The world of men's dance shoes can be a little daunting, especially if you are brand new to it. Most product descriptions will tell you all about split soles and suede soles, but what do you actually need to look for in a decent pair?
Male dancers have to consider factors like heel height and dancing style. Latin shoes require a higher heel than ballroom ones. Materials like nubuck, patent leather, and suede have different appeals and give.
If you're unsure where to start, don't worry — we've got you covered.
Our reviews walk you through nine dance shoes (three from each style!) you can put your trust in, followed by tips to help you make an informed purchase. By the end, you'll feel confident stepping into your first pair. Let's jump in!
Men's Ballroom Dance Shoes
Men’s ballroom dancing demands elegance and smooth motions. Here are the best styles of men’s shoes for ballroom dancing in 2023.
Style 8508 - Black Patent/Suede
First on our list of ballroom recommendations is Style 8508, available in both black patent and suede. The patent material provides that classic, eye-catching sheen that ballroom is known for, whereas the suede achieves a more subtle, chic aesthetic.
Regardless of which material you opt for, these shoes are designed with comfort and performance in mind, allowing you to achieve your greatest performance every time.
Style 8507 - Black Patent Leather/Black Leather
These shoes take comfort to the next level with their patented Extra Soft SupaFlexi design. Travel across the dancefloor with minimal difficulty each and every time, even when completing the most complex ballroom moves.
The collared back and 1" curved heel gives you everything you need for precise execution and delivery, with a split sole for maximum flexibility.
Style 8510 - Black Suede
Last from our ballroom recommendations, we have the classic suede variety. Beyond carrying the elegant appearance necessary for ballroom, these shoes also feature a unique curved heel with a cushioned centre. It helps to distribute your weight with heel leads better, so you can always perform strongly.
Men's Latin Dance Shoes
Latin dance requires sharper and swifter execution than ballroom, so the shoes often feature a higher heel. Here are the top choices for men’s Latin dance styles for 2023.
Style 8500 - Black Leather
Latin dance shoes require precision and flexibility, and that is precisely what Style 8500 provides. The 1½" Latin cushioned heel will provide expert execution while still remaining comfortable, even during the fastest routines.
The extra soft black leather is especially designed to minimize the risk of injury from prolonged use, so you will be prepared for even the most rigorous routines.
Style 8526 -Sports Mesh
If you’re looking for the perfect practice shoes for your Latin routines, you have just found them with Style 8526. Crafted from highly breathable sports mesh, these shoes are soft, flexible, and stylish all wrapped up into one.
The split sole allows you to execute demanding moves with ease, while the 1½" heel gives you the precision you need for some swift footwork, all in preparation for your performance out on the floor.
Style 5400 - Black Canvas Latin
The flexibility of your shoes is of the utmost importance when performing fast pace Latin dance routines, that’s why we created our brand new canvas material that is both flexible and durable.The split sole on this model adds to its flexibility whilst the impact absorbing latin cushioned heel means you can bounce around the dancefloor knowing your feet are supported and comfortable, making those hours of dancing fly by!
Men's Club Dance Shoes
Here are the best of our entry level 'club' shoesclub dance shoes for men in 2023.
Style 7500 - Black Nubuck
If you aren't already familiar, nubuck is a form of leather often compared to suede, though it is frequently more durable as it comes from thetop grain of the hide. This material can withstand frequent use and should last a long time with these durable shoes, you can do just that.
Style 7500 - Black Leather
We also have these entry-level black leather dance shoes for something a little more classic. Highly durable and comfortable, these shoes will give you full licence to express yourself on the dance floor without fear of injury. The low heel and full suede sole provides the support for excellent travel across the floor, with minimal stress placed on your ankle. Whether buying your first pair or simply looking for a replacement, these are a great choice.
Style 7500 - Black Patent
Club dance is all about fun and expression, and these black patent shoes achieve that perfectly, featuring a low heel and suede sole. The shined black patent keeps you looking sharp, while the suede sole gives you the grip you need to travel the floor without fear of slipping. These are great entry-level shoes for any aspiring club dancer.
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Men's Dance Shoes
Now we have walked you through some of our recommendations, let's get into some specifics. There are numerous things to look for when purchasing the best men's dance shoes, but to keep things simple, we have broken them down into four distinct categories:
Comfort
With dancing shoes, comfort is everything. Whether you are dancing recreationally or professionally, you will be wearing these shoes for hours at a time. The last thing you want is for them to cause you any kind of discomfort.
Before investing in any kind of dance shoe, make sure that it's a comfortable fit. This can be a little tricky to make sure of when purchasing, but there are some tricks you can utilise.
The first is to try on shoes in the evening, as your feetexpand throughout the day. If you try to purchase a pair first thing in the morning, you might find them entirely too small earlier in the morning.
Style
Not all men's dance shoes are the same, though it can be easy to fall into the trap of believing they do. Unlike women's dance shoes, men's dance shoes all tend to look pretty similar, but they can vary significantly!
As you can tell from our list of styles above, men's dance shoes are just as diverse as women's, and you need to pay attention to these nuances. Even if you only intend to dance recreationally, these differences matter. They change how you travel across the floor and execute particular moves.
Whether you intend to dance club, Latin, or ballroom, always pay attention to the kind of shoe you're investing in and the style of dancing you will perform.
Materials
The materials define how durable and comfortable your dance shoes will be. As we already mentioned when we discussed comfort, you will be using these shoes for hours at a time! It means you need to invest in the proper materials.
The best dance shoes for men will come in leather, nubuck, patent, or suede. These are all durable, breathable materials that can take your performance to the next level without degrading too quickly.
Don't compromise on materials, or you might have to replace your shoes within a very short timeframe.
Price
Expensive doesn't always mean better, but at the same time, a good deal isn't always your best bet. Try to follow the advice as much as you possibly can. Meaning: read professional and customer reviews before purchasing any pair of shoes.
Highly-priced shoes don't immediately make them excellent. You may just be paying for the brand or the prestige surrounding those shoes, which might not suit your needs!
Similarly, if you find a great deal on a pair of shoes, you might have just found a scam. Don't try to find the cheapest pair on the market, or you will only have to purchase another pair in a few months.
Invest in quality, and you will save a lot of money in the long term.
Shop Supdadance Today!
Now you are an expert on all things men's dance shoes, it's time to invest in the right pair. At Supadance, we provide only the highest quality stock for our customers, ensuring your satisfaction every time.
Browse our full selection of dance shoes for men today and find a pair of dance shoes to fall in love with. You won't be disappointed!