What do you consider the most important aspects of dancing events, whether in weekly lessons or seasonal competitions? From your hair style to your demeanor to your extravagant outfit, it’s certainly important to get everything right. However, finding the right rules and regulations for each dance category can be tricky, especially when it comes to picking your shoes.
That’s where we come in. Thanks to this handy guide, you’ll learn the best shoes for each dance category so you can perform confidently with a smile. Read on for more!
1. Ballroom
Unlike other dance shoe styles, Ballroom shoes need to be tight and well-fitted to your unique foot. With a day-to-day shoe fit, we may want to give ourselves ample shoe space for better comfort and walkability. Interestingly, it’s the opposite for Ballroom shoes. These may be shorter and narrower than your everyday shoes, and you’ll notice they have little room for excess space inside. But don’t worry - Ballroom shoes are made to stretch after a few wears, and any initial discomfort will dissipate as you get your groove on.
Women’s Ballroom
Starting with heel size, you can choose from 2”, 2.5”, or 3” in Contour, or 2” in Flare. The fitting sizes range from Extra Narrow to Regular up to Wide and Extra Wide, depending on your foot shape. As for the overall size of the shoe itself, you can find options on our site from size 2 up to size 8 - half sizes included!
Men’s Ballroom
For men’s Ballroom options, there’s only one choice for heel size following common practice - standard at 1” curved. Similarly, the fitting option is fixed at Regular. But when it comes to overall shoe size, the range extends from 6 to 12, inclusive of half sizes for the perfect fit.
2. Latin
The fit of a Latin shoe is all about comfort, extending to heel height as well as padding options. You should choose carefully to ensure the least chance of potentially sore feet. After all, when attending events, you have to look your best in order to feel your best - and that won’t work if you’ve got uncomfortable shoes!
Women’s Latin
For women’s Latin shoes, you’ll find heel options ranging from 2.5” to 3” in both SD and Stiletto styles. The fit is set to Regular which, as an industry standard, is slimmer with a higher arch, and the overall shoe size ranges from 2 to 8, inclusive of half sizes.
Men’s Latin
As for men’s Latin shoes, the heel is set at 1.5” and has a standard Regular fit for maximum comfort. The overall shoe size ranges from 6 to 12 with half sizes included to ensure the perfect fit.
3. Practice
We all know practice makes perfect, and that means going over steps often. Because of this, a practice shoe may be easier on your feet and help you prepare for upcoming exams. Practice shoes tend to have lower and wider heels for maximum comfort over long periods.
Women’s Practice
Given the strong emphasis on comfort, Practice dance shoes unsurprisingly have one heel option: 1.5”. Even better? They have a Latin cushioned finish. This fit is standard at Regular, and the overall shoe size ranges from 6 to 12 with half sizes in between.
Men’s Practice
Men’s Practice shoes offer similar stats as women’s, with a 1” heel, a Regular fit, and standard sizes 6 through 12 with included half sizes.
4. Crystal
Crystal dance shoes are all about glamour, attention, and sparkle, worn for a variety of dance categories! We especially love the comfort of mesh inserts to keep you on your toes.
5. Social Styles
Social dance shoes are designed for hobby dancers. With this in mind, the fit is all about comfort so you can dance the night away without having to sacrifice style!
6. Line Dance
Line dancing shoes need to support three areas: ankles, heels, and knees. Ensuring your shoes are as comfortable as possible is key! Additionally, choosing shoes with smooth leather out-soles is ideal for sliding across that dancefloor with ease.
7. Children’s Dance
Dance shoes for children need to be both durable and resilient. While kids are still learning their personal style preferences, it’s best to go for an entry-level shoe that’s ready for intensive wear. This fit needs to be comfortable enough that it doesn’t detract from your child’s enjoyment for dancing. They may even be used in a competition or two!
Girl’s Dance
As mentioned in the section about Girl’s Club shoes, you’ll find a repeated regulation height for children’s heels to ensure proper balance and flexibility. Likewise, dancers have comfort in mind here, as the fit is standard as Regular, and the sizes are 1 to 7, and 12 to 13 with the half sizes in between.
Boy’s Dance
Comfort is number one for young boys who have taken up dancing, so heel height on boys dancing shoes is a low 1”, while the fit is specified to ‘Boys.’ The sizing goes from 1 to 5.5 and 12 to 13.5 with all half sizes to ensure proper fit for your little dancer.
Need Help Choosing New Dance Shoes? Get in Touch!
This article outlines basic guidelines to help you purchase the perfect pair of dance shoes for you and your children. With so many dance styles, we hope we’ve simplified the process for finding your perfect fit. And of course, we know questions may arise, so here at Supadance, we’re here to help with any dance shoe-related questions you may have. Get in touch and happy dancing!