Ef Dance Shoes

Our recipes are curated and written by some of the best in the business from around the world. Enjoy and imbibe with hundreds of cocktail creations within our archives.Skirts are very versatile pieces of clothing. Pretty much anything you can wear with pants to a club, you can also wear with a skirt. Button-down shirts, tank tops, bodycon tops, midriff tops, you name it.Keep accessories simple. An easy-to-carry small clutch or cross-body bag, your favorite simple jewelry (maybe some hoop earrings or a tennis bracelet), and, if it applies, a belt that matches your outfit.Standard bodysuits cover only the upper body and torso, like a ballet leotard, and are worn with jeans or other pants. Full bodysuits are just what the name implies; Catwoman-style suits that hug your curves from top to bottom.

A stylish summer club outfit should be breathable and cool. Most short, sleeveless dresses work fine for women, while guys can keep sweat at bay with chinos and a fitted t-shirt.For men, it’s best to go with a minimalist approach to accessories for club outfits. Over-styling with things like scarves, lots of jewelry, or expensive sunglasses will usually become an annoyance, bogging you down with excess “stuff” when you want to be free to dance and socialize.

If you’re going for an edgier, bad-boy look, you can go with a leather jacket instead. Just be sure that whatever jacket you pick has a slim, streamlined fit. A bulky jacket obscures your lines and looks awkward.
If you’re the kind of person who has no problem getting around in high heels, you have virtually endless options. However, if you find that heels don’t offer the support you need, you can go with shorter heels (two to three inches ) or platform heels.

Try a short leather jacket over a bodycon dress or with a white tank and slim ripped jeans. You can also choose a long, flowy satin jacket over a tank and jeans or a fitted jumpsuit.
Another option is a classic black minidress if you feel comfortable wearing one. It could be tight-fitting or loose, whatever you think it’s best. If you just don’t know what to wear, you can’t go wrong with this option. As discussed earlier in this article, most clubs have dress codes, and those codes vary. A club can be casual, business casual, or even formal, although formal clubs are much rarer than others. Gay clubs, theme clubs, or clubs that cater to a specific ethnic culture (like Latino, South Asian, etc.) can also have different clothing norms than a generic club. You’ve probably seen women standing outside a nightclub, waiting for their ride, freezing in tiny dresses and short jackets during the winter. Maybe you’ve been one of those people yourself. It’s no fun! Hats are considered a security issue in clubs. It makes sense that at a crowded venue, people want to be able to see and identify the faces of other folks in the room.It’s also a great opportunity to mix things up in the color department. Your over-shirt can be a standard dark color, while the shirt underneath can bring in a brighter hue.

Many of them have coat rooms, so you don’t have to carry it around all night. Long-sleeve dresses or tops in warmer materials are also great choices during winter.You can also wear pencil pants or capri pants. You’ll want to check with the club you’ll be going to and confirm their dress code. Not all clubs allow jeans.

A bodycon dress is the most common type of dress to wear to a club. “Bodycon” is another word for form-fitting. These dresses can be made of various materials but are often somewhat stretchy.
When deciding what to wear to a club, footwear often causes the most headaches. You want to look cute and have your shoes complement your outfit, but you also want to be able to dance and walk without pain.Some clubs have their dress code on their website. You can also ask people who have been there or call the club directly. If in doubt, business casual wear is acceptable at most venues.These bodysuits have become a staple clubbing outfit, and they’re available in all sorts of gorgeous varieties, including those with lace, sequins, or cutouts that show plenty of skin.Rompers and jumpsuits are another excellent choice for what to wear to a club. Like dresses, you don’t have to worry about matching top and bottom, but unlike dresses, rompers and jumpsuits can offer a bit more coverage and can be more comfortable to dance in.If you’re going to wear a jacket to the club, a simple yet chic blazer is your best bet. Once again, darker colors tend to look the most sophisticated.

A fitted T-shirt is a must-have if you’re putting together a stylish summer outfit for the club. They’re comfortable, show off your body, and keep you cool while you’re moving around socializing and dancing.
The atmosphere makes a lot of difference when deciding what to wear to a club. Even when clubs have no official dress code, they will have a certain ambiance. Is it a younger or older crowd? Mainly working class or white collar? Country, suburban or urban?A suit is a choice you’ll want to reserve for a nicer-than-average club. It’s likely to look out of place and not be appreciated at a more casual club or one that has a very young clientele.

