Whether you're on the dance floor of your local club, at a competition, or simply within your own home, the shoes you wear can often make or break your dance moves.
With so many styles available, often with different purposes, it can be confusing when you’re trying on a new pair — which is why we've put together this ultimate guide to help you make the right choice when shopping for the best men's dance shoes.
Types of Men’s Dance Shoes
You’ll find there is a wide variety of styles, many of which correspond to a unique form of dancing, whether ballroom, Latin, club, or practising.
Ballroom
There will be no surprise that men’s ballroom shoes are explicitly for ballroom dancing. The category includes a host of different dances, including the foxtrot, tango, quickstep, and waltz.
Ballroom designs typically come in patent, leather or suede. However, all include a specially designed sole that helps the dancer grip the floor better.
Latin
While similar to a ballroom shoe in some ways, a men’s Latin dance shoe typically comes with a Cuban heel. This style has an extended height of 1.5 to 2 inches, which helps to give an elongated profile for the dancer’s legs. You can also choose between having a full or a split sole. The split sole will give you more flexibility while pointing your feet.
Latin dance shoes are suitable for various dances, including samba, cha cha, rumba, jive, paso doble, salsa, mambo, merengue, bachata, and more.
Club
Men’s dance club shoes are perfect for a night out. Similar in style to ballroom shoes, men’s shoes for club dance settings have a lower heel and durable material that makes them perfect for dancing the night away.
You can find various styles and polishes so that you can look sharp even after hours on the dancefloor.
Practice
Men’s practice shoes are an absolute must when putting in hours of training. They typically come with a lower heel and lots of different, flexible and breathable materials for an upper.
What to Consider When Choosing Men’s Dance Shoes
If you're in the market for a new pair, there are many factors to consider. With a wide variety of styles, this is one choice where it pays to take some time over.
Dancing Style
Before making a purchase, it's essential to be clear on what kind of dancing you'll be using the shoes for and how often.
If you want to explore the different dances associated with the Latin style, there's nothing wrong with purchasing a pair of Latins, but they may not be necessary for ballroom dancing.
Experience
It's also worth bearing in mind your level of experience. Anybody who has ever put on a pair of Latin shoes with a Cuban heel will testify that the first dance with them can take some getting used to.
Fit
Getting the right fit is vital for your dancing. Ideally, your shoe should fit like a glove without pinching the foot or cramping the toes. Supadance offers regular, wide and extra wide fittings to ensure a perfect fit.
Aesthetic
The final point is to choose a pair with the right look. It might come down to individual preference but may also need to fit with your dance costume or that of your partner.
Traditional ballroom and Latin shoes tend to come in black, but you have plenty of other options available should you wish to choose something a little more colourful.
Final Thoughts — Where Can I Buy Men’s Dance Shoes?
Now that you have all of the information, we hope you're ready to make that all-important purchase.
At Supadance, we offer a wide variety of men's dance shoes suitable for every taste and need. Whether you're looking to Tango the night away or dance your way through the Rumba, we are the company with over 60 years' worth of experience in designing and manufacturing the very best dance shoes available.