A good pair of dance shoes can make or break your dancing.
If your shoes are too loose or too tight or don’t grip your foot in the right way, balancing, staying grounded, and transferring weight will be a lot harder. It took me close to two years (!) to find a pair of shoes that I loved. The entire process was super frustrating, especially because even when I tried on a shoe and it seemed to fit well, it was just really hard to tell if it was going to fit as well after I danced in it. Too often I found that the shape of the shoe changed a lot after a few rehearsals or nights out social dancing, but at that point, I couldn’t return them!
Whether you’re dancing salsa, bachata, kizomba, or zouk, these tips will help you find the perfect pair of Latin dance shoes.
1. Dance Shoes Should Be One to Two Sizes Smaller Than Your Street Shoe Size
Latin dance shoes stretch! If you try them on and they’re comfortable, chances are that once you start dancing in them and “break them in,” the fabric will stretch (often an entire size), and then they’ll be too large. Trust me, there is nothing worse than dancing in shoes that are too big! Your feet slide around and it’s much more challenging to stay grounded and balance (which is hard to do in heels, to begin with, especially when you’re first learning).
These are all the shoes I tried that ended up not fitting well!
You want your shoes snug and tight when you first buy them (usually so tight that it’s hard to get them on and off). I wear a size 7 US (37 /38 EU) in street shoes and generally buy a size 5 US (3 EU) in dance heels.
However, be careful not to buy shoes that are too small! I did this for a few months until one of my coaches pointed it out — “No wonder you’re having trouble spinning! You can’t get up on the ball of your foot in those shoes.” It’s okay to have a tiny bit of toe hanging over the edge of your shoe when you’re standing flat on your foot (some dancers prefer this because it allows them to grip the floor better and makes your feet look prettier when you point) but, when you relevé, you want the shoe to cup the ball of your foot where it naturally bends.
2. Look for a Shape and Style That Fits the Shape of Your Feet and Toes
It’s natural to want to dance in a specific shoe because your favorite salsera or bachatera wears that style, or because a lot of the girls on your dance team swear by a certain brand. But your feet are likely a different shape and size, and just because a certain style works really for them, that doesn’t mean it’s going to work well for you.
I have a really narrow heel, but the ball of my foot is relatively wide. Plus, I’ve got short, Egyptian toes and a low arch. This definitely made it a challenge to find a shoe that fit well! Before you start shoe shopping, take some time to figure out your foot type. Use the chart below to help you figure out your foot type.
Once you know your foot type, look for a style that is right for you. If you have a high arch, a t-strap may limit the range of motion when you point your foot. If you have shorter toes they might pop out of a wide strappy style. Narrow heels? You’ll likely need a higher, tapered heel cup.
If you can’t try the shoes on in a store, speak to a representative from the shoe company on the phone or via email before you order. They can help you find the best style for your particular foot and explain how their sizing and fit compare to other brands.
3. Start with a flared, slightly shorter heel
We all want to dance in super tall, stiletto heels. They’re sexy and they make our feet look better. But before you can walk around in (let alone dance in) those 4-inch heels, first you need to develop foot and ankle strength–there’s nothing sexy about wobbling around!
I highly recommended starting with a lower heel (2 or 2 1/2 inches) and a flared heel and working your way up to 3 and 4-inch heels and stiletto styles.
4. Make the Investment
I know at first it seems crazy to spend $200 (or more!) for a pair of dance shoes, but trust me, shelling out cash for well-made shoes is worth it, even if you’re just planning on using them for social dancing. More expensive shoes are made with better, stronger material, which means they’ll last longer and help you with your dancing. Think about it this way: a flimsy heel is harder to balance on than a sturdy heel, and it’s easier to grip the floor if the shoe’s material stretches to the shape of your foot. Cut costs in other aspects of your dance wardrobe: look for deals on leggings, tights, and sports bras, but don’t skimp when it comes to buying dance shoes.
Struggling to find the right shoe? Message me and tell me more. I’d love to share more specific advice for YOU. I struggled with shoes for a veryyyy long time and I know how frustrating it is to keep buying expensive shoes that don’t work.