What shoes to wear to dance club?
Most club dress codes ban open shoes like sandals and flip-flops, so they’re off the table unless you find out the club you’re going to explicitly allows them. Loafers are the safest option for the club. They’re soft and comfortable, and you’ll find it easy to dance in them for long periods.
Jackets can not only look super-cute, but they can also help keep the chill away on a nippy night out or add some coverage to that daring dress you don’t feel 100% confident about.MyBartender focuses on the world of cocktail making mixology and tips for becoming a better bartender. Whether you are having fun at home or busy behind the bar of your local watering hole, we will supply you with the drink recipes to impress even the seasoned cocktail seeker.

In the other camp are (mainly younger) people who frequent clubs and prefer to buy fast fashion and other economy clothing. They like the fact that they can afford a variety of looks and swap them out as trends change,Nightclub dress codes also exist to give the club an air of exclusivity. If getting into a club is difficult, people assume it’s a high-end experience, and will want to find out for themselves.

If you go out frequently and try different club outfits, you’ll learn quickly what works in that setting and what doesn’t. What to wear to a club depends on the seasons, the type of club you’re going to, and your personal comfort.
You have so many choices with these pieces; wide-legged, flowy jumpsuits give a vintage 70’s vibe, while short rompers are perfect for showing off toned legs.Yes, you can wear a suit to a club. However, you don’t want to look like you just stepped out of a salesman’s convention at the Best Western. A flattering suit with a young, modern cut can give you a successful, upscale vibe without aging you or dulling your look.

Why do ballroom dancers wear heels?
In Latin/Rhythm, both leaders and followers wear a higher heel. This supports a forward-weighted posture that allows dancers to place their body weight over the balls of their feet, and move their feet quickly underneath their body.
When putting together a club outfit, button-up shirts are a great, practical choice. These menswear staples are acceptable attire at most standard clubs and versatile enough to style in various ways. The top ways to wear button-up shirts include pairing them with fitted designer jeans or chinos. Hats have gone in and out of style on the club scene for decades. The consensus is that hats are a no, and most clubs do not allow you to wear them inside. You can go crazy with the choice of colors and materials, too. Just be sure to choose one that’s sexy and upscale. You want to look like you’re clubbing, not curled up watching Netflix.

Traditionally, clubs have enforced dress codes to ensure the right environment in the establishment. Many club owners felt that anyone who shows up looking rough or shabby might be prone to undesirable behavior.
I have always had a deep interest in the restaurant and bar industry. My restaurant experience began in 1997 at the age of 14 as a bus boy. By the time I turned 17 I was serving tables, and by 19 I was bartending/bar managing 6-7 nights a week. In 2012, after a decade and a half of learning all facets of the industry, I opened my first restaurant/bar. In 2015, a second location followed, the latter being featured on The Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. In club lingo, “baggy” is an umbrella term for ill-fitting and unstylish clothing. Of course, not all clothing with a loose fit falls under this frumpy banner; plenty of designer clothing is baggy.If you’re going to a club in winter, you can look good without completely sacrificing your comfort. There’s nothing wrong with wearing a long, warm, stylish coat to a club.

Why do exotic dancers wear high heels?
The elevated platform means you are able to grip higher on the pole, giving you more space to swing and get into the tricks. The shoes also act as weights on your feet, which helps to transition between moves and stretch out the legs in a flattering way.
Overshirts can make good clubbing outfits when layered over another shirt, usually a tank or slim T-shirt. This layering effect can work well for guys who want to make their upper bodies look wider or who don’t feel confident enough to rock a form-fitting T on its own.Most club dress codes ban open shoes like sandals and flip-flops, so they’re off the table unless you find out the club you’re going to explicitly allows them.

A dark color, like black or navy, is your best bet, and you can pair it with a white shirt for contrast. Skip the tie, and leave the two top buttons of your shirt open.

Pair them untucked with leather pants or jeans, or tuck them into slim women’s trousers. Delicate materials like silk and satin can elevate this look for wearing to upscale clubs. New designs that include various fabrics like mesh, lace, and satin have been popular in some trendy clubs. It all depends on your personal style and comfort level. If it’s a formal club, a pocket square in a bright, eye-catching color can add excitement to a monochromatic trousers-and-jacket combo. A high-end watch can add an air of sophistication and some masculine bling to your ensemble.Ankle boots look best with trousers and chinos, while short skirts and jeans complement knee-high or thigh-high boots. If the club you’re visiting allows sneakers in its dress code, a high-quality, on-trend pair can complete your casual clubbing outfit. When it comes to what to wear to a club, quality counts. Many people want to buy a few classic pieces they like to wear while clubbing. They like the durability and look of these higher-end pieces. Choosing a club outfit seems so easy for some people; they look effortlessly cute and cool every time they go out on the town. While that ease may have something to do with intuition and natural style, it’s primarily a result of trial and error.Platforms may seem a more risky choice, but they provide more support and balance than traditional heels. Boots can be a cute addition to winter club outfits.

