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Dancing Shoes: How To Choose the Perfect Latin Dance Shoes

Latin dance has a long history that shows the burning passion of its dancers. It has lasted the test of time as one of the most infamous dance genres, which is why so many people begin their learning journey with it. 

Latin dancing is appealing for a variety of reasons, ranging from enjoyment and sensuous attraction to technical hurdles. However, getting started requires more than just the correct mentality; you also need the perfect Latin ballroom dance shoes!

With that said, we’ve developed a list of factors to consider when choosing a pair of Latin dancing shoes, ranging from fit to function. By the end, you will know how to buy your perfect shoe.

Style

When it comes to style, Latin dance includes a wide range of genres, including salsa, cha-cha, samba, and rumba. Which dancing style you choose will dictate the kind of shoes you should wear. The dance style will determine the actual fitting of your shoe and whether it will be an open-toed or a closed one.

However, you do not have to restrict yourself. There are numerous overlaps between Latin dance shoes; hence, if you intend to practice a variety of genres, choose a more adaptable shoe. 

You must also consider the type of footwear. Mesh inserts inside the straps may also assist in keeping your shoe in place during high-speed workouts.

The fit

As with any pair of shoes, you should ensure that they fit your feet properly. When shopping for Latin dancing shoes, the fit is perhaps the most crucial factor to consider. You will be wearing them a lot, whether you dance for fun or professionally. 

Latin dancing shoes are made to flow smoothly and gracefully over the floor with minimum friction. 

The only way to get the most out of the dance shoe design is to avoid sacrificing fit. Latin dancing shoes should redistribute your weight, making it seem more centered on the ball of your foot. When wearing open-toe shoes, place your toes at the end of the shoe, if not farther.

Height of the heel

Height of the heel

The heel height you choose is determined by why you are dancing. Professionals choose taller heels to produce the longest leg line ever seen. The typical heel height varies from 1.5 to 3.5 inches, with 3 inches being the most talked about. 

For novice dancers, find the heel length that provides the best comfort. If you’re not used to donning heels, it’s better to begin with lower-heeled shoes. Heels come in a variety of forms, including thin and flared.  In general, flared heels remain a popular choice since they provide extra stability. 

Contrastingly, a 1/2″ heel is ideal for ballroom dance style. But not a 1.5″ Cuban heel; it is made for Latin dance approaches. Unless you compete in dance contests, a 1/2″ heel is usually okay for both Latin and ballroom twirling.

If you’re just dancing for fun, put your comfort first. There’s no shame about it. In the end, the main aim is to have fun! Nothing spoils joy like a terrible pair of footwear. Even if it’s only for fun, we suggest a 2-inch heel so that you get an extra lift.

Shape of the heel

Not every Latin dancing shoe has a similar heel form. The two very popular styles are flared and slender. Slim heels make the foot narrower when it hits the floor, allowing for more elegant and fluid motions. 

First is the flared tip, which tapers your foot but progressively flares as it reaches the ground; thus, it is named likewise. The broader tip provides increased stability. 

The decision is fully up to you, and it is mostly based on personal preferences. Try both options and discover which one is the best for you!

The shoe material

The height and the shoe’s design are not the only factors to consider. You must evaluate its material, too. 

The most frequent materials for Latin dancing shoes are satin and leather. White satin has remained popular in past years because dancers were able to dye the shoes whenever they wanted to match the color of their clothing. 

Contrastingly, leather has more durable ingredients and a better long-term investment. Skin-colored shoes are popular in Latin dance because they provide the impression of a larger leg, creating the phantasm of an expanded leg line.

Open vs. closed

Open-toe shoes are often created for Latin and rhythm dances like Rumba, Salsa, and swing, which demand greater toe pointing and foot articulation. The hole in the shoes makes it easy to position your toes and execute footwork correctly. 

Closed-toe shoes are intended for smooth or standard dances like Foxtrot and Waltz, which demand a more conventional classic appearance. For novices who are studying numerous dance genres, open-toe or Latin dancing shoes are better since they may be used for almost any style.

Maintenance

The most common cause of shoe damage is moisture. After dancing, we normally optimize shoe trees that can retain moisture and preserve our dance shoes in shape. Cedar shoe trees might be extremely effective at eliminating odor! Unfortunately, dancing shoes are not designed to last essentially long owing to their delicate materials and how dancers wear them. 

To lengthen the dancing shoes’ life, we recommend keeping two or more pairs (based on how frequently you tip-toe) to alternate between sessions. This gives each pair adequate time to dry before its next usage. Additionally, refrain from dancing shoes outside. Because suede leather is highly sensitive, it may be easily destroyed by any water or harsh objects.

Cost

Recreational dance shoes are often less costly as compared to professional, competition-level dance shoes. But that has got nothing to do with quality always. You can choose them simply because you want to dance for fun, but make sure not to spend a lot of money.

Do not feel compelled to buy pricey shoes Latin dance is for all people. And as long as they feel comfortable and you are enjoying them, they are accomplishing their goal.

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