the dance floor.  Traditional heels do not provide the same features as dance shoes. Dancers need the features to help them glide and move across the dance floor. Traditional heels also pose safety risks and can negatively impact your performance.
  3. Will My Feet Hurt After Wearing Ballroom Dance Shoes? Oh, my aching feet! Dancers spend a lot of time on their feet. Some foot pain or discomfort is normal, but when it affects your movements, it’s time to act. Shoes are not always the culprit of foot pain but often contribute,  Help minimizes foot pain by soaking your feet in water filled with Epsom salt.
  4. When is The Best Time to Shop For Dance Shoes? Did you know our feet are smaller in the morning than later in the day? We experience natural foot swelling throughout the day which can affect our shoe size. Experts recommend shopping for dance shoes in the late afternoon.
  5. Should I Shop Online For Ballroom Shoes? Already know your preferred brand, size, and budget? Shopping online is a great way to find great ballroom footwear. Shopping online for ballroom shoes is exciting, opens you to a huge selection, and eases shopping woes, with shipping to your front door.

 

Final Thoughts

It’s time to put your best foot forward wearing ballroom shoes tailored to your needs. Use the information in this guide as you shop for shoes if you want to ease headaches and find footwear that helps you move to the beat.