When choosing a club outfit, men generally have fewer choices than women. While this simplifies things for guys, it can also make it hard to find the happy medium between standing out and trying too hard. Here are some tried and true tips:
A simple bodycon dress is standard attire for clubs of all kinds. You can get crazy with color if you like to stand out or wear classic black. The choice is yours!The great debate over whether to wear a shirt tucked or untucked will always continue, but for a casual club setting, untucked is generally preferable.

We’re going to help you figure out your sizes in the most iconic shoes, but first, there a few things you should know. When you buy Louboutins and try them on, make sure you do so on carpet. If the red bottoms are scratched or show any sign of wear, you can’t return them or may need to pay a fee.
“Louboutins are not a shoe you can just willy nilly purchase online,” Lauren says, at least not for your first pair. If you are buying online, she recommends buying a couple sizes to make sure you find the right fit even though this will be a temporary blow to your credit card. Chatting with Lobuoutin’s personal shoppers can be very helpful as well since they have extensive knowledge on fit and can give personalized feedback.Now for the main event. Usually it’s recommended to size up, but there’s a perfect size-up spot for every foot where you will find the right fit without getting the length wrong, which can cause blistering and pain. Here’s what to know about finding your perfect fit in five of Louboutin’s most iconic styles.

Can you dance in formal shoes?
Technically, any shoe can be worn for dancing, from trainers and sneakers to hiking boots, but even the best fitting dress shoe will still fall way behind a proper dance shoe.
Because the sole is on the narrower side and the toe box is a bit shorter, this size runs small. The toe box is pointed but slightly rounded and a bit shorter than Iriza’s, for example. You probably shouldn’t buy your typical heel size. Instead, Louboutin recommends going at least one half size up.

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This style is the shoe most people know by Louboutin. It’s an accentuated, dramatized version of Kate with a really high arch. The So Kate flaunts a super high heel with no platform that virtually puts the foot in its most extended tippy-toe position. There’s no platform, and the heels are pencil thin. These shoes offer little support, and while customers love to look at this style, they usually don’t love to wear them.Shoes by Christian Louboutin, also known as red bottoms, are notoriously hard to fit. While the brand’s sizing is inconsistent, that hasn’t stopped the shoes from being glamorous, coveted, or high quality.

One thing to know about a platform shoe is that while it’s higher, it’s probably more comfortable because the platform supports your feet better. For this same reason, the New Very Prive heels are a lot more comfortable than other styles on this list because of their (concealed) platform. Some say these are comfortable shoes, for a Louboutin that is.
If the So Kate and Kate look like torture devices to you, the Pigalle is probably a much better option for you as a classic heel. Instead of a pencil-thin stiletto, the Pigalle stiletto is slightly thicker—enough to support your feet while still looking sleek.The Iriza is Louboutin’s timeless take on a classic half d’Orsay heel. If you’re buying a Louboutin heel without a platform, this is your best bet for comfort. Louboutin recommends ordering half a size up, but for some, a full size up is required. The sole is narrow, and it’s made with a similarly narrow, albeit longer, toe box. If you have skinny to normal feet, you’ll have more ease with these. If you have wider feet, the Kate is one of the harder styles to fit into by Louboutin. Instead, you can think about getting the shoe stretched or look at other styles with a wider sole. These may be comfier and look a bit more roomy, but like almost every other heel on this list, the New Very Prive heels run small. The toe box is a bit narrow, although the peep toe offers just a dash of extra toe space. The sole is narrow on these, similar to a Kate sole, so it’s usually recommended to size up a half size or more.

Stylist extraordinaire and YouTuber Lauren Messiah also recommends taking your heels to a cobbler right after buying them. “Take them and get the bottom resoled in red,” she says. She recommends getting a red rubber sole, which keeps the entire shoe soles red while adding some grip and cushion to the balls of your feet.
For wider feet, this is one of the best styles you can get. It’ll be the most comfortable and easiest to fit a wider foot because of the cutout on the side, which allows for much more room in the shoe. On Iriza, the toe box is pointy and a bit narrow and long. Accordingly, Louboutin’s official fit suggestion for these is that they’re true to size. Because they’re natural leather, they should also fit your foot better over time.The Kate is a classic pointed-toe heel with a sleek and sexy silhouette. It’s always good to have a well-made, cute, black heel in your wardrobe. This is what the Kate was made for.Like the Kate, the So Kate sole is very narrow. The toe box is shorter and also very narrow because of the dramatically arched position of the foot. While Louboutin recommends ordering half a size up, some people need to order a full size up. All in all, it’s not wide-foot-friendly.

