✅ Dance Heels for Beginner Heels Dancers: Quick Dos & Don’ts Checklist
By Burju Perez
For Beginner Heels Dancers Who Wanna Slay, Not Suffer 👠
You are excited to try out heels dancing and have no idea what type of shoes to wear to class. You may see professional dancers wearing all types of shoes while teaching or performing but it is important to remember that a trained dancer has the ankle strength and flexibility to manage the most difficult and impossible of high heels. That doesn't mean it is comfortable or safe. As a beginner the priority is safety and comfort so you can focus on training and having fun. Below are the quick Do's and Don't's on choosing and using your dance heels. At the end we have specific style recommendations to set you off on the right foot (pun intented).
✅ DO: Pick the Right Style
- ✔️ DO choose ankle boots for beginners because they offer max support & stability.
- ✔️ DO look for lace-up or zip + lace boots for a custom glove-like fit.
- ✔️ DO choose open-toe to allow toes to spread for better balance and stability.
- ✔️ DO invest in professional dance heels from a reputable company as soon as you can. Dance shoes are an investment just like point shoes or cleats. All necessary tools to execute the movement safely and correctly.
🚫 DON’T: Use Just Any Fashion Heel
- ❌ DON’T wear mall-brand pumps or street shoes because they aren’t made for dancing.
- ❌ DON’T use open-back heels. No heel counter = no support = injuries.
- ❌ DON’T rely on looks alone. If it’s cute but hurts, it’s not for class.
✅ DO: Match Heel Height to Skill Level
- ✔️ 2.5–3 inch (6.5 to 7.5 cm) for beginners (esp. in strappy heels or for Latin Dance styles).
- ✔️ 3.5–4 inch (8.5 to 10 cm) for advanced beginner to intermediate dancers with strong and flexible ankles.
- ✔️ Max 4.2 inch (11 cm) for advanced dancers only, with proper foot training. Only for short periods of time.
🚫 DON’T: Ignore Heel Height Warnings
- ❌ DON’T wear 4.2 inch (11 cm) heels if your shoe size is very small because the incline angle may be too steep.
- ❌ DON’T wear high heels without warming up. The risk for injury skyrockets.
✅ DO: Choose the Right Heel Type
- ✔️ Stiletto = sleek & technical (go low and supportive if you’re new).
- ✔️ Chunky heel = stable for long practice sessions or injury recovery.
- ✔️ Flared heel = middle ground between sexy and safe.
🚫 DON’T: Use the Heel for Balance
- ❌ DON’T “sit” in your heel. Train to keep weight forward and off the heel.
- ❌ DON’T rely on thick heels forever. Progress to thinner heels to grow your technique.
✅ DO: Know Your Sole
- ✔️ Suede = Mostly used in Latin Dance for spins and studio use only (needs maintenance). Not usually preferred for Heels Dance.
- ✔️ Rubber = for slick surfaces or stage floors (less ideal for turns). Not recommended for Heels Classes. Best for professional dancers that perform on tours/concerts.
- ✔️ Smooth street sole = best all-around option for Heels Dance. Perfect middle ground for flexibility, spinning, and protection for foot.
🚫 DON’T: Ignore Sole Feel
- ❌ DON’T wear shoes without testing the grip or slip. Try spinning on different surfaces.
- ❌ DON’T forget to scuff new street soles on concrete before dancing. This is ideal for wood floor studios
✅ DO: Break Them In Smartly
- ✔️ Wear them around the house to soften the material.
- ✔️ Use socks to stretch them or break them in faster.
- ✔️ Bend the toe box gently before first wear for better foot mobility and contact with floor.
🚫 DON’T: Jump Into Class With Brand New Shoes
- ❌ DON’T take brand new shoes to a 90-minute class. Test them out at home first to make sure you have secured the shoes in a way that is supportive and comfortable. For example tying laces too tight can cause major discomfort.
- ❌ DON’T ignore discomfort. If you are not comfortable walking around your house with the heels for more that 15 minutes, you definitely won't feel good in heels class.
