Our students often ask us what dance shoes to get and where to get them. So, here are a few tips:
1) The best advice we can give you when starting out is, don’t go for ridiculously high-priced shoes, especially if you’re not attending socials and are only attending classes. Prices vary massively.
2) Ladies, if you’re looking for a heel, you will find many dance shoes come with a choice in heel height, and we always recommend going no higher than a 2.5-inch heel when you first start out. The heels will come in varying shapes depending on their height.
Also, ladies’ buckle shoes don’t buckle up like everyday shoes! They slot into a hook on the strap. Make sure they have a comfy sole and suede or leather bottom.
3) Gentlemen, you have a choice of jazz shoes, brogue style and Cuban heel shoes. Go with what is comfortable, and ensure they have a suede or leather sole. Ensure they have a comfy sole that reduces the impact on your feet.
4) Slingbacks, flip-flops or heelless support are a big no-no as they don’t support your ankles, and you run a very high risk of falling out of the shoe and twisting or worse on your ankle.
5) If you like trainers, there are dance-based sneakers such as Fuego. We don’t recommend regular trainers for dancing as the rubber soles are designed to grip, which is no good when you’re trying to do turns and fluid movements.
6) Finally, keep the soles clean with a suede brush or give them a good wipe if they are leather to keep you gliding across that dance floor.
PLACES TO BUY
Amazon and eBay are great places to start. However, be mindful that the vast majority of these places will be supplied from China, so it will take time to reach you.
Be sure you check the sizes of the shoes, as they all vary, and make sure you check the returns policies!!
For more suggestions, feel free to ask us on Mondays for our recommendations.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch! Keeeeep dancing!