Often, Lobuoutin recommends getting your heels half a size larger from what you usually wear, but what goes into sizing is more nuanced. Before we tell you sizing tips for five of Louboutin’s iconic styles, there are a few other really important things to keep in mind related to sizing.
Pole shoes come in a huge array of styles, colours and designs. From glitter, to crystal diamantes, to fringing or spikes, there are shoes in every colour and style imaginable! Here is some key information on different styles of shoes;

4. Strengthen your ankles! Lots of people find wearing heels difficult because it puts strain on their ankles. This can also lead to injury, by rolling or pulling your ankle. You can do a number of exercises to help strengthen your ankles and keep them healthy and steady. Squats, lunges, heel raises and balancing on one leg all help to build ankle strength and mobility. You can also improve mobility by rotating your ankles in both directions, or by trying to trace out the letters of the alphabet with your big toe. To ease cramping feet after a long training session, try rolling them out using a tennis ball or trigger ball.5. You MUST point your toes! Floppy or flexed feet and sickled ankles become even more obvious when you are wearing platform shoes. Make sure to keep a nice, strong point, with your knee rotating outwards. You should be engaging all the muscles in your foot, calf and thigh when you point, not just your toes. 1. If you’ve never danced in heels before, start with a lower heel height. A 5 inch or 6 inch heel is a great starting point for a Babydoll beginner. A bigger heel size also means a heavier shoe, so make sure you feel confident in the smaller heels before you move up. Once you feel a little more steady and are used to dancing in heels, you can move up to 7 and 8 inch heels! Should you receive a faulty or damaged item, please ‘Speak to a Siren’ and they will instruct you on how to return the item. Refunds can be given if the item is faulty, within 7 days with proof of purchase if it is their original condition, unwashed, unworn and unused (with tags and packaging attached).Sky Sirens is unable to give refunds or transfer online classes/services/tutorials/videos to another item/service for any reason including illness, injury, pregnacy, relocation, change of mind etc. However, we will kindly allow you to transfer your remaining videos/service/sessions to a third party out of good will. The third party must complete the videos/sessions within the same timeframe that you originally purchased them and will only be valid for the same type of video/service/session that you enrolled in. You must also provide written confirmation that this arrangement will take place with one week\u2019s notice.

A question that we often here from our Babydoll pole students is “do we have to wear those crazy shoes?” If you’ve never seen pole shoes before, they can look a bit scary! Many people often wonder why pole dancers wear these giant platform heels when dancing. But contrary to popular belief, these heels aren’t just for show. They have a variety of benefits that help pole dancers to spin, climb and balance when they are performing. Plus, they do look really, really cool.
We pay our respects to the Sex Workers, Strippers and Erotic Dancers that pioneered and paved the way to make this Art Form available to us in mainstream society. We acknowledge that all our Erotic & Pole classes have their roots in Sex Work and we do everything we can to preserve that culture. We are owned and run by proud past and present Sex Workers within all realms of the Adult Industry.We are not required to provide a refund if you change your mind, or the item is not the correct fit. If items are unwashed, unworn and unused (with tags and packaging attached) in their original condition they may be returned within 7 days with proof of purchase for an exchange. For health reasons, there are no returns or exchanges on the purchase of bottoms, jewellery, stockings, sockettes or pasties. Sky Sirens will not be responsible for any shipping costs for online exchanges and refunds. Pole shoes aren’t just for looking fabulous though, there are many benefits to wearing them when training and performing on the pole. The elevated platform means you are able to grip higher on the pole, giving you more space to swing and get into the tricks. The shoes also act as weights on your feet, which helps to transition between moves and stretch out the legs in a flattering way. The weight of the shoes can also help you to maintain a great spin on the pole! The bottom of the shoes have a grip finish that will stop you from slipping over, while the rounded shape of the toe box is perfect for spinning on, and for floor work. In our Velvet Vixens Lyra classes, we use pole shoes to create sexy shapes and extensions, and also to create some seriously amazing spins in the lyra! Just because we love to dance in pole shoes, doesn’t mean that you have to! If you aren’t ready or don’t want to dance in platform shoes, you can still do all the same moves and poses in bare feet too. We usually start all of our beginner pole dancers out in bare feet for the first couple of weeks anyway, as it’s much safer for beginners. Your feet can give your body feedback that you cannot feel through plastic or leather. Skin grips amazingly well on a metal dance pole as long it’s not sweaty or coated with moisturiser. You can use a grip aid like Dry Hands or Dancing Dust to alleviate any perspiration. If you’d like something to cover your feet without a heel, look into options like leather ballet slippers or lyrical dance shoes (which only cover the toes but leave the foot and heel exposed) or foot pads.2. Make sure you get the right size! Many dancers often choose to size down in their pole shoes to make sure they have a firm fit. Slippery, loose pole shoes are a big tripping hazard! You want to make sure the shoes feel nice and tight on your foot, without moving around too much. If the straps feel too tight, you can warm them with a hairdryer to make them more malleable and mould them to your foot.

