Finding the perfect dance shoes can feel pretty daunting. A new pair usually feels slightly snug and can even cause blisters. But how do you know when the shoes you’ve purchased just need a bit of time breaking in and when you’ve bought the wrong fit?
It’s a great question, and there are additional questions you can ask yourself to help make the right purchase. We’ve broken down the most important considerations right here in this guide. Read on for what you need to know to ensure your dance shoes fit perfectly.
4 Questions to Ask Before Buying New Dance Shoes
1. Do These Shoes Fit the Intended Dance Style?
Different dance styles require different shoes. For example, ballroom shoes have a formal look and emphasise specific movements on the dance floor, while Latin dance shoes have a higher heel to elongate the dancer’s profile.
If you want to find the most effective dance shoes, you need to match them to your intended style, which will impact material, heel height, and more.
2. Are They the Right Size?
Most people know their foot length regarding shoe size, but not everyone knows their foot width.
People’s feet have varying widths, and there isn’t a standardised system that manufacturers follow for shoe width. You might have one shoemaker who creates narrow shoes and another making wide ones.
No matter what style you choose or how reputable the brand you purchase from is, comfort should be your highest priority. After all, you will likely be wearing them for hours. Size is critical for comfort.
It’s best to seek a professional fitting to make sure you know your foot size for length and width. That way, you can ensure you are shopping for the correct size.
3. Is the Heel Too High?
A commonsource of discomfort in dance shoes for both men and women is an inappropriate heel height. If it's too high, it will put too much pressure on the sole of your foot and can potentially cause significant discomfort or an incorrect gait.
High heels may also hinder your movement as you try to move across the dance floor. Flared heels often provide more comfort than pointed ones as they spread the pressure across a greater surface area. Try out different heel heights and styles before committing to one.
4. Should I Buy Open or Closed Toe Shoes?
This toe-style largely depends on the style of dance you intend to do. Dance that requires pointed toes, such as salsa or swing, often benefits from open-toe styles as it's easier to control your foot.
Dances that demand more smooth footwork, such as a waltz or Foxtrot, benefit from closed-toe shoes. The cut allows for more deliberate movement.
While this may sound more stylistic than comfort-related, it all plays a role in how your shoe will ultimately fit.
3 Things to Remember After Buying New Dances Shoes to Make Sure It Fits Perfectly
It isn't just the initial purchase that matters, but what happens afterwards. Making the right choice is only valuable if you know what to expect from that point forward. Here are three key factors you should understand.
1. They May Take Time to Break-In
Even the most comfortable shoes may need some time to mould to the shape of your foot. The more you perform in them, the more comfortable they should become.
Remember, however, that deeply uncomfortable shoes will likely never become the right fit. A little discomfort is normal, but if your feet are actually in pain, you shouldn't be wearing them.
2. Your Feet Expand Throughout the Day
Your feetswell as the day goes on, especially if you spend a lot of time on them. The swelling will change how your feet feel in the evening compared to the morning, though only subtly.
If you find that your shoes seem to fit differently at the start of the day versus the end, don't worry, it's entirely normal. However, if they become too uncomfortable or are snug before you dance in them, you haven't purchased the correct fit.
3. Maintenance Is Key
Finding the perfect fit is essential, but it won't mean anything if you don't take proper care of your dance shoes.
Store them appropriately, preferably in the box they came in, and brush them down after performances. If you dance frequently, it may be worth investing in two pairs that you can swap to keep them both lasting longer.
Conclusion
Finding the perfect shoes can be difficult, but it is worth it. They undergo a lot of wear and tear, whether you use them recreationally or professionally. But invest in the perfect pair from the beginning, and you can save yourself a lot of discomfort and money.
Looking for some of the best dance shoes that fit correctly and feel good after a long practice day? Shop Supadance shoes for ballroom and Latin dance shoes.