Been wondering what a Cuban heel is? You've come to the right place.
A Cuban heel is a sturdy style of footwear that characteristically features a heel that grows narrower toward the bottom. It also is known for the heel's front-facing portion having a flat, straight edge paired with a slight curve along the back. A staple in Latin ballroom dancing and flamenco dancing, these supportive women's heels are a great addition to your shoe collection - especially when making quick movements!
Below we'll cover everything from the origins of the Cuban heel to its benefits in the ballroom!
Origins of the Cuban Heel
The Cuban heel traces back to the early 1900s. It was popularised via the salsa and the rumba, typically utilised as a men's shoe. Eventually, it gave way to popularity as a shoe for female dancers - a hot trend you'll still find on the dance floor.
Today, you'll find the Cuban heel as a thicker, shorter, and sturdier ladies' heel; it's a popular choice for the salsa, rumba, and beyond.
The heel dates back to as early as the 9th century, featuring on ceramic bowls with images of Mongolian horse riders. This was primarily utilised as a method of remaining stable during horseback riding. Even today, many cowboy and horse riding boots feature similar heels to assist the rider in keeping their feet in the stirrups. Symbolising the elite, and conveying images of social power - this is a powerful style!
Like most heel varieties, the Cuban heel began as a men's heel, making its way in and out of fashion to what we see today - a powerful contender on the dance floor.
Cuban Heels in Modern Ballroom Dancing
This footwear style is popular in Latin forms of ballroom dancing, including the Samba, the Cha-Cha-Cha, and the Rumba. Those styles tend to be performed with the dancer sporting moderately high heels, making this shoe style an excellent choice for these dances.
Cuban heels are so prevalent in these styles of ballroom dancing because a standard dance shoe often sports just a 1-inch heel. This style's wide and sturdy heel offers increased and essential support to a woman while dancing. Indeed, this style can provide a more stable option for long hours of practice or social dancing. It's also a perfect choice for those concerned about maintaining their balance on the dance floor due to their skill level, age, or other factors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Size Heel Is a Cuban Heel?
These shoes are around 1.5 to 2 inches tall, compared to most standard dance shoes' standard 1-inch tall option. Cuban heels are preferable for Latin forms of dance.
What Do Cuban Heels Look Like?
This shoe style features a medium-high heel that becomes more narrow towards the bottom. The front-facing portion of the heel has a straight and flat edge, while the back is slightly curved - providing a sturdy base for quick movements.
Where Did the Term Cuban Heel Come From?
Also known as “Latin Heels," this footwear got its name because it originated primarily from Cuba in the early 1900s and resulted from the Latin dance movement that was so popular across the globe.
Shop Supadance to Find the Perfect Cuban Heel Dance Shoe!
Have you been interested in taking up some Latin-style forms of ballroom dancing? As you can see, there are many reasons why this style of footwear is famous for dancers of these forms.
For style and better balance while still getting the right height, shop our selection of women’s dance shoes to find the perfect addition to your closet! Have questions about Cuban heels or whether this shoe style suits your needs? Get in touch with us, and we'll be happy to help!