✅ DO: Prioritize Foot Health
- ✔️ Choose snug (not tight) shoes to avoid slipping.
- ✔️ Stretch before and after class to protect arches and calves.
- ✔️ Look for built-in heel counters and steel shanks for stability.
🚫 DON’T: Ignore the Science
- ❌ DON’T forget: Every 1” of heel height = 25% more forefoot pressure.
- ❌ DON’T size based on your street shoes only. Dance shoes fit differently and sizing recommendations should always be followed and will vary by style.
Here are the top shoe styles for beginner Heels Dancers:
#1 Sierra
Shown here in black vegan leather with mesh (most popular), but available in many other colors. The heel height is 4.2 but we recommend a 3.5 inch (8.5 cm) for beginners.
✅ Ankle boot for maximum support.
✅ Laces up for customizable fit.
✅ Zipper for ease of putting on and taking off.
✅ Open toe to allow for toes to spread for stability and balance.
✅ Closed back with heel counter for foot stability.
✅ Smooth street sole ideal for Heels classes in dance studios.
✅ Steel shank for support under arch.
✅ Flexible toe box to make movement easy and comfortable.
✅ Thick memory foam padding for comfort and to alleviate pressure on balls of foot.
✅ Heel position under heel bone for maximum stability and comfort.
✅ Customizations available when ordering to personalize your heels.
✅ AVAILABLE IN WIDE FOOT WIDTH OPTIONS
Important info about sizing: Dance heels, specifically ankle boots do run snug. It is generally recommended to go a half size up from your street size in ankle boots because they will be more comfortable from the beginning and will require little to no breaking in. Because ankle boots are more supportive, and due to the laces, you will still feel completely secure in your heel while allowing your toes more room to spread for stability. This will also give you room to wear socks if you choose to.
Customer Reviews for Sierra:
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Samantha N. - Worth the money. I LOVE these heels. I've worn them to a couple heel classes so far and they are comfortable to wear, provide my ankles the support they need, and are so sexy! Since I’m a beginner, I went with a 3.5 inch heel and I think that was the right choice for me. I love that I can adjust the laces to make the heels fit just right.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Asia P. - Very comfortable. Glad I made this purchase. Taking a beginners heels class and these make it so much more better to wear and dance in.
I am just a girl that likes to dance in her kitchen. I had been trying to dance in some cheap pointed toe boots that made me feel really unsteady. Decided to bite the bullet and get a pair of dance heels and I am so glad I did! I feel like these are the types of shoes that you can just put on and go! I ordered the 3 inch heel to start and feel like it is perfect for beginners. I have already ordered two other pairs, but don't tell my hubby ;-)
Shop Sierra Boot HERE.
Shown here black vegan suede (most popular), but available in other colors. The heel height is 4 but we recommend a 3.5 inch (8.5 cm) for beginners.
- Material does not scuff easily because the vegan suede material does not create friction with the floor when sliding around and doing footwork.
- While it is a sturdy material it is also more flexible making it comfortable for your ankle to have mobility while still feeling completely secure.
✅ Laces up for customizable fit.
✅ Zipper for ease of putting on and taking off.
✅ Open toe to allow for toes to spread for stability and balance.
✅ Closed back with heel counter for foot stability.
✅ Smooth street sole ideal for Heels classes in dance studios.
✅ Steel shank for support under arch.
✅ Flexible toe box to make movement easy and comfortable.
✅ Thick memory foam padding for comfort and to alleviate pressure on balls of foot.
✅ Heel position under heel bone for maximum stability and comfort.
✅ Customizations available when ordering to personalize your heels.
✅ AVAILABLE IN WIDE FOOT WIDTH OPTIONS
Important info about sizing: Dance heels, specifically ankle boots do run snug. It is generally recommended to go a half size up from your street size in ankle boots because they will be more comfortable from the beginning and will require little to no breaking in. Because ankle boots are more supportive, and due to the laces, you will still feel completely secure in your heel while allowing your toes more room to spread for stability. This will also give you room to wear socks if you choose to.