* The student transferring their video/session/service to a third party will be subject to a $40 administration fee, applicable per course that is being transferred. The transfer must be finalised in writing (email) with at least one week\u2019s notice.3. Practice walking and dancing in your heels! The extra weight and height of the heels is going to feel very strange, so make sure you practice walking around in them before you jump on the pole. You can strap your heels on at home and walk around in them while you do household tasks to get used to them. Doing chores never looked so fabulous!

A pole shoe, sometimes also referred to as “stripper heels” is a high-heeled shoe that comes in a range of sizes, measured in inches. The height in inches refers to the stiletto heel at the back of the shoe. While these shoes are very tall, they are balanced out by a platform sole under the balls of the foot, that can range from between two to four inches high (sometimes more!) The shoes used for dancing often have ankle straps to keep them secure, and a shaped, cushioned footbed. Many people actually find pole shoes more comfortable to wear than normal high heels, due to the cushioning and the fact that the difference between the platform and the heel isn’t very steep.
International orders require payment for shipping, calculated at the checkout. Sky Sirens will not credit customs and duties paid on your order; this must be pursued by customers within their own jurisdiction. As Sky Sirens is not liable for the loss of the item being returned, we recommend sending your parcel with a traceable service.All Australian orders will be sent via Regular (registered) Australia Post with a shipping fee of $10. In the event of an exchange, the customer will be responsible for the shipping costs.

The biggest mistake new shoe-buyers make is buying their dance shoes in the same size as their street shoes. Dance shoes are meant to fit snug, because they will loosen and stretch over time to mold to the shape of your foot. Not to mention, there are special considerations between styles of shoe and how they should fit, especially for the follower. For example, Latin and Rhythm shoes should allow the toes to be exactly at the edge of the shoe so that when a dancer points their foot, there is no extra shoe dangling past the toes. Followers will oftentimes wear different sizes of shoes between Latin/Rhythm and Standard/Smooth.
If you are a seasoned dancer, don’t toss your old shoes until your new pair is broken into your liking. Use the same tactics mentioned above: wear your new shoes until you are on the brink of discomfort, and then swap to your old shoes which are already broken in. In Smooth/Standard, leaders typically wear a half-inch heel on their shoes, similar to the heel of a men’s dress shoe. Followers wear a closed toe within these styles which protects the foot as they frequently travel backwards. As a leader, heel height is consistent across ballroom and smooth shoes. A half-inch heel is common as it allows for proper movement and technique. A 1.5 inch heel is common within Latin and Rhythm shoes.When you’re wearing dance shoes for a longer period of time, you might still experience some soreness – probably from all that hard work on the dance floor 😜! If this happens, you can always swap to a practice shoe or take your shoes off and stretch for a little. After dancing, rolling your feet out with a tennis ball or giving them a soak in epsom salt can be very helpful to decrease swelling or inflammation.It is a great idea to invest in a shoe brush to support the upkeep of the suede bottoms of your shoes. Ballroom shoes are made with suede to provide traction on the dance floor and promote a safe surface for cutting and turning. Over time, suede can get pushed around, lumpy, and soft because of foot pressure (this means you are dancing well and is completely normal!). In order to regain traction, give brushing your shoes a try!As dancers, there is a single tool that we require as part of our activity. Whether you are a new dancer entering into the world of ballroom, or simply looking to try out a new brand of shoe, step through this article to learn more.If you are dancing frequently, practice shoes allow your feet to rest between practicing in regular dance shoes. They’re not absolutely necessary; In fact, it is preferred by most instructors that students wear regular dance shoes within their lessons and practice time with partners to create consistency within your dancing. When practicing alone, practice shoes are a great option to maintain longevity of your shoes as well as the physical health of your feet! All major shoe brands carry practice shoes. They are available in split sole varieties as well as full sole options.

How tall are 120 heels?
A 100mm (3.9 inch) heel or less is a lot more manageable than their 120mm (4.7 inch) heels, which are notoriously difficult to wear and walk in.
Dance shoes are typically made with suede soles. Suede does not interact well with surfaces other than hardwood (and sometimes marley). We recommend NOT wearing dance shoes outside regardless. Sometimes you’re running into or out of the studio, though – instead of being tempted to keep those dance shoes on while you run to the car, throw a pair of flip flops or other sandals in your dance bag. This also comes in handy when you’re leaving the dance studio and it is hot outside – nobody wants to put on closed toed shoes for that!

