What is the difference between dance shoes and street shoes?

There are a lot of differences between dance shoes and street shoes. The shoes worn in ballrooms are different from the shoes you are used to wearing. Dance shoes are lightweight and better constructed to take the pounding and spins that a dancer gives to them. The most important difference is in the sole. Most street shoes have rubber or sometimes leather soles. The leather sole is too slick and will not provide you with the kind of traction you need on dance floors. In addition, it can be dangerous performing spins or turns with leather soles since you run the risk of slipping. Ballroom dance shoes have a very thin sole that makes it easier for the dancers to feel the floor. The thinness allows the dancer to have a more direct contact, and therefore, better feel of the floor. The suede allows the dancers to both slide freely and yet retain some grip on wooden dance floors. By wearing shoes of suede sole, you can feel the floor and understand your balance in a better and more comfortable way. In a ladies' shoe, there is a steel shank welded to a steel rod in the heel so that dance shoe heels can support much more weight and pressure than ordinary street shoes. Unlike street shoes that we have to carry all of our weight on our toes, this special design for dance shoes allows ladies to use their whole foot while dancing. The other main difference is in men's shoes. Unlike regular dress shoes, ballroom shoes tend to be more flexible, allowing the foot to bend more easily. A street shoe does not have the same flexibility and is usually made to bend according to the movement of your foot when walking. The dance shoes will allow you the flexibility you need in order to withstand hours of dancing at a time without discomfort.

Why do I need dance shoes?

Dance shoes are very helpful for control and obtaining better performance. One can go for a while using regular street shoes, but once a dancer wants to reach a certain level of performance; proper dance shoes make a world of difference. Dance shoes are made to be lightweight, flexible, yet supporting enough for balance and control of movement. Dance shoe is also an extension of your body, which can help create a better bodyline and technical appearance. In addition, dance shoes will give you better posture, placing your center more over the balls of your feet, rather than back. Other features found in dance shoes include specially designed straps for added support and style, a soft and seamless leather lining, and suede sole.

How can I choose my dance shoes?

BALLROOM DANCE SHOES: Men For men, the big difference is in the heel. Standard shoes have a low 1” heel, like a standard dress shoe. Latin shoes, however, have a heel height of 1.5”. Women Latin and rhythm shoes are often high in heel height and open-toed. The heel is usually tall and thin. The shoes come in various colors, and some styles are strappy and sexy. They generally look like sandals. There are also some dance shoes that come with lower, and with a wider heel area. Some women find the full-sized heel to be more stable and therefore more comfortable for general dancing, especially for Salsa and Swing dancing. But most women also find that ballroom shoes are so well made that even the pointy-heel models are stable and comfortable. In women's shoes, you face the choice of straps as well. Strap is another way to provide support. A strap that comes around or across the top of your foot is recommended for most dancers. SWING SHOES If you see people wearing what look like two-tone wing tips, either black-and-white or brown-and-white, they're wearing special shoes for Swing dancing. They are very popular among the hard-core Swing and Lindy Hop dancers, especially the dancers who like to wear the retro costumes, and are said to be very comfortable for a long night of Swing dancing because of their lightweight. DANCE SNEAKERS For classes and informal dance venues, you might try the Dance sneaker. It is a strange and comfortable sneaker built for dancers, with a rubber-compound split sole that includes a turning spot under the ball of your foot. It dances quite well, and dancers from all traditions tend to love it. It looks good and you can wear it on the street as well as the dance floor.

What heel should I choose?

 Our ladies shoes come in four different heel heights. The lowest heel we carry is 1.5”. 1.5” and 2” heels are thick Cuban heels. Since they have larger heel areas, they provide more support and better balance. Most women find the full-sized heel to be more stable and therefore more comfortable for general dancing, especially for Salsa and Swing dancing. But most women also find that ballroom shoes are so well made that even the pointy-heel models are stable and comfortable. 2.5” heel is a popular pointy heel choice. They look elegant and they are comfortable to dance with. 3” heel is the highest heel that we carry. It is not advised for beginners. Even you may wear street shoes of 3” heel, it is a different story when you have to dance with them for hours. But you certainly look hot when you dance with the 3” heel shoes.

Why do I need multiple pairs of shoes?

 If you are dancing for a long period of time, have at least 2 pairs of shoes and alternate. When you have been dancing for a while, change to a cooler, drier pair of shoes. It makes a difference in how tired your feet and legs can become. Also, each shoe will put pressure on a different part of your foot. This especially applies to ladies shoes, as there are various heel heights.

Can the dance shoes be used for street shoes?

Dancing shoes can also be used for street shoes. But it is not recommended. Wearing dancing shoes off of the dance floor can ruin them for dancing. So, if you want to wear dancing shoes off the dance floor, get two pairs. Then, use one for dancing and the other for street wear.

When should I buy dance shoes?

Shoes are not required for the dance floor. However, it is highly recommended that you get a pair and get them as soon as possible. The sooner your practice in the shoes, the sooner you'll be comfortable in them. Buying them the week before a competition probably won't give you enough practice time to get used to them. The shoes allow you to be a better dancer.

How should I maintain my shoes?

Suede soles are just about ideal on almost every dance floor. They are durable, but they need more care than regular soles. The suede will become wet or oily and lose the properties that make it superior. If you get a pair of shoes, you'll probably want a shoe brush. Along with your dance shoes, get a wire shoe brush. After each wearing, brush all the debris off the bottom of the shoes. You need to brush them hard enough to remove the dust and dirt, but try not to press much harder than that, or you'll wear down the suede. To test your shoes, set them on a table and check to see if they still stand in a balanced way on their own. Once the heel cup starts breaking down, the shoe is no longer giving you the support, as it should. Most serious dancers have several shoes in alternation. While most beginners are ready to have only one pair of shoes, intermediate dancers should have at least two pairs.