Customer Reviews for Sierralynn:
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Emma - I almost bought a cheap knock-off brand from Amazon, but I'm so glad I went with these. They cost more, but they are extremely comfortable and well-made!
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Sabrina B. - Great Shoes for beginners! These were a great transition from my 2.5 inch heels! Great ankle support and very comfortable, I sized up because my feet are wider but the tie up makes it easy to adjust. Light and flexible enough to move freely but supportive enough to feel confident that ankles won’t roll while dancing haha.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Elise C. - Great first pair! For my first pair of Burjus, these were an excellent choice. I just started dancing again after 25 years and invested in these and I love the support and comfort of these shoes. I have a severe ankle injury from many years ago that required multiple surgeries and my ankle feels supported thru movement’s.
Shop Sierralynn Boot HERE.
#3 Jezabel
Shown here black vegan textured leather and double mesh layers. The heel height is 4.2 but we recommend a 3.5 inch (8.5 cm) for beginners.
✅ Laces up for customizable fit.
✅ Zipper for ease of putting on and taking off.
✅ Open toe to allow for toes to spread for stability and balance.
✅ Closed back with heel counter for foot stability.
✅ Smooth street sole ideal for Heels classes in dance studios.
✅ Steel shank for support under arch.
✅ Flexible toe box to make movement easy and comfortable.
✅ Thick memory foam padding for comfort and to alleviate pressure on balls of foot.
✅ Heel position under heel bone for maximum stability and comfort.
✅ Customizations available when ordering to personalize your heels.
Important info about sizing: Dance heels, specifically ankle boots do run snug. It is generally recommended to go a half size up from your street size in ankle boots because they will be more comfortable from the beginning and will require little to no breaking in. Because ankle boots are more supportive, and due to the laces, you will still feel completely secure in your heel while allowing your toes more room to spread for stability. This will also give you room to wear socks if you choose to.
Customer Reviews for Jezabel:
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Denicha E. - In love! These were my first pair of Burju and now I own 3 pairs! So sturdy, stylish, and comfortable! My feet never hurt!
#4 Moment (new versions Koda and Cora being released August 2025)
Shown here black vegan leather (most popular), but available a dark nude. The heel height is 4.2 but we recommend a 3.5 inch (8.5 cm) for beginners.
✅ Laces up for customizable fit.
✅ Zipper for ease of putting on and taking off.
✅ Open toe to allow for toes to spread for stability and balance.
✅ Closed back with heel counter for foot stability.
✅ Smooth street sole ideal for Heels classes in dance studios.
✅ Steel shank for support under arch.
✅ Flexible toe box to make movement easy and comfortable.
✅ Thick memory foam padding for comfort and to alleviate pressure on balls of foot.
✅ Heel position under heel bone for maximum stability and comfort.
✅ Customizations available when ordering to personalize your heels.
Important info about sizing: Dance heels, specifically ankle boots do run snug. It is generally recommended to go a half size up from your street size in ankle boots because they will be more comfortable from the beginning and will require little to no breaking in. Because ankle boots are more supportive, and due to the laces, you will still feel completely secure in your heel while allowing your toes more room to spread for stability. This will also give you room to wear socks if you choose to.
Customer Reviews for Moment:
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Nicole - Sooooo comfy! heels shipped so fast just in time for my next heels class! i’m usually a 6.5 but i sized up to a 7 and it’s a perfect fit! love that the laces can easily be tightened some ankle support. it’s also so comfortable and light! so excited to wear these to class :))
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Sarah - My go to for teaching and performing! Love these heels! I purchased them in black and they have held up super well to me teaching and performing in them over the past two years. Finally needed to replace them and ended up ordering the exact same shoe again.
This is my first pair of Burjus shoes and I originally bought it for a Halloween costume. I am now obsessed with them, not only are they sexy, they are so comfortable! Especially for someone with size 5 feet, I always have pain in the pads of my feet, but not with these. Will be ordering more styles & colors!
Various styles that have all the same elements as the above styles but vary in aesthetic to match your vibe. All these styles are highly recommended for beginner heels dancers when ordered in a 3.5 inch (8.5 cm) heel.
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