For women embarking on the fascinating world of ballroom dancing, the right dance shoes are essential. Whether they're dedicated to the waltz, tango, Viennese waltz, or quickstep, comfort and style are always paramount. Especially for lively Latin American dances like samba, cha-cha-cha, rumba, pasodoble, jive, salsa, and bachata, ensuring stability, a secure grip, and excellent footwork are crucial.
Many people face a challenge when choosing dance shoes. When questions like "How do I choose the right dance shoes?" or "What should I consider when choosing dance shoes?" arise, it's crucial to consider the most important aspects of choosing dance shoes.
Shoe size and material
When purchasing dance shoes, it's important to make sure they fit your foot perfectly. Your toes shouldn't rub against the floor while you move, but there shouldn't be any uncomfortable play around the big toe area either. The right width is also important; dance shoes should fit snugly. Leather shoes tend to stretch slightly during wear. If you're just starting out, I recommend choosing satin shoes, as they stretch slightly less than leather shoes.
The sole
The soles of dance shoes are specially designed to move smoothly on the dance floor, which is why they are extremely thin and flexible. They are often made of suede or leather, which gives them natural flexibility. This flexibility is crucial because it allows dancers to actively move their feet, point their toes, and perform all the necessary movements. Dance shoes can even be bent in the middle without damage. This is made possible by a short supinator, a plate under the sole that runs from the heel to the middle of the foot. In contrast, the supinators in everyday shoes are often longer, which makes the sole more rigid. Therefore, you don't need to worry about dance shoes being particularly flexible and different from regular shoes.
Durability and lightness
Dance shoes are subject to a lot of wear and tear and therefore need to be durable enough to withstand hours of training and performances. At the same time, it's important that they're lightweight so they're barely noticeable on the foot and dancing doesn't cause any physical discomfort.
Heel type and heel height
For women who master Latin American dances, the right heels are crucial. Dance shoes for these dances are typically made with high heels. The heel should fit firmly, without wobbling or leaning in any direction. A poor fit can not only be uncomfortable but also increase the risk of foot injuries, whether during practice or a performance.
The choice of heel shape and height significantly influences the aesthetics and safety of dance movements. The heel height is determined individually based on age, dance experience, and dance style.
The flare heel is a popular choice for amateurs, recreational dancers, and beginners. Despite its height, it offers remarkable stability and is also appreciated by many professionals. The slim heel, on the other hand, is more suitable for professional dancers, as it presents a heightened balancing challenge, thus emphasizing the dancer's professionalism and expertise. Experienced recreational dancers, however, often prefer this heel shape as well. The training heel is particularly stable and suitable for both beginners and dancers who plan to dance for many hours at a time.
Discover the different Heel styles from SOUL and find your perfect companion for an elegant and confident appearance on the dance floor.
design
Closed or wide-woven fronts provide a solid base, while front bands allow for more freedom of movement. Models with rhinestones are suitable for both competitions and Latin American dances such as salsa, bachata, and kizomba, while classic models without rhinestones are ideal for training sessions.
Secure hold thanks to straps
The front design of women's Latin sandals typically features thin, intertwined straps, lending a sleek and flexible aesthetic. This design allows for more precise footwork while moving, which is crucial for dancers. Alternatively, knotted and buckled versions are also available, with some models featuring longer straps that tie around the foot or ankle.
It's important to note that dance shoe straps often tend to stretch over time, so it's advisable to choose shoes that have additional holes or adjustment options on the straps so you can adjust the fit as needed.
Heel protectors
Heel protectors are special plastic products, usually transparent, designed to protect the heels of your dance shoes from premature wear. These small details are easily placed on the heel of your dance shoes and not only increase the stability of your dance shoes on the dance floor but also protect the floor itself from unwanted scratches. By reducing the stress on the heels, heel protectors help extend the lifespan of your dance shoes. They are therefore an essential accessory for dancers who want to optimally care for their dance shoes. Discover our selection of heel protectors here.