What you need to know before buying your first pair of Dancing Shoes

Dancing shoes are a great investment that can really enhance your Ballroom and Latin dancing so we’ve put together a step-by-step guide (pardon the pun) to buying the right pair of Dancing shoes for you.

What makes Dancing Shoes different:

They have many cool features like suede soles that prevent you from slipping or sticking to the floor. The soles are also thinner and more flexible than normal shoes, and the heels usually have a steel shank for added stability. 

A good pair of shoes can make all the difference to your enjoyment of dancing.

If the Shoe Fits

The shoes need to be snug but not tight—too loose and it will be difficult to dance, too tight and you will get blisters every time you take to the floor. A good shop assistant should be able to help you, and they should be able to order the right size for you even if it’s not in stock. You can also slightly modify the fit of a shoe using in-soles, which is useful if you have narrow feet or high arches.

Oh so Stylish

There are three basic styles of shoes: ballroom (or standard), latin, and practice (usually used by dance teachers and professionals). 

For your first pair of shoes, it is recommended that men buy the ballroom style and women the latin style of dancing shoes.

This is because men’s ballroom shoes have a flatter heel than the latin shoes. The Cuban heel is good for latin dances but makes ballroom dances more difficult. There are a few variations, but they are typically black lace-up Oxfords. 

For women, the latin shoes are suitable for ballroom or latin dances, while the ballroom shoes are only suitable for ballroom and are therefore not really useful for beginners.

Women’s latin shoes are open at the sides, with a dizzying array of styles. The heels are higher and further back than court shoes, which brings your weight 

 

forward onto your toes (a good thing, especially for latin dances!). Heel height (2”, 2.5” or 3”), toe shape, and number of ankle straps are the choices with the most impact on personal comfort. 2” heels are recommended for taller women who don’t like heels, 2.5” flared heels are good for most beginners. 3” and slim heels are not recommended for beginners. 

 

Straps that come over the top of the foot (and not just around the ankle) will give you extra stability. Closed toes, rather than the open “sandal” style, will save your toes from some battering, especially at first. It’s best to try on a few pairs before you decide which style feels most comfortable and looks best for you.

Decisions, Decisions…

When it comes to picking a suitable fabric for your shoes, men’s shoes are usually black leather, which can be matte or shiny (patent). Non-leather shoes do not wear as well as the real thing, but are less expensive.

Women’s shoes come in satin or leather. The type of material is a matter of preference, but be aware that leather will stretch a little with time. 

Treat ‘em mean, keep ‘em Clean

The golden rule is that you should never wear your dancing shoes outdoors. Keep your shoes in a bag and change into them once you’re on the dance floor. A net bag will help reduce odours and investing in a deodorising shoe spray can also help. 

Keep the soles clean of dust and wax build-up using a wire brush. Dance shops should stock these but a braai brush is also effective. Doing this will extend the life of your shoes. 

Once all the suede has worn off, your shoes will have to be resoled which can be done at most shoe repair places (don’t forget to ask if they offer student discount!). A softer brush is used to keep satin clean, while leather shoes (especially men’s) need to be treated to keep them from cracking.

The rubber heel tips on women’s shoes also occasionally need replacing before they expose the nail below. Alternatively you could buy heel protectors and replace those instead.

All about the Money

The cost of your shoes will vary depending on the style and make of shoe, but it usually falls within the price range of R200 - R1000. A good pair of entry level shoes should cost you about R400 and can last for several years if well looked-after.

Now go out and put your best dancing foot forward!

Dancing Shoes - Shopping Mission to Remac, Durbanville:
Thursday 5 April (before dancing)
Meet at Lower Campus (Tugwell parking lot) at 12pm

Facebook event: http://www.facebook.com/events/371066016257519/
or email uctballroom@gmail.com

 - written by Jennifer Marshall