It’s an exciting experience to get a pair of shoes but it’s a totally special one if you’re getting a pair of dance shoes for yourself, for the first time.
Each type of dance has its own specific shoe. But how do you choose from the thousands of brands, references, heel sizes, all those little things we don’t think about and yet make all the difference?
The main rule for any shoes, especially dance shoes, is that they should fit comfortably. Although your feet may be sore after an hour’s dancing (especially if you are new), you don’t have to be in pain when you try on your dance shoes. To help you make up your mind about the best Latin dance shoes for your needs and budget, here’s a list of criteria to take into account when choosing your Latin dance shoes.
Choosing shoes with heels
Latin dance is performed in heeled shoes. The same goes for salsa, tango, and bachata. However, you have several options for your Latin-heeled dance shoes. For example, if you’re a beginner dancer, you should opt for low heels (between 5 and 7.5 cm). This allows you to work on your balance and posture. You’ll also feel much more comfortable and confident with this option.
Over time, however, once you’ve mastered the various moves of this dance form, you can move up to higher heels. On the other hand, if you’re an experienced dancer, you may want to switch to stilettos. In general, however, your heels for Latin dancing should meet three essential criteria.
- When you try them on, the heel of your footrests naturally in the middle of the shoe’s heel.
- The curves of your feet and those of the shoe fit together naturally.
- The shoe provides perfect support for your toes and ankles.
- You’ll need a low heel for Latin dancing if you’re a dancer. For both men and women, shoes should have flexible soles.
Take your shoe size into account.
Your Latin dance shoes must fit your feet perfectly. There should be no gap between the foot and the shoe to support your ankle properly. You should refer to your usual shoe size to make the right choice. For example, if you wear a size 39, you should order a size 39 Latin dance shoes. On the other hand, if you wear a half-size, you can fall back on the size below. If you usually wear a size 37.5, you can buy a size 37 dance shoe.
On the other hand, bear in mind that size conversion charts are not always identical. For this reason, rely on the shoe brand’s conversion chart. That way, you can be sure you’re making the right choice.
Consider the anatomy of your foot.
Not all shoes are created equal simply because not all feet are identical. By this logic, not all shoes are suitable for all foot shapes. That’s why you need to consider your foot anatomy when choosing your dance shoes. For example, if your feet are wider at the front, you should always avoid Latin dance shoes with a small opening at the front. Instead, opt for models with a wide front opening. Adjustable-top shoes are also an excellent choice for this type of foot anatomy.
On the other hand, for thin feet, there’s nothing better than shoes with a small front opening. Completely closed models are also an excellent choice for this anatomy. This way, your feet will be perfectly supported during the dance. Latin dance shoes with laces or straps are also a good choice for those with very thin feet.
Finally, you can wear all shoe shapes if you have standard feet. In fact, the anatomy of your feet can adapt to any Latin dance shoe. Try them on for size and choose the model that’s most comfortable for you.
Consider style and color.
Shoes are also indispensable as dance accessories, and they are also fashion accessories. As such, you can only choose them by considering style and color. You need to ensure that the model you select matches your clothes.
However, you must choose an all-purpose style and color when it’s your first Latin dance shoe. This will enable you to match it to various outfits easily. Black or beige are the best colors for this purpose. And if this isn’t your first shoe, let your imagination run wild. You can go for any color you like. The same goes for styles. Finally, remember to try them before dancing. You can purchase your shoes from online stores specializing in dance shoes, such as ballroomshoes.com, or visit a physical store to try on shoes. Whichever option you choose, try them on before your first day of class, before your recital, and before a competition. Shoes of any kind need to be broken into so that they perform well on the day you need them to and will not hurt your feet.
Here are a few things to remember when choosing your first pair of shoes:
- Ask your salsa teacher for advice
- Turn to a dance supply store, whether online or offline
- Ask friends who already have 45 pairs.
- When choosing your first pair of shoes, comfort is one of the most important criteria.
The criteria for your first pair of shoes are:
- Comfort: try them on before you buy! They should feel like soft slippers on your feet.
- Support: Shoes must support the foot properly. You need to be able to close them or even tighten them a little. A well-supported dancing shoe can make a difference between injury and foot health.
- Size: neither too big nor too small. Ideally, your toes shouldn’t stick out, and you shouldn’t have too much room in front.
- A heel that’s neither too high nor too low: the most important thing is your comfort at the fitting. If you rarely wear heels, start with a low heel.
- A color that suits you!
- Model: once again, you need to feel comfortable.
