No matter if you are a professional, a new dancer or a dancing lover, you need to wear a good pair to match the dance surface. If you are going to try the ballroom dancing exercises, you could look for the best ballroom dance shoes. The shoes can become an essential companion to improve your performance.
- 1 What are The Best Ballroom Dance Shoes for Men & Women?
- 2 Best ballroom dance shoes for wide feet
- 3 Best ballroom dance shoes for beginners
- 4 Ballroom Dance Shoes Buying Guide: How to Choose a Good Shoe for Dancer?
- 5 Why ballroom dance shoes are worth the investment
- 6 Difference between Latin Ballroom and Standard Ballroom Dance Shoes
- 7 Where to buy dance shoes
- 8 Is There a Difference Between Cheap and Expensive Dance Shoes?
- 9 Should I wear dance shoes on the streets every day?
- 10 Why do ballroom dance shoes have suede soles?
- 11 Could I take tight dance shoes?
- 12 How should I keep the suede soles in a good condition?
- 13 Should I buy or rent a pair of dancing shoes?
- 14 Why do ballroom dancers dress leather-soled shoes?
- 15 What is special about ballroom dance shoes?
So whether you’re a beginner or an experienced dancer, read on for tips on how to find the perfect pair of shoes for your next dance competition or social outing!
Best ballroom dance shoes for beginners
What are The Best Ballroom Dance Shoes for Men & Women?
Whether you attend a party with dancing or practicing exercises in a class, you need to ensure that you take the appropriate shoes. The ballroom dance shoes, for example, are created to have the right traction to balance your movement.
Comfort is another key point in choosing suitable footwear. This list of the best ballroom dance shoes on the market may bring you an exact option.
Thickened straps, enough quantity of holes for the buckle. Style meets sophistication with this pair of cross-strap dance shoes for women.
Crafted from lightweight materials. High elastic latex midsole, sweat absorption suede insole, soft, breathable lining, extremely soft to the touch.
Simple and generous style design with high-quality satin and mesh upper. Very durable, comfortable dancing shoes allow you to glide across the floor easily and gracefully
2.TTdancewear Women Rhinestone Ballroom Dance Shoes
TTdancewear produces quality dance shoes for both beginner and seasoned professionals. The Rhinestone Ballroom Dance Shoes is no exception.
Put the dance shoe on and off without stress – thanks to its easy-release buckles.
Available in a variety of colors, Feel free to make your choice from arrays of shiny colors. Rhinestone comes with a suede sole that keeps your foot stable for the right traction and the right moves while showing off your dancing skill. You won’t lose your balance as you dance.
If style, comfort, and a reasonable price are your priorities, this ballroom dancing shoe might tick your boxes. You can get them in multiple colors and styles.
Overall, the Rhinestone Ballroom Dance Shoes has a long ankle strap and wide toe base, making it a perfect fit for women with wide feet.
Pros
- Available in different beautiful colors
- Impressive quality at a steal
- Made with supportive heels to the ankle
- Easy to remove buckle is a perfect fit
- Insole padding offers impeccable comfort
Cons
- Not utterly comfortable after an extended use
- Some users complain of detached heels after short-term use
3.OCHENTA Women’s Sequined Leather Dance Shoes
If you love salsa, you’ll love this shoe. OCHENTA Women’s Sequined Leather offers the best of both protection and aesthetics. The shoe comes with a pointed toe and fabulous heels that pair up to turn heads at parties or dancing sessions.
It features two outsole types: the suede and the rubber outsole. Practice your dancing skills indoors with the suede outsole, while the rubber outsole lets you show off your dancing style at parties.
The soft suede offers the flexibility to slide and drift on any dance surface without fearing to fall.
An adjustable buckle keeps the shoe comfortably tightened to the feet.
I also highly recommend this ballroom dance shoe for beginners who love varieties. Besides its availability in several colors, the shoe comes in two outsole types for a great dancing experience.
The heel has received lots of applause from beginners and experts as it prides itself on comfortability.
Overall, this shoe is suited for all occasions and you can get the pair at a price that is considered fair on the pocket.
Pros
- Two outsole types create a flexible experience
- Lightweight and comfortable to use
- It supports the foot and the arch
- Available in five glowing colors
Cons
- Too lengthy straps
4.Gogodance Men’s Ballroom Dance Shoes
Pros
- Accurate length
- Modish style
- Flexible and lightweight frame
- Can be worn in a party with a dancing performance
Cons
- Quite wide for narrow feet
- No breathable holes
Gogodance has an elegant look with premium material (authentic leather) and sleek color. This workmanship gives you splendid enjoyment in every step. If you are passionate about Tango and Salsa, you should not wait for the next season to take the shoes on and attend a dance class or simply perform with your eagerness in an evening party.
