Guide To Buying Dance Shoes

Do I Need Dance Shoes?

In a word – yes. Although beginners can get by for their first few classes wearing sneakers or leather-soled shoes, suede-soled shoe dance shoes are essential to dance comfortably and correctly. Ballroom dance shoes have a flexible suede soles that makes it easier to turn and control your movements. You’re also less likely to injure your partner when wearing proper dance shoes.

Dance shoes are an investment that will last many years, and they’re the only equipment you need to enjoy this fun hobby. While golfers need not only shoes, but pricy clubs, golf carts, and club memberships - dancers need just shoes and a dance floor.

What Do Dance Shoes Cost?

You can expect to pay around $100 for a good-quality beginner dance shoe. For those wanting to spend less on their first pair of dance shoes, you can find cheaper styles online for around $40. Prices are $150-$250 for high-quality, embellished designs. Remember, you only need one pair and they will last for many years.

Caring For Your Dance Shoes

Wearing your dance shoes outside of the ballroom will damage the suede sole; therefore, wear your regular shoes to class and bring your dance shoes to change in the studio. Most dancers use a shoe bag, and these are often included with your shoe purchase. Use a wire shoe brush to clean & maintain the soles.

Which Type Of Shoe Should I Buy?

Most students start with a basic, all-purpose social dance shoe.  This could be a strappy high-heeled Latin shoe, black leather oxford, closed toe pump, comfortable practice shoe, or dance sneaker. It’s really a matter of preference. High heels are NOT required and there are many options with low or flat heels. If you decide to perform or compete, you'll want to have the proper shoes for each style of dance, but in the beginning, any suede-soled shoe that you like will work well.

Download our PDF Guide to Buying Dance Shoes

Download our Video Guide to Buying Dance Shoes

Here are the basic types of dance shoes:

Shoes For Woman

• Smooth Shoes – These shoes are used to dance Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, and Viennese Waltz. Smooth shoes are flesh-toned, closed toe shoes with a 2, 2.5, or 3 inch heel. (2.5 inch is the standard heel height).
• Latin Shoes – These shoes are used to dance Rumba, Cha Cha, East Coast Swing, Salsa, and More. Latin heels are strappy, flesh-toned, open toe shoes with a 2, 2.5, or 3 inch heel. (2.5 inch is the standard heel height).
• Practice Shoes – These are comfortable shoes used for practicing, teaching, or for those who prefer a steadier shoe. These shoes are often black, lace-up designs. Most practice shoes are flat, but you may purchase a pair with a low (2 inch) heel if you wish.
• Dance Sneaker – This is a more casual, cushioned, and supportive version of a practice shoe. Dance sneakers are handy when you’ll be practicing for many hours and comfort is key.  Be careful when selecting a dance sneaker as they often have rubber soles which are not ideal for ballroom dancing.  Choose a dance sneaker with a suede sole.
• Argentine Tango Shoes – This is where is gets fun ladies. Tango is ALL about the heels, and the higher the better. In Tango, the standard heel height is 3 inches and up (lower heels are available as well). Argentine Tango shoes are colorful, often flashy and many woman own a variety of pairs. Tango shoes may have either suede soles or leather soles.
  
  

Shoes For Men

• Smooth Shoes – These shoes are used to dance Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, and Viennese Waltz. Men’s smooth shoes are a patent leather lace-up oxford.
• Latin Shoes – Rumba, Cha Cha, East Coast Swing, Salsa, and More. Men’s Latin shoes are a black leather lace up oxford. Men’s Latin shoes feature a low (1.5 inch heel).
• Practice Shoes – Men’s practice shoes are black, often perforated leather (for ventilation during long hours of wear).
• Dance Sneaker – This is a more casual, cushioned, and supportive version of a practice shoe.  Dance sneakers are handy when you’ll be practicing for many hours and comfort is key.  Be careful when selecting a dance sneaker as they often have rubber soles which are not ideal for ballroom dancing.  Choose a dance sneaker with a suede sole.
• Argentine Tango Shoes – Men’s Argentine Tango shoes may be suede or leather soled, and like woman’s, Men’s Tango shoes are often colorful and flashly. The classic style is black and white patent leather.
  
  

A Note On Sizing

Your dance shoes should fit like a glove. So they'll feel a bit snugger than your regular street shoes. Dance shoes shouldn't pinch or feel tight, but you don’t want extra room for the foot to move around. Keep in mind that leather dance shoes will stretch and become slightly looser as you wear them.

Also note that many dance shoes are manufactured in Europe; therefore check the size chart and convert to your American size if needed.

Preferred Vendors

BallroomShoes.com
BallroomShoes.com is your go-to destination for premium Ballroom Dance Shoes and Accessories. Shop a wide selection of styles crafted for comfort and performance!

Dance America
Dance America is the nation's leading supplier of Ballroom Dance Shoes and Attire. Shop stylish dance wear made in the USA!
Get 10% off all purchases with Dance America Promo Code:  Revolution2025

SwayD Shoes
Colorful booties and classic shoes for West Coast Swing, Shag, and social dancing.
Save $10 off your first order with promo code:  RevolutionBallroom

Yami Dance Shoes
Stylish Latin dance shoes with an emphasis on comfort! Explore their full line of shoes for Salsa, Bachata, and Latin Dancing.
Get 10% off your purchase with Promo Code: REVOLUTION10

Showtime Dance Shoes
Showtime Dance Shoes is based in Atlanta, Georgia and is the largest distributer or dance shoes in the US. Their customer service staff is very knowledgeable and can recommend a great shoe for your needs. They have a large variety of shoes in stock and can special order various widths, colors, and sizes if not in stock. Shipping is quick; most shoes arrive to Beaufort, SC within 2 days.

Dance Shopper
Dance Shopper offers an extensive range of products for the student or professional dancer.  You’ll find the best brands at the best prices!

Preferred Local Vendors

For dancers in the lowcountry, we recommend visiting our in-studio Dance Boutique in Beaufort, South Carolina. We stock a variety of styles of ballroom dance shoes for men and women and can special order sizes and additional styles.

Our friendly, knowledgeable staff can help you select the perfect shoe for you. And we can help with sizing and ensure your dance shoe fits correctly so you can dance with joy. Whether you're looking for a flashy latin heel or a comfortable flat, we'll make sure you find a pair you love!

Dance Boutique Location:
Revolution Ballroom
2121 Boundary St
Suite 207
Beaufort, SC 29902

See Dance Shoes in stock at our Studio Dance Boutique

Argentine Tango Shoes

Lisadore
This shop offers a very large selection of Comme Il Fauts and also an Italian line called Paso de Fuego.  Their support sections has a very helpful section on converting your American shoe size to European and which models of shoes work best for foot concerns such as wide feet.

Felina Shoes
This shop is run by the wife of Jorge Torres of “Forever Tango” fame.  She offers a large selection of Comme Il Faut and NeoTango.

Maleva
One of the first distributor of Comme Il Fauts, this is a small shop which features Comme Il Fauts and a personal line of Tango shoes as well.  The Maleva brand shoes are designed to be fresh, stylish and affordable.

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