Can I use running shoes for dancing?
However, sneakers are designed to help people walk firmly and surely, and aren’t made for the special spins and movements associated with this type of dancing. Running shoes are designed to provide grip at the toes and heel for forward motion, but are limited in flexibility.
Different brands of shoes and types of shoes will inevitably fit each person differently. Dance shoes are designed so that they can fit like a glove—many brands come in various widths, lengths, and can even be custom built to make sure that they support your foot.

While this blog by no means contains everything about dance shoes, we hope it starts you in the right foot (no pun intended)! If all this talk of shoes is making you think about what else to wear to a ballroom dance lesson, we’ve got you covered!
Heel protectors are clear cups that sit over the heel cap of a follower’s dance shoe. Their purpose is to prevent completely worn shoes as they scrape a dance floor with the nail that is located at the base of the heel. If you do not wear heel protectors, you can be cognizant of when the heel is wearing down and take it to any shoe store—they can repair it quickly and it is inexpensive.You might have gotten to this point and are thinking “Heels? How long am I supposed to wear those for?!” – never fear! Dance shoes are constructed to be worn (while supporting your foot) for a longer period of time. As opposed to every day heeled shoes, there are many options beyond just size to ensure that dance shoes are comfortable on your foot and allow you proper flexibility and mobility. Many brands produce shoes with varying toe box and heel cup sizes and styles, widths, and straps – all to ensure you are not uncomfortable in your dance shoes.

If you are new to dance shoes, wear them until they begin to feel a little uncomfortable (try to identify this moment before any blisters happen!), and then switch to your other shoes (more ideas on what those could be below!).
As a follower, there are numerous options for heel height and shape when shopping for a shoe. If you have an instructor, they may have a suggestion of a heel height based on your skill level. Common heel styles are flare and stiletto: stiletto heels are more commonly purchased by advanced dancers because they offer less stability and more aesthetic to elongate the line of the leg and foot. Flare heels are great for newer dancers or anyone wanting more stability out of their shoes.

Do you need special shoes for dancing?
Do You Need Dance Shoes? While some may say that a similar, non-dance shoe can work, the reality is, dance shoes are made and worn by the best dancers for a reason. Whether you’re a total beginner just trying todance as exercise or a competing professional who wants to improve your craft, good dance shoes are a must.
There are different shoes to support each style of Ballroom Dance. In Latin/Rhythm, both leaders and followers wear a higher heel. This supports a forward-weighted posture that allows dancers to place their body weight over the balls of their feet, and move their feet quickly underneath their body. Followers shoes are open-toed, allowing them to grip the floor during speedy movements and to articulate their pointed feet.We profiled six different ballroom shoe brands in order to identify what makes each brand unique. Hopefully this will allow you an opportunity to narrow down what kind of shoes you are interested in! Click on the brand name if you would like to check out the brand website further – you can buy all of these dance shoes online, or check out store locations or competitions featuring shoe vendors.

Proper dance shoes have suede soles, which are designed to keep your feet and joints of the leg/foot safe by providing traction. Of course, most people don’t own these when they begin dancing! To start, we recommend leaders wear a dress shoe or shoe without a rubber sole. For followers, we recommend a comfortable (short) heel, or a pair of flats. It’s a good rule of thumb to steer clear of rubber soles on hardwood floors!This is dependent upon the frequency and intensity at which you are dancing. For those dancing upwards of four days a week, shoes may last six months to one year. For those dancing a few days a week, they may last one to one and a half years. Leaders’ Standard and Smooth shoes tend to last the longest of any category!

What kind of shoes are best for dancing?
The answer is: shoes with hard leather soles or very hard rubber/plastic soles. Dress shoes work well for this (although they often have very little padding, so put in air-pillow insoles or whatever). I also had a pair of sneakers re-done with super hard rubber soles that work well for dancing on cement.
The uppers of the shoe can be a variety of different materials or combinations of materials, and will be predominantly leather for men’s shoes. Ladies’ shoes are often leather, satin or even suede, depending on the style and purpose of the shoe.

The most crucial bit of maintenance with dance shoes, however, is the sole. The nature of a suede sole, in particular, means that the nap (the textured feel of the material) wears smooth very quickly and the softness of the material itself means small objects can easily become embedded.
Turning, stopping, spinning, and often at high speed, means your dance shoes take a surprising amount of punishment. One reason they are able to withstand such traumas is that they are designed and built to be flexible at the right times. This flexibility can be compromised, though, if care is not taken both when wearing the shoes and in the aftercare necessary to keep them in tip top condition.For men, the choice of whether to buy a shoe intended for Ballroom or Latin is reasonably straightforward. Although several aesthetic styles are available – brogue, plain, retro etc., the only real difference between Ballroom and Latin in men’s shoes is that the Latins have a slightly higher heel to emphasise the hip movement in those dances. Because of that, and unless you are likely to only be dancing Latin, ballroom shoes are an easy and sensible choice for most men.