Exquisite design philosophy in this footwear focuses attention on your foot length and makes sure that you get a graceful fit in style. The anti-slip feature and lightweight outsoles possibly bring you more confidence on the dance floor.
Pros
- Many colors options to choose
- Good value for the money
- Safe fit with fast-release buckles
- Super comfortable with padding in insoles
- Ease of using
Cons
- Not comfortable to wear in long hours
- Heel detached in a short period
TTdancewear Rhinestones is the high-quality ballroom footwear for both beginners and professionals to perform on the floor with enthusiasm. The shoes are easy to put on or off due to quick-release buckles.
Made by suede (in the soles) and satin (in the uppers), you probably keep your feet on the right traction or gliding around on the dance floor without losing your balance. When you cannot control your moving, you will get in an accident.
Comes in many colors, you might select the best ballroom dance shoes to meet your dance staging.
6.Bloch Dance Men’s Xavier Ballroom Shoe
Pros
- Low shank for arch support
- Cushioned insole for shock absorption
- Comfortable on the feet
- Great quality at a competitive price
Cons
- Improper wheel alignment
- Irregular Shoe shape
- Not available in regular shoe size
This ballroom shoe from Bloch is the perfect fit for men who’d love to take over the dance floor with elegance.
Experience that native Latin look with the oxford design of this ballroom shoe that every dancer will love.
Bloch Dance Men’s Xavier Ballroom Shoe is a close match for tuxedo shoes designed for ballroom dance.
Feel free to perform your demi-pointed dance style with ease and flexibility – thanks to its availability in low and wide heels.
Its cushioned insole provides the comfort that your feet will adore while protecting your metatarsals as you switch dance styles.
Honestly, I recommend this 100% full-grain leather and suede sole shoe for beginners. It’s easy on the leg. Stylish on the dance floor. On top of that, it is affordable.
Made by a reputable shoe company, you can’t go wrong with this choice.
7.NLeahershoe Breathable Lace-up Dancing Leather Latin Shoes
NLeahershoe Design philosophy conform to human engineering prospects and it accentuates your leg length, ensure you are graceful and stylish with it.
NLeahershoe Anti-slip and lightweight outsole comfortably fit your feet, you will feel more confident in it, move smoothly and freely on the dance floor.
NLeahershoe Premium leather for vamp, smooth and skin friendly, various air holes provide great breathability. Exquisite workmanship to bring you comfortable enjoyment.
8.Faranzi Tuxedo Shoes Patent Leather
Pros
- Long-lasting shoes
- Solid construction
- Aesthetic beauty
- Not expensive
Cons
- A little big for narrow feet
Tuxedo shoes are common footwear for the British military and they are compatible with dancers. Faranzi Tuxedo Shoes Patent Leather is a good pair of shoes for the Oxford style.
Created for black tie circumstances, the dark blue is not suitable for business suits but also for dancing parties. Straight lines, smooth leather in the uppers, and polished body make the overall appearance truly elegant.
Polished design and grosgrain detailing make the shoes well-made in every point, from the look to the outsoles.
Best ballroom dance shoes for wide feet
9.Very Fine Ladies Women Ballroom Dance Shoes
PROS:
- Beautiful, elegant, and comfortable;
- Well-made, comfortable, and very light shoe;
- The fit is true to size;
- The price is affordable.
CONS:
- The color shown is not exactly the same as the actual shoe color. The color of the shoe is a bit darker than in the picture.
These are the best ballroom dance shoes for wide feet. The Very Fine Ladies Women Ballroom Dance Shoes are perfect for any woman looking for a new pair of dance shoes. These shoes are of excellent quality and durable enough to withstand long and strenuous dancing sessions.
They are made of high-quality materials and are designed for comfort, cushioning, and a perfect fit. The shoes are padded and ensure that the user feels comfortable and their feet do not hurt. They come in elegant colors and the quick-release buckle makes them easy to put on and take off. They are perfect for use at a wedding or other formal event. The shoes also come with a complimentary storage bag.
The lady’s ballroom dance shoes’ wide width has received great reviews from both users and experts. Customers who have purchased the shoes have found that they are perfect to dance in and comfortable to wear.
