Ballroom Dance Shoes

If you have decided to begin ballroom dancing, you must consider your footwear. The shoes in ballroom are nearly as important as the outfit and the moves. The look of ballroom is important and nothing is more essential to that look than the shoes. It’s through the shoes that you find your perfect groove. It’s through the shoes that you can move in the proper ballroom way.

Dance Shoes For The Ballroom

But there are some basic things you should know before you begin your hunt for the perfect ballroom shoe. First up is style.

Women have several choices in ballroom shoes which are determined by the style of dance. Most women’s shoe are either open or closed-toe sandals or pumps, and the height of the usually flared (but sometimes thin) heel range from 1 to 3 inches. The heel type is usually determined by the dance – flared heels are best for the Latin dances because they give the dancer a bit more stability during the fast moves required during Latin dances. Slim heels are good for standard ballroom dances like the waltz and foxtrot because the slimmer heel is ideal for turns and spins.

If you are just starting out it’s best to invest in a pair of shoes that will work for most dances you need to do. Ideally, that will be a closed-toe (or open, if you prefer) pump with a 2-inch heel and an ankle strap. Make sure the heel is the flared style, so you can get the grounding you need on the turns and spins. This type of shoe is often called a modern dance shoe.

For the starting dancer, black is usually the best color choice, though some women opt for a flesh-colored shoe, which look better for competitions as they extend the line of the leg.

Men’s ballroom shoes are usually Oxfords that lace up and have a flat heel for traditional ballroom dances (like that Waltz and Foxtrot), but men will usually wear a shoe with a 1 to 2 inch heel for the Latin dances.

Next, consider the construction of your ballroom dance shoes. You want shoes that have a thinner sole than normal shoes. Although you might think you want a shoe with a rubber-like sole to prevent you from slipping around, these shoes can actually stick to the floor and cause knee injuries. Leather soles, while nice, can slide too much and also lead to injuries. The shoe materials should be flexible and lightweight, so they are easy to move in.

Finally, make sure that your shoes fit well. Ballroom shoes shouldn’t give you the extra space in the shoe that you might require or desire in a sneaker or more casual shoe. Your ballroom dance shoes should be snug. They shouldn’t crush your toes, but they should fit snugly and provide little wiggle room.

Don’t assume that the first snug-fitting pair of ballroom dance shoes you try that fit will be the right shoes for you. Instead, try on several pairs in different styles before you make a purchase. The shoes should be snug, but comfortable.

Although there are many online sources from which to buy ballroom shoes, buy in person the first time you make a dance shoe purchase. You can get the expertise of the salesperson to help you and get a real feel for which shoes you like best, which fit you best and which size will work best. After you have made the first purchase, you can buy your shoes online.

Finally, take good care of your ballroom shoes. Don’t wear them out of doors, as the dirt and rough surfaces they encounter will ruin them. Carry your shoes in a bag with you to the dance studio and only put them on when you are inside the dance studio.

If your ballroom dance shoes need repair, call the shoe shop where you plan to take them firs to make sure that the shop has expertise in ballroom dance shoes.