If you want to shop in a store in Adelaide, where you can see and try the shoes at first hand, try DANCE FX at 152 Unley Road – they have a decent range to choose from.
When buying dance shoes, although it’s not usually necessary to pay a fortune for good quality, nor is the cheapest option always the best. Try before you buy, if you can, and make sure the shoes you buy are comfortable. Dancing quickly becomes an ordeal with sore feet or uncomfortable shoes. Never underestimate the need to keep your shoes clean and in good overall condition. Spend a couple of extra dollars on a shoe brush and you’ll wonder how you managed without it.

For all that, however, some people don’t like to have the inconvenience of carrying a second pair of shoes to a venue and prefer to have dance shoes that have a more robust full leather sole, similar to formal or dress shoes. The advantage of this is that a single pair can be worn from home to venue, although leather soles can still suffer damage over rough ground or from stones etc., and care must still be taken.
Technically, any shoe can be worn for dancing, from trainers and sneakers to hiking boots, but even the best fitting dress shoe will still fall way behind a proper dance shoe. The reason dance shoes work so well is that they are made for purpose, fitting the foot as close to perfectly as a shoe can, but with a sole designed to give the right amount of grip ‘n slip so that every step can be performed with confidence.

If you are using patent leather shoes, then the use of proper cleaning substances is crucial in order to maintain the flexibility of the leather. Without it, the upper will be prone to cracking due to the excessive movement they will be subjected to when dancing.

However, as with most things today, buying dance shoes online is usually the cheapest way to go but there a couple of things to consider. The shoes can often take 8-10 weeks to arrive and they’re not always great quality, so choose your supplier carefully!Where dance shoes really come into their own is with the sole that is used. The nature and purpose of dance shoes is such that they will be usually be unsuitable for general everyday wear. One reason is that many styles use a Nubuck or micro fibre suede sole, often lambskin or other similar ‘soft’ material and, whilst this gives superior performance, it also means they can be very susceptible to damage from stones or sharp objects and are therefore only ever worn in the dance venue. The vast majority of social dancers will be happy to wear other shoes for travelling to and from a venue, and then changing into their dance shoes before taking to the floor. Because so many people do this, there’s no reason to be self-conscious about changing shoes and it quickly becomes an easy habit.If clothes, as Shakespeare contended, make the man, then shoes certainly do make the dancer. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a competing professional or a total beginner, good dance shoes are an absolute necessity if you want to perform to your best and progress as a dancer.The easiest way to keep a suede sole in full dance condition is to invest a few dollars in a wire Shoe Brush. These are very stiff (and rather sharp!) brushes that ‘rough up’ a smooth sole very well with just a few passes of the head. They will also remove most embedded detritus quite easily. Care must be exercised when using a shoe brush, as contact with any part of the shoe other than the sole could result in considerable and permanent damage, such is the nature of the bristles. They will also take the skin off stray fingers quite easily!

Generally speaking, the two ladies’ styles can easily be identified with a quick glance. Latin shoes will usually be open-toed and much more ‘strappy’ than ballroom, which will be much more like a standard court shoe but with a buckle fastener across the top of the foot. What might be a surprise is that heels may have very different heights across any available range. Beginners would be best suited to a slightly lower heel as it can take some time to get used to executing dance steps in even moderately high heels.
As far as necessary accessories go, a shoe brush is essential and heel tips are advisable (and possibly mandatory in some venues or studios). A wide range of other accessories are available, the use of which will depend on your individual circumstances.

One important factor to be aware of when buying ladies Latin dance shoes is the fit. because they are intended to be close fitting, if you have slightly wide feet, some styles may prove uncomfortable. Even similar looking styles by the same manufacturer may have very different widths to the finished shoe, and it’s vital to be as comfortable as possible if you’re going to be dancing for extended periods of time.
Latin shoes usually have a higher heel and raised arches in order to help with toe leads and hip movement. Although the difference is more obvious when comparing ballroom and Latin shoes for ladies, men’s Latin shoes will have a Cuban heel, rather than the lower heel of the kind that you’ll find on everyday or dress shoes.This is why it’s always worth hunting down a specialist supplier within travelling distance, in order to be able to try the shoes before you buy. You’d be amazed how one style may fit perfectly and another might either be so narrow that you can’t get your foot in or so wide that it feels like wearing Wellington boots!

