8 Things to Consider When Buying Your First Dance Shoe

Aside from a professional instructor, the one essential thing you need to help you to become a great dancer is a good pair of shoes. It may seem like an easy decision to make, but when you get around to choosing a pair of dance shoes, you’ll find there are several things you need to consider. So, before you embark on the inspiring journey to become a fine dancer, take some time to look through different options before buying a pair or two of sturdy, dependable dance shoes. After all, they’re going to accompany you on every step of the journey. To help you make this vital decision, here are eight things to consider when you’re buying your first dance shoes.

The Fit Matters The Most

Shoes that fit well make it easier for you to focus on footwork without worrying about whether your shoes will slip off your feet or trip you over. Ideally, a good pair of dance shoes should fit snugly like a glove, but should not be so tight that they rub your feet the wrong way. A little bit of pressure is acceptable because it’ll be gone once you’ve broken the shoes in. But going less than half or one size down may not be advisable because they’ll remain tight even after you’ve danced in them for a considerable period.

Consider The Material Used

Leather and satin are the materials that are most commonly used in making dance shoes. Each category comes with its own benefits and drawbacks, and what works for you depends largely on what you’re looking for. Leather, for instance, is more breathable and stretches better, while satin fits more snugly. Satin shoes can also be dyed in any color, meaning you can easily find a pair that matches your dress. This is why satin shoes are often preferred for competitions because they can be made in the color of flesh, visibly lengthening your leg line. Growing in popularity is a man-made or vegan leather which gives a lot of the same benefits of real leather and come in more variety of colors and patterns.

Choose Between Open And Closed-Toe Shoes

The style of dance you seek to learn typically influences your choice. For dance forms like salsa, swing, and rumba, which require sharper articulation of the feet and pointy toes, you’re better off using open toe shoes because it’s easier to point your toes in them. For dances requiring smoother footwork, like the foxtrot and the waltz, closed toe shoes fit better as they help you execute controlled steps. If you’re a beginner and you aren’t focusing on one specific dance form yet, you can choose either of these, although closed-toe shoes keep your toes a little safer.

Get Heels Of A Comfortable Height

Even if you're used to walking in high heels, remember, dancing in them is a different ballgame altogether. The commonly accepted height for Latin and ballroom dances ranges between 2.5 to 3.5 inches. If you’re a beginner, and if you aren’t used to wearing high heels, it’s best to start off with shoes that sport a smaller heel. Comfort is of utmost importance, and you can upgrade to a pair with taller heels after you get accustomed to dancing in these shoes. Also, choose a flared heel as opposed to a slim one, if you need more stability.

Pick Shoes With The Right Kind Of Soles

Ballrooms and dance studios typically have smooth and polished dance floors. So, dance shoes are generally made using suede or suede-like materials for the soles. Suede balances the amount of slip and grip, allowing you to slide smoothly across the floor without slipping. To maintain the traction on the suede, it’s advisable to brush the soles with a wire dance shoe brush regularly. Some shoes sport street soles. which can be worn on and off the dance floor. Street soles are becoming wildly more popular for social dancers as they don’t need to change their shoes when they go to the club. They also don’t require the maintenance that suede soles do.

Check The Sizing And Account For The Conversion Factors

If you’re buying your dance shoes online, remember that many of them are manufactured overseas. So, look up the size chart and check if the system used to mark the sizes is European or American. Convert the sizes appropriately if you’re buying from a manufacturer or seller who uses a different system. Sometimes, brands use their own system of measurements. So, before you go ahead and purchase a pair online, or even in a store, it’s advisable to take a quick look at the size chart and verify that you’re picking a pair that’ll fit you well.

Keep In Mind That Dance Shoes Are An Investment

You can get dance shoes for as low as $80. But as with most other consumer products, affordability is inversely proportional to the quality. Fortunately, you can strike a balance and get a great pair of dance shoes at prices ranging between $130 and $170. It pays to remember that buying a good pair of shoes for your dance lessons is less of an expense and more of an investment. Nevertheless, keep in mind that high-end dance shoes cost as much as $300, and it’s best to get these once you’ve mastered your dance form to a certain extent.

Remember That Maintenance Is An Art In Itself

Sizing, fit, height, and price are important things to consider, of course. But it’s also vital to remember that maintenance is what comes after you get yourself the right pair of dance shoes. It’s necessary to take good care of your pair because dancing on a regular basis can easily wear your shoes out. If possible, get yourself two pairs of shoes, so you can use them alternately and let one pair dry completely while you use the other one. Store your shoes in a separate bag, and finally, never use suede soles outside of the dance floor, because the soles can easily be damaged.

Burju Shoes

If it seems like there are several things to consider, and if it’s overwhelming at the moment, it’s best to contact the team at Burju Shoes. Our professionals are always happy to help you find that perfect pair of dance shoes.