If, as Shakespeare argued, clothing makes the man, then shoes undoubtedly make the dancer. Whether you’re a professional dancer or a complete beginner, nice dancing shoes are essential if you want to perform at your peak and advance as a dancer.
Are you wondering what makes good ballroom dance shoes for men? Well, there are a number of things. These things include:
Type of shoe
You have three options when it comes to dancing shoes: Latin/rhythm, smooth, and standard. Latin/Rhythm dance shoes provide the most stability. A common element is the Cuban heel, which provides lift for spins and turns.
The sole, made of suede or leather, provides the necessary grip on the dance floor.
The smooth and standard dancing styles feature shorter heels than Latin/Rhythm, with the goal of making movements easier, particularly during glides. Their suede soles provide a blend of grip and glide.
There is no wrong or right type of shoe you should go for. It all depends on your preferences. If you are comfortable wearing a higher heel, go for the Latin shoes, but if you don’t like being too high, the standard shoes are enough.
Material of construction
Suede/satin and leather are the most commonly used materials for dancing shoes. Some brands are also developing vegan leathers.
Suede shoes fit like a glove, according to the curve of each dancer’s foot. You can also dye them in a variety of colors, making it easy to choose a pair that suits your dance outfit.
Leather, on the other hand, is a breathable fabric that stretches and conforms with wear. Although there are vegan substitutes, they do not stretch like genuine leather.
For the best outcome, go for a shoe that is built to last and has a perfect fit, reinforced stitching for strength, and flexibility for comfortable foot movement.
It’s also wise to ensure that the shoes are lightweight with a solid heel attachment that provides stability during spins and turns.
Always take your time and undertake meticulous material selection and go for shoes with intelligent construction.
Sizing
The last thing you want is for the shoe to keep coming off or be too tight that you are uncomfortable dancing.
To ensure that this doesn’t happen, you should buy a shoe of the correct size.
When making the purchase, ensure that the shoes fit securely around your feet without being excessively tight or loose. Ballroom dance shoes may have a different fit than conventional street shoes, so consult the brand’s sizing chart.
Since you will be on your feet for a long time, pay attention to the toe size of your shoes. You should ensure that there is enough room for your toes to move comfortably without feeling too squeezed or cramped.
Your dance shoes should fit snugly, but they should not be too tight. The ankle should fit well. The shoe will stretch somewhat after wear, so choose a size that fits your foot as closely as possible—not too tight or loose.
Remember that the appropriate fit will let you move more freely on the floor and focus on the music and your dancing partner rather than how your feet feel. As you can tell, this will help you grow your dancing skills fast.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced dancer, your shoes should be comfortable so that you may practice and perform to your full potential.
Quality shoes can even boost your confidence as a beginner dancer by providing the stability and balance you need to rehearse each dance move correctly.
It’s always wise to test out the shoes in the stores, but if you are buying the shoes online, ensure that you know your exact measurements so that you can order the correct size.
Heel type
As mentioned above, different types of shoes have different heels.
The most popular heel sizes are two to three inches, however heels can be as short as half an inch or as tall as four inches.
The higher the heel, the more weight is forced forward into the ball of the foot, so be ultra-cautious when making the purchase.
If you’re a newbie dancer, stay to the smaller sizes until you’ve mastered your balance. Heels come in a variety of forms, and flared heels offer extra stability, making them the best to go for when you are just getting started.
For men, a half-inch heel works well for ballroom dancing.
Cost
Dance shoes can be pricey, depending on the brand and style, so if you’re a beginner, do some research on the various possibilities available within your budget.
You should note that nice-quality dancing shoes cost a couple of hundred dollars, although you can get a few nice shoes for less than a hundred dollars. You should expect to pay more for premium brands.
It’s up to you to choose those that fit your budget. As a rule of thumb, go for high-quality shoes that will last for a long time.
Even if you are on a tight budget, it’s wise that you avoid those that are too cheap as they might be of too low quality and don’t give you the service that you are after.
When you have to replace these shoes a couple of times, they might end up being too expensive in the long run, and you don’t want this, do you?
Remember that it’s always good for you to take your time and find a good quality shoe that will serve you for a long time and be comfortable to wear for long.
Look of the shoes
Your dance shoe should match your dance outfit or be neutral enough to go with a variety of outfits.
Remember that your shoe is the most crucial item you will wear, therefore even if you want a beautiful shoe, do not sacrifice quality for looks.
Your shoe should be comfy, whether it is eye-catching or understated and traditional.
Take your time when buying the shoes.
Before you buy shoes, whether online or from a brick-and-mortar store, make sure you have the opportunity to try them on.
As mentioned above, sizing varies by brand, so what works for you with one style of shoe may not work with another. Compare different brands, sizes, and models to find the right shoe for you.
