Shoes, Shoes, Shoes.....

Something that I have encountered now as a director and instructor is the need for my students to have proper shoes to dance in.  And how to explain to them why the dance shoes are important, and why you just cannot substitute a good dance shoe early on.  Here is my story and advice on what shoes to buy.

I remember when I first started over 3 years ago, the website of the dance school I would be going to recommended leather soled shoes, and discouraged sneakers especially for guys.  They also mentioned a proper ankle strap for the ladies.  I went out to DSW and bought two pair of short heeled shoes with an ankle strap and leather soles.  I wore those two pairs until the heels broke on my black pair, and my gold pair were filthy.  I do not even know why I held onto them for so long. They almost held me back. The soles were so hard, that my poor feet would bleed at congress and I would soak them in the hot tub at the hotel for relief.  I could not properly point my toes, or spin all that well on them.  I would slip at times as well. The only saving grace was they were street shoes, so they were versatile when I would go out every night.

After my first congress I decided that I wanted to try for a salsa team, and shoes where required.  I broke down and had the owner suggest a proper pair for me and paid $80 for a pair of Very Fine shoes with a thick sturdy 2.2" heel and a double ankle strap.  They are actually in the picture at the top of the blog.  Once I got these shoes, my potential shot up.  I was finally able to do double spins, without total fear and I wasnt sliding all over the floor as usual.  I've continued to wear these shoes from time to time, I broke the strap once, and had it repaired at a shoe place and these shoes just keep on going. 

My next pair was a disaster.  I wanted something prettier, although I liked my black shoes, they didn't work with every outfit.  I was referred to an amazing website, www.exoticsalsashoes.com, where my beloved Very Fine shoes were only $49 with free shipping.  The first pair I had were sized for me as an 8 and at the time I also weighed about 165 lbs.  They were a teensy bit tight, so I ordered a lovely silver pair in an 8.5. What I didnt know was that I had pick a "Sera" edition shoe, and they run a little bigger and the heel would be a tiny flare heel compared to what I had already.  I ended up returning them and getting an 8, still too big, but I didn't want to return them again. I just made do and turned them into my "going out shoes" I loved the way they looked, just they never fit exactly right. They have since been handed down to one of my students who had them enlarged for her and are still going with new heel tips, as I had danced through them.

A beginner salsera or bachatera should buy a pair of study shoes, in a half or full size smaller than their usual "street" size.  I always refer students to pairs that I myself have worn and had much success with Style 1662b is always a pretty option, with double ankle straps it is a very secure shoe, (I've owned and performed in several pairs of these) or my original pair with the mesh to hold the front of the foot, without straps cutting into toes etc.  As the dancer becomes more comfortable with dancing and using their shoes, they should increase their heel height.  As I am comfortable in very high street heels, my minimum heel height has become a 3" heel. I won't order lower, and am working on increasing up to 4". 

Some would argue that a lower heel is better for tricks, and I agree, but as a performer and experienced dancer, I practice in 3" so I can do tricks in a 3", if I am not doing tricks then I should be in a 3.5", 3.75", or 4", but that is personal preference. I feel the higher heights force me to dance on the proper part of my foot, and not dance flat footed, or back on my heels.  The inside edges of my shoes are completely flattened and since I push into the floor so much, I still end up with bruised feet at Congress, but they aren't bleeding anymore. 

Now I'm older, wiser, more experienced and know better about ordering shoes.  I still love Very Fine shoes, you just cannot beat the price, although I'm experimenting with other brands now. Burju shoes are gorgeous, but I would not recommend them for the beginner.  Same with Gri by Griselle and GFranco shoes.  They are fashionable, but the heel options pose a problem for those ladies, who either A.) do not every wear heels or B.) their feet will not fit in their limited sizes. They also are pretty pricey, ranging from $80-$150 a pair.

When I go to the clubs, I DO NOT wear dance shoes. It is not worth the risk of ruining a pair of shoes for me.  I buy street shoes that I can dance in.  Smooth soles, sturdy ankle straps and heels.  I cant point my toes like in my flexible dance shoe, but they will not get ruined by the drinks spilled on the floor by non-dancers. They won't get coated in grimy black stickyness from the floor that I have to scrape off and hope the suede isn't ruined.  I've currently danced through 2 pairs of Nine West heels but my shoe guy can resole and reheel tip them and they will be just fine for more wear and tear. I see many girls with their dance shoes on when I am out, but my income is not disposible and I need my dance shoes to last a while. 

Guys are not exempt from the dance shoe talk.  My male students are SO reluctant to buy a pair it's not funny.  They always want to wear dress shoes.  My caviat to this is that they are not split sole and they cannot more their feet or feel the floor.  So until they get them I put them in socks.  I know it's silly but sneakers or dress shoes do not allow them to dance on the balls of their feet either.  There are not as many styles of men's shoes but I still love the look of just classic Bloch dance shoes in flat black. www.danceshoesonline.com have several different options for men, and my partner has recently ordered from them with good results, quick delivery and amazing pricing. 

So to recap: YES you need dance shoes! Buy sturdy ones that fit your foot properly with the appropriate heel for your level. Take care to not wear them where they will get wet, remember to brush your suede after using them. They will only help your dancing get to the next level.  Also find a shoe repair person, perferrably someone familiar with dance shoes. They will help you make your shoes last more than just one season.