Why is it worth investing in dance shoes?
You are just starting your adventure with ballroom dancing and you wonder why invest in ballroom shoes at all, when your favorite sneakers that you wear every day are so comfortable? It's easy!
A rubber sole in combination with a wooden parquet floor can be a serious barrier to spectacular movements. After all, such a sole is designed for high grip and works mainly in sports.
Sneakers or sneakers will not only inhibit your movements, but they can also be very dangerous for your ankles, knees and hips, e.g. when performing rotations. What's more, shoes for everyday wear are noticeably heavier than their counterparts intended for dancers.
If you care about smooth, unrestricted steps, be sure to invest in shoes designed specifically for dancing. If your budget currently does not allow it, you can temporarily replace them with shoes with leather soles.
What are the dance shoes?
There are several factors that make dance shoes different from everyday shoes. Be sure to check what to pay attention to.
#1 Sole material
The main aspect that distinguishes dance shoes from other footwear is the sole, thanks to which the dancer or dancer can perform movements with appropriate grace. In general, for dance shoes, soles made of leather or suede are the most popular.
The first of these are valid for at Argentinian tango, while the other pass the test during ballroom dancing. The suede in the sole area will not only provide you with the right slide, but also allow you to safely maintain the figure you have made.
#2 Heel height
Even if you are great at walking in sky-high heels, dancing in such shoes can be quite a challenge for you. Remember that there is a huge difference between the heel height in which you move every day and the one in which you dance. After all, many steps are taken backwards.
To prevent falls and painful injuries, start with low-heeled shoes. Over time, as you gain confidence and progress in your studies, you may decide to upgrade your shoes to higher ones.
Some dance shoes have an adjustable heel height. This solution is perfect for beginners who do not want to spend a fortune and prefer to avoid disappointment.
#3 Perfect fit
In addition to the material from which the sole is made and the height of the heel, the perfect fit of the dance shoes is equally important. Many dancers believe that this factor is even more important than in the case of shoes worn every day.
Shoes that are too small can prevent your feet from moving freely. On the other hand, in the case of shoes that are too big, it will be easier for you to lose balance, stumble and get a painful injury.
Look for shoes where your toes can move freely while your foot stays in place. It is said that in the case of ballroom dancing, the shoe is a kind of extension of the legs!
The right fit will allow you to move gracefully on the dance floor, and focus on the music and your partner, not on the discomfort in your feet.
What else should you look for when buying ballroom dancing shoes?
Among the shoes for ballroom dancing, you can find both closed and open toes. The first of them will protect your fingers from abrasions and wounds. On the other hand, open shoes will help you to emphasize individual dance steps more clearly.
When choosing shoes for ballroom dancing, pay attention to what material they are made of. If you care about the maximum fit to your feet, bet on suede. On the other hand, if you are also looking for sufficient breathability, natural leather shoes will be a hit.
Equally important is the appearance of the dancing shoes. If you have a certain budget that you can spend on it, choose a neutral model that easily adapts to different styles. However, if you can afford more pairs, opt for your favorite colors and motifs.
A good pair of shoes is essential!
A good pair of shoes is a basic attribute of every dancer that allows you to build confidence with each step. If you want to feel as comfortable as possible on the dance floor, be sure to follow our advice, which we have discussed in this guide. We are sure that the presented tips will help you make the right decision!
PS Don't forget to take proper care of your ballroom dancing shoes. Thanks to this, you will be sure that your shoes will serve you for many years and you will look stunning in them every time.