Tips for Choosing the Best Ballroom or Latin Shoe
There is a wide variety of Ballroom and Latin dance shoe brands on the market, and not all of them meet the same standard of quality. A well-designed dance shoe plays a vital role in both comfort and performance, and there are several key features that set good shoes apart from poor ones.
Ballroom and Latin dance shoes are built with specialist technology that supports the dancer. High quality shoes are flexible enough to allow freedom of movement, yet supportive enough to protect the foot during extended use. A well-structured shoe should fit the foot closely, almost like a second skin to help the dancer feel connected to the floor.
The sole is another important factor: suede soles are used as they provide the right level of grip and slide for smooth, controlled movement. Design and style also matter, not only for appearance but for functionality. For example, the positioning of straps and heel shape can affect both stability and posture.
For social dancers, a versatile option is often the most practical choice. Many shoes are designed to work well for both Ballroom and Latin, reducing the need to change shoes between styles. This makes them ideal for socials practice sessions and events where a dancer may be switching between genres throughout the evening. Just slip them on and focus on what really matters, enjoying your dancing!
Reputable Ballroom & Latin Dance Shoe Brands
Ray Rose - great competitive, social and practice shoes. Look for their Sapphire range (blue label) for shoes designed for the social dancer.
International Dance Shoes - great competitive and practice shoes.
Supadance - great competitive, social and practice shoes
DSI - great competitive shoes
Freed - great competitive and social shoes
All these brands should give you fantastic quality however that quality does come at a price (read to the end for how to help this expense).
Girls Juvenile Dance Shoe
From FREED
Boys Juvenile Dance Shoe
By FREED
Teacher/Practice Shoes
Teacher Shoes or Practice Shoes are a great option sought by many for those who find less comfort in your average shoe. They provide a lot of extra stability and comfort and are designed for long periods of dancing (but they can certainly be used even if you’re only dancing a few times a week).
Practice Shoe from Ray Rose
I have no doubt that you will be able to find many cheaper dance shoes on sites such as Amazon and these shoes will work well enough for the short term. Especially if you’re only just getting into dancing and want to watch your wallet…but a fantastic long term option will be one of the above brands.
Cut the cost of your top-quality shoes!
Also good to note to all of Starlight Daning’s dancers, you can get 20% off non-discounted shoes when shopping at Ray Rose using our discount code. Speak to us to find out what that discount code is!