It may sound obvious, but your dance shoes must be fastened properly to make sure that your foot isn’t sliding about inside. Even leaving aside the risk of a turned ankle if your feet aren’t stopping or turning in alignment with your shoes, the constant over-flexing of the sole and uppers can result in separation of the two. For men, it’s as simple as making sure the shoe laces are tied tightly and securely. For ladies, replace ‘laces’ with ‘buckles’ and it’s a similar result, although there is the extra consideration of making sure that the foot is correctly positioned prior to fastening the strap, for both comfort and performance.For men, the time-served method of removing shoes, where the heel of one shoe is anchored down by the toe of the other and the foot is unceremoniously dragged out, should be avoided. Not only could this damage the sole, the heel or the upper, it is also likely to leave unsightly scuffs on the shoe itself.High quality dance shoes aren’t as expensive as you might think. They can be had for well under $200 and can last several years if looked after properly.

Suede also provides exceptional flexibility which may be restricted with other types of sole, and this alone means that taking two minutes to change shoes is well worth the time. There are minor care considerations with suede soles, which we’ll talk about later.Unless you have no intention of dancing Latin routines, then Latin shoes will suit most ladies for both styles. For men, basic ballroom shoes will do the same thing.

For ladies, however, the range of styles can be mind boggling! Look at any specialist dance shoe retail website and you’ll see just how much choice there is. The vast majority of styles are Latin, and this is largely down to them being the preferred choice for social dancers who might own just one or two pairs of dance shoes. Given the impracticalities of changing shoes according to the dance, Latin shoes are a little more versatile than ballroom shoes for ladies, and can be worn just as easily for both types of dance.
Some simple basic rules are not to keep the shoes in any kind of plastic or other non-breathable bag or box because of the damage a damp environment can do to the materials, clean off any foreign substances as soon as possible and think about accessories such as heel protectors. Heels are often the first thing to wear out on many ladies’ shoes that carry even a moderate heel and heel protectors will usually have a suede tip which, once worn out, can easily be replaced.Dance floors come in many shapes, sizes and surface materials and, as a result, can be notoriously fickle things. Not enough grip, too much grip and random sticky spots can all lead to awkward turns or sudden foot-slips, and it’s here that good quality, genuine dance shoes can make all the difference. In both cases, be gentle when putting the shoes on to avoid increased wear and tear on the more susceptible components such as the straps around the toes on ladies’ shoes. Your gorgeous new 2HB Dance Shoes should arrive at your door Australia-wide approx 3-4 weeks. Worldwide shipping will be calculated at checkout and takes approx the same time for delivery. Should your shoes need to be produced, this may take extra time but of course I will keep you informed. Should you require your shoes urgently, please send me a personal email [email protected] to arrange. Some dance floors can be hard on a dancer’s feet, and without them, after hours of rehearsal or on your third weekend of performance, you’d wish you had dance shoes the entire time. The difference between regular and dancing shoes starts with the sole. Street shoes usually have a rubber-like bottom that creates friction on the floor to improve stability. Practically, they are great for everyday activities because of this. As a dancer, this friction and traction are exactly what you don’t want.Normal heels for women often come with complicated straps that require buckling and unbuckling to get them on and off, but most modern dancing footwear has special mechanisms in place to make it much simpler to get the footware on and take them off. The straps are also thicker and more durable, so they won’t snap if the foot bends oddly.

If you want to invest in a long-term pair, be prepared to pay for a more expensive shoe. If you are only looking for a pair that will get you through one performance, then you may be able to get away with spending less on your footwear.
The heels in regular women’s shoes are often thin and flimsy, made more for glamour than for practicality. Dancing shoes are highly functional with strong heels that won’t give in and made with sturdy materials to avoid disasters on the dance floor.The footwear you sport when dancing can directly impact your performance. If you’re still wearing street shoes or loafers, it’s time to change them up and invest in a pair of high-quality footwear made specifically for dancing. The difference is how they fit your foot, how they support it and allow for articulation in your routines, how they move on the dancefloor, and how long you can expect them to last you.

How high are Latin dance shoes?
What Heel Height Should I Choose? A ballroom heel is typically 1”, similar to shoes you would find on the high street. Latin heels are higher at around 1.5” – 2”.
If you want your footwear to last you many rehearsals and performances, it’s best to invest in a pair of dance-specific shoes so they won’t hold you back.

Can you dance in Oxford shoes?
‘Oxford’ is a traditional, full-sole design which is available here in Black Calf. Not only can this style be used as a competitive shoe, but it is also very popular as a social dancing shoe.
As experts in dance accessories, we see just how much they can make a difference by helping dancers stay comfortable while feeling more empowered in their movement.Dancing shoes are designed with flexibility in mind, expecting the wearer to move their body and point their feet as needed. While street shoes are designed with thick, hard soles to protect the feet, dance footwear is thinner and allows for more articulation in the foot. This creates more beautiful lines in dances as you can point, flex, and stomp with ease.