10.HIPPOSEUS Women’s Latin Dance Shoes
PROS:
- Affordable;
- Comfortable;
- Quality craftsmanship;
- Meets the needs of a beginning dancer.
CONS:
- Not for very advanced dancers.
Latino dance shoes are perfect for dancers, these shoes will give you the support you need while remaining comfortable and stylish. Shoes can be hard to find, but HIPPOSEUS has the perfect shoes for Latin dancers and those who want to learn. These shoes are made of quality materials, they are elegant and versatile for both professional Latin dancers and those just starting out. The shoes are durable, easy to put on and take off, and have a comfortable clasp and cross straps. The shoes fit snugly, so it’s important to measure your foot length and order the appropriate size. They are available in a variety of colors.
PROS:
- The appearance of the shoe is very fine;
- The shoe is a comfortable fit for all types of feet;
- The shoe does not require any break-in time;
- The shoe is easy to clean.
CONS:
- The shoe is not for all types of feet.
The Very Fine Dance Shoes 2707 are made of fine satin with a soft suede bottom, designed for smooth steps and turns. They are ideal for Latin and rhythm dances including cha-cha-cha, rumba, samba, pasodoble, jive, swing, bolero, mambo, salsa, bachata, merengue, and Argentine tango. Shoes for Latin American dance – a must for any dancer. Very Fine Dance Shoes 2707 are available in different colors.
Presented by Very Fine Dance Sport Shoes, the #1 Google ranked company for women’s ballroom dance shoes wide width. It fits perfectly from the start and requires no stretching. It is also lightweight, elegant, and beautiful.
A lot of users have reviewed the Very Fine Dance Shoes 2707 and have said that they fit “perfectly from the get-go”, “look great, fit great”, “love the quick clasp too”, and that they would “absolutely recommend first-timers to get this shoe”.
12.JIAJIA 2055 Women’s Satin Sandals Flared
PROS:
- Great colors, but they are not as vibrant as they are in the picture on the website;
- The footbed is very soft, and the shoes are very comfortable;
- The foot is fully protected.
CONS:
- The sole is a thin piece of plastic, so it is easy to wear down.
The JIAJIA 2055 Flared Performance Women’s Satin Sandals are a beautiful and simple design that is perfect for Latin Salsa performances or other special occasions. They are durable and will last for years to come.
They offer padding and arch support, and you can choose the right size for your feet. Suede adorns the bottom of the shoe with a rubberized heel, and the straps are lined with soft material to prevent blisters. These size fits all shoes can be worn by any woman due to the simple design. They have a 2.7-inch heel. If your usual shoe size is wide, you can order a size up to fit properly.
Best ballroom dance shoes for beginners
13.iCKER GetMine Womens Latin Dance Shoes
These glittery ballroom shoes by GetMine are ideal for those who want to add a bit of sparkle to their dance class.
They’re made from a faux-leather material covered in high quality sequins. These shoes are durable, comfortable and fabulous! The sole is covered in a wool material, this isn’t as ideal as suede.
But these heels do have skid resistance, this makes them perfect ballroom shoes for beginners. They also come with resistance controlled insoles, which are durable.
GetMine Dance shoes have an ankle strap, but it’s quite thin and they’ve got a 2 inch heel. So these may be better for a lady more confident in heels.
They’re available in Black, Gold and Silver and they’re suitable for many dance styles such as Latin, Salsa, Tango, Rumba, Foxtrot, Quickstep and Cha Cha Cha.
14.LOVELY BEAUTY Lady’s Ballroom Fabric Dance Shoes
If you’ve got a long night of dancing ahead of you, these are amazing ballroom dancing shoes for beginners. They’ve got a small and wide heel, for hours of dancing.
These are great for more casual dance practices and come in four fun designs; Denim blue, Lipstick print, Tan and Black. The fact they’ve got a 1.4inch, non-slip heel and suede soles makes them perfect for ballroom dancing. The suede sole is thick (2.5mm) so its more durable than other suede soles.
In terms of support, these are excellent. They’ve got elasticated criss-cross straps so they sit snug to your feet like a sock.
These are the perfect shoes for Latin, Quickstep, Viennese Waltz, Salsa, Tango, Waltz, Foxtrot, Rumba, Cha Cha Cha, Swing, Samba and Jive!
Ballroom Dance Shoes Buying Guide: How to Choose a Good Shoe for Dancer?
To purchase the best ballroom dance shoes, you need to consider numerous points. This small task also helps you distinguish the ballroom dance pairs with other dance shoes.
