Selecting Proper Dