Can Ballroom Dance Shoes Be Worn Outside? A Quick Guide (2024)

You love your dance shoes, but can you take them to the park? Out to your next event? Or do you need to keep them where they belong?

Find out these answers and more!

Can You Wear Dance Shoes Outside?

Traditional dance shoes have suede soles and undersides and can snag or catch easily on rough surfaces, so it is always recommended to keep them just for stage or studio use.

The bottom of the shoe is designed to be smooth for that essential sliding and gliding across the dance floor. The ease of the dance shoe is crucial to your elegant and sophisticated performance.

Dance shoe designs have become very popular in the fashion industry, especially with the prominence of shows like ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ and the US version ‘Dancing With The Stars.

There are ballroom-inspired fashion court shoes available to be worn outside for work or social occasions, which means you can keep your precious dance shoes in the studio.

Most dancers know the comfort that a quality pair of dance shoes can offer, ideal if you are on your feet all day at work. But wait to wear your dance shoes out until you pick up a fresh pair.

The golden rule is that once a pair of dance shoes have been worn outside, they can no longer return to the ballroom.

What Are Ballroom Dance Shoes Made Of?

Ballroom dance shoes are specialised shoes that have to look the part and offer the dancer support, comfort, and ease of movement on the dance floor.

Ballroom shoes also need to be sturdy and well made using high-quality materials as they are worn for long hours. Intricate steps and patterns can put them under a lot of pressure.

Ballroom shoes are made from a range of materials depending on the style and whether they are for the male dancer or the lady.

Men’s’ ballroom dancing shoes are often called ‘Oxfords’ and are made of plain or patent black leather with a 1” heel.

Ladies’ ballroom shoes come in a vast range of varieties and styles. Choice can also depend on the dancer’s level and experience.

Most ladies’ ballroom shoes have closed toes for protection and an ankle strap for support. Some styles have a diagonal or horizontal strap, which helps provide extra stability. The heel is usually 2” or 2.5” depending on preference.

Ladies’ ballroom styles have a strong leather sole with a satin upper. Colour depends upon the level of competition or occasion. In international competitions, the shoes are often flesh-coloured or dyed to match the ladies’ dress.

Are Ballroom Dancing Shoes Comfortable?

Comfort is an essential prerequisite for ballroom shoes, particularly those used for teaching or training sessions in the studio, as they’re worn for hours at a time.

The key to comfort is buying a quality ballroom product made from decent materials and a manufacturer or retailer who understands dance shoe style and design.

Ensuring a good fit is also paramount; it doesn’t matter who has made the shoes or the price tag if they just don’t fit the foot.

The main challenge for ballroom dancers in the comfort department is not the shoe, if you have made a good choice, but the long hours spent wearing it.

Most experienced lady dancers find a style and make of shoe that suits their feet and their dance requirements, but it can be challenging for beginners with an overwhelming choice of different styles.

The key to finding a comfortable fit is to go to a maker who has the experience and understands dancer requirements. Plenty of companies copy regular ballroom designs but don’t provide the quality of manufacture or fit to ensure dancer comfort.

What is the Difference Between Dancing Shoes and Regular Shoes?

There are so many differences between dancing shoes and regular shoes!

Firstly, ballroom shoes are designed to be flexible, so they may look just like a pair of gold court shoes that you can buy from your local shoe shop, but in reality, a ton of input has gone into that design.

Ballroom shoes have a thin, suede sole which allows the shoes to glide across the floor whilst offering just the right amount of grip. Compare this to a rubber sole on a regular shoe, which offers stick and longevity.

Dancers’ feet have to slide and glide and perform intricate and complex movements, and, of course, the dance shoe must look the part, completing a dance-specific costume, highlighting leg lines and footwork.

Dance shoe sizing is normally a European standard, but a good dance shoe manufacturer will offer more options in half sizes and width fittings.

Conclusion

Without a doubt, dance shoes are the most crucial element of a dancer’s costume. In training sessions, studio practice and competitions, ballroom shoes may be worn for hours at a time. They directly influence dancer comfort and performance.

At Supadance, we have decades of experience designing and making premium dance shoes for both Latin and ballroom. One of the leaders in bespoke dance shoe design and production, our expert team can meet all your requirements, whether a beginner just starting or a seasoned competitor.

Our comprehensive range offers a huge choice of styles and colours. Your feet will only ever be as good as the shoes they wear, so always invest in the best.