Types of shoes for dancing
What types of shoes should I wear for the dance classes? This question does not come from beginners but also professionals as well. Dances have many categories and the shoes also have to meet the range of dance footwear. Here are a couple of pairs for dancing.
Ballroom shoes
The suede soles in these shoes might provide you an accurate balance of grip and twirl through the rubber and synthetics. These pairs are similar to lindy hops and the acrobatics of street dance. The best ballroom dance shoes are compatible with other dance exercises due to features.
Jazz shoes
The rubber soles or the suede patch possibly support you with traction and comfort in the foot. They may also have thick heels for shock-absorption. Jazz shoes have a wide variety of models and features such as lace-up Oxfords, slip-on, and split-sole jazz.
Ballet flats
These shoes are staples of the women’s slippers with thin flat heels, a closed-toe design, or a low-cut construction. Skimmers, flats, dolly shoes, ballerina flats, and ballerina-inspired shoes are ballet flats.
Dance sneakers
Dance sneakers have similar shapes to dance shoes, but the materials in sneakers are different. Hybrid and soft lining are pairs of sneakers. Some dance sneakers have a low-profile model and the sock-like fit to increase the support system in the soles.
Latin shoes
Dancers wear these shoes for performing in American Rhythm and International Latin. Strapped with an open-toe frame and light material (mostly it is the satin), Latin shoes possibly reach your feet. They do not have solid heels, so do not bring them to an advanced dance class with complicated movement.
Argentine Tango shoes
These shoes have leather, suedes, or hard plastic insoles to help the ball in your foot can turn around with ease. Moreover, the product allows you to keep the foot in the right place for protecting your knees as well. If your feet catch the floor, you will get an accident.
Unisex practice sneakers
The bottoms usually are suede or plastic for durability. The arch support is flexible, which enables you to feel comfy in the toe room. You can put these sneakers on daily practice, but do not bring them to a competition.
Flamenco shoes
Female dancers take these shoes on their Flamenco performances while male dancers prefer heeled boots. Leathers, synthetics, and suedes are the most popular materials in Flamenco shoes.
Tap dancing shoes
Oxfords are the most widespread shoes for tap dancing footwear and suitable for men. Mary Janes shoes are also a type of tap pair for female dancers. Leather (cow skin or goatskin) is mostly equipped to the body for elegance and endurance.
Shoe size
Shoe sizes are various from the type of lessons you are going to learn and the brand. You should check the size chart from the dance shoe manufacturers. Besides, the toe box and heel height are also rules of thumb to select the accurate shoe size.
Features
- Underfoot cushions: the cushioning system is equipped in the heel areas for comfort. Some ballroom dance shoes also feature cushions in the underfoot. This is a big advantage for those who got flat feet because they can control the rendition without hurting the foot.
- Upper materials: Materials in the uppers could be leather, satin, suede, microfiber, or lambskin.
- Laces: the role of laces is holding the construction for safety. Most of the best ballroom dance shoes for men have this feature.
- Straps: Latin shoes often have one strap or many ones. Some straps snare around the ankle area while others keep in the forefoot. Straps are also available on a pair of ballroom dance shoes. You need to check the sturdiness of the strap before attending an event or a dance class.
- Outsoles: the dance shoes usually have the plastic, the suede, the leather, or the rubber. To balance the traction, suede is the most appropriate material in the outsoles. And the best ballroom dance shoes tend to get the suede.
- Toe areas: the ballroom shoes could have a close-toe design or open-toe. No matter whether you select the former or the latter; check the toe box cautiously.
- Heel areas (height and width): in a regular pair of shoes, this feature is not a big matter. Nonetheless, heel areas are essential in dance footwear because they protect your feet. All dancing lessons require foot and heel movements. If you do not draw attention to the heel height and width, you could get an accident when performing.
Why ballroom dance shoes are worth the investment
Whether you’re learning Latin or Standard ballroom dance, dance shoes will be important, not only for your development as a dancer, but also for your safety.
- Dance shoes help protect your knees when spinning. Ballroom dance shoes usually have a suede sole. The benefit of this type of sole is that it allows for smooth spins, while gripping the floor. This is in contrast to most shoes, which have a rubber sole. The problem with rubber soles, is that it sticks to the ground, makes spinning difficult. It also causes strain on your knee, which is damaging in the long run.
- Ballroom dance shoes are made specifically for dancing. For example, they are cushioned in the specific parts of your foot, that will experience the most pressure from repeated dance moves. They also have the good support to prevent foot injuries. This is most important for ladies dance shoes with heels.
- They help enhance dance performance. In many ballroom dances, pointing and flexing the toe is important. Dance shoes are structured with flexible soles that help create the full effect. For example, in latin dance, where toe pointing is important, open toe shoes are recommended.
Difference between Latin Ballroom and Standard Ballroom Dance Shoes
There are two major styles of Ballroom dance – International Standard and Latin. International standard ballroom includes Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Viennese Waltz, and quickstep. Latin Ballroom consists of Cha Cha, Samba, Rumba, Paso Doble and Jive.
The footwork for Latin and Standard ballroom dances are quite different, which makes the types of shoes you’d use for either dance, very different. In Ballroom dance, the footwork transfers weight in both the heel and toe whereas Latin maintains weight primarily on the ball of your feet. For this reason, the heels for Latin dance shoes tend to be a bit higher. The footwork for Latin dances is much more demanding and accented. So the Latin dance shoes tend to be more elaborate.
Where to buy dance shoes
These days, the options of buying ballroom dance shoes are endless! The traditional way that people have found dance shoes for hundreds of years, was through good old fashioned brick and mortar stores. However, over the years more people, and companies have moved toward online shopping.
More and more dance stores have moved to online stores, so going to a dance shoe store is not always an option. But if you do have a reputable dance shoe store nearby, it’s always good to try on a few pairs in person to get to know the fit and see how they feel. Usually options are more limited in the store, but they should have more inventory online. It’s always good to check with the store clerk to see if there are more designs.
I would especially recommend buying in store if you’re vacationing in or happen to be in a country with low cost of living and with a strong dance cultures like Argentina or Colombia. The manufacturing costs are much lower in these countries, so the overall prices of the shoe will be much lower. For example, I purchased some beautiful high quality dance shoes in Colombia for a fraction of what it would have cost me in the United States, where I’m from. It’s also a great way to support local communities and businesses.
If you live in a smaller area and don’t have many dance stores around there are tons of options online. We’ve hand picked our favorite ballroom dance shoes – they’re all available online and can be shipped anywhere in the world. The benefit of buying online is there is a lot more variety and the options are more affordable. Most companies offer free returns, so you’ll be able to exchange for different sizes if the fit isn’t quite perfect.
Is There a Difference Between Cheap and Expensive Dance Shoes?
While it’s possible to find a pair of dance pumps that don’t break the bank, you should still consider that you’re going to get what you pay for. Dancing heels and men’s dancing loafers have many features distinguishing them from street pairs, which makes up the price difference between street and dancing footwear.
If you want to invest in a long-term pair, be prepared to pay for a more expensive shoe. If you are only looking for a pair that will get you through one performance, then you may be able to get away with spending less on your footwear.
The main difference between the low-end pairs and the high-end pairs is the quality. For those of professional stature, it’s worth buying an expensive pair, but if you will rarely wear them or if your dancing is not of high importance to you, a pair on the cheaper side will still do.
Should I wear dance shoes on the streets every day?
You cannot put the dance shoes on the foot as your regular fit because suedes on the bottom may lead to an incident on a rough surface. Jazz sneakers are an exception in this case but they are not suitable pairs in your ballroom dance classes.
Why do ballroom dance shoes have suede soles?
Suedes insoles allow your feet to balance between grip and spin. The plastic and the rubber may give you hurt in knees or ankles.
Could I take tight dance shoes?
If the shoes are wide, you can spray rubbing alcohol and heat with a hairdryer. Shoes will stretch to suit your foot once you take the pairs on.
How should I keep the suede soles in a good condition?
To keep the suede soles in a good condition, purchasing a wire shoe brush is the easiest way. The brush may remove embedded detritus and dirt.
Should I buy or rent a pair of dancing shoes?
Depending on the number of hours that you practice the dance, you can make a decision. If you are in a vacancy that demands you to attend many events in a year, then you should buy rather than renting.
Why do ballroom dancers dress leather-soled shoes?
Of course – yes. Maybe newcomers can wear for their beginning courses wearing leather-soled shoes; dancing shoes are necessary to practice dancing easily, pleasantly, and perfectly. Ballroom dance shoes have a suede sole that performs that relaxed to move, turn, and to feel the ground. Meanwhile, wearing proper dance shoes, you will dance smoothly with your companion.
What is special about ballroom dance shoes?
Professional ballroom dance shoes are much superior in terms of comfort. They usually have extra padding that cushions your feet while you dance. They are also designed to absorb the shock that your feet are subjected to while you dance. This can help protect your feet in a much better way.