| If you are at the stage of choosing an appropriate | | | | wider to provide the most support without cutting |
| dance shoe, it means you have finally discovered the | | | | into the skin. |
| joy of ballroom dancing. However, like any sport or | | | | Additionally, depending on the supplier, Latin shoes |
| physical pastime, the gear chosen can seriously | | | | may also be available with open backs. Open toes |
| affect one's performance, enjoyment and | | | | and heels, of course, provide more air flow to the |
| appearance. Well chosen shoes will ensure better | | | | foot, keeping one's feet cooler. On the other hand, |
| enjoyment of your dancing and permit you to do so | | | | dancers who are seeking the highest degree of |
| for longer periods of time. | | | | support and protection should aim to select shoes |
| Construction: | | | | with a closed back and/or closed toe style of shoe. |
| Dance shoes are generally more lightweight and | | | | Men's Latin shoes typically carry a higher heel of up |
| flexible with suede soles to ensure the right | | | | to 1.5 inches to help enhance movement of the hips |
| combination of "grip and slide" with the floor. They | | | | in the Latin rhythms. |
| also typically have more padding in the insole to | | | | Standard: Standard shoes for ladies typically consist |
| absorb the impact of dancing and generally have | | | | of a closed toe and a lower heel allowing for ease of |
| more toe room for added comfort. | | | | movement across the floor versus Latin hip motion. |
| Although many street shoes may be comfortable or | | | | As mentioned above, they also provide added |
| stylish, they can easily lead to injury. Rubber soles | | | | support and protection to the foot and toes. Men will |
| often cause knee injuries from too much grip while | | | | choose from a variety of shoes which typically sport |
| leather soles are often far too slippery. When | | | | a 1" inch heel. |
| choosing the right ballroom shoe, several factors | | | | Which one is right for you? |
| must be taken into consideration. | | | | When new to the world of dance, ladies may want |
| Comfort and support should be first and foremost in | | | | to choose an all purpose shoe that will work for a |
| choosing a style. Dancing directs an incredible amount | | | | variety of dances such as a 2 - 2.5 inch shoe with |
| of pressure into the feet and as such, choosing a | | | | good support. Black is often chosen for it's suitability |
| comfortable shoe is paramount in making dancing a | | | | to match a variety of ensembles. However, as one |
| positive experience. When first trying on a dance | | | | becomes more proficient, choosing different shoes |
| shoe, keep in mind that any noticeable pressure, | | | | for different occasions and styles is often ideal. |
| friction or general discomfort will only become | | | | Additionally, flesh-colored shoes are often chosen for |
| magnified after even just a few minutes of dancing. | | | | their ability to lengthen leg lines. |
| Select a shoe that fits snugly without excessive | | | | Maintenance and Repair |
| pressure. | | | | Expect to spend approximately $100 for a quality pair |
| Styles | | | | of shoes and keep in mind that dance shoes are in |
| One can typically choose from two basic styles: Latin | | | | fact, not designed for extended wear. As such, they |
| or Standard (aka Rhythm or Smooth). | | | | should be replaced regularly to ensure the best |
| Latin: Latin shoes for ladies usually have higher, | | | | performance. |
| slimmer heels and typically sport an opening to show | | | | To extend the life of your dance shoes, never wear |
| off the toes. Flared heels are often favored by | | | | them outdoors or permit the soles to become wet. |
| dancers as they provide added stability. Also, many | | | | Consider brushing the suede soles with a specially |
| manufacturers offer a variety of strappy styles. One | | | | made wire brush to maximize the correct amount of |
| should generally aim to choose straps that are | | | | traction with the floor. |
| backed with non - stretchy material and 8mm or | | | | |