You have taken a few ballroom dance lessons and feel it is the right time to showcase your skills! Or maybe, you have an important function coming up, and you want to let loose and dance the day away.
Besides the skills, there’s also an important aspect that you must consider for a better experience — having the right dancing shoes. You have to ensure that your shoes offer you the flexibility to dance like a pro and also protect you from fatigue and injuries.
While there are many types of shoes that you can choose from, you all have to check some key boxes. To help you make a more informed decision, here are a few factors to consider when buying the best dance shoes.
Make sure it is the right fit
When you try on the pair of shoes for the first time, ensure they snugly fit your feet. They should not be too big that there’s too much making them loose or they are too tight, straining your feet. You don’t want to end up causing a need for insoles for plantar fascitis!
The perfect dance shoes should fit like a glove that when you wear them, you may not even feel the shoes holding you back when showcasing your dance moves.
Determine the dance style
Different dance techniques require varied types of shoes. Determine the kind of event you’re attending and what kind of dance moves you will be required to showcase.
Salsa shoes are different from ballet dancing shoes. The same goes for a casual night out or when it is a hip-hop-themed dance function. Before you purchase your dance shoes, ensure that you understand the kind of event you’re attending. Your dance instructor can help you determine the right types of shoes depending on your dance style.
Choose between open-toe and closed-toe shoes
Choosing between open-toe and closed-toe shoes is also directly related to the type of dance. Open-toe shoes are perfect, especially for female dancers during dance events such as salsa. They help female dancers to point their feet and articulate dance steps.
On the other hand, closed-toe shoes offer more support to movements that flow, making them more appropriate for dancers that require a lot of footwork. Moreover, if your dance style involves a lot of techniques, you may want closed-toe shoes that will offer protection from stubbing your toes or generally hurting your feet.
Decide on the material
The material of the shoes matters greatly when selecting the right dancing shoes. Most common brands have suede/ satin and leather. They all have their pros and cons, so it would be prudent that you pick the one that works best for your dance style.
Suede shoes can fit your feet snugly and comfortably. They are also known to easily conform well to the shape of your feet. Moreover, suede shoes can come in various colors, which you can choose from to match your dance outfit.
On the other hand, leather shoes can easily stretch and conform to their use. The best type of material greatly depends on your dance techniques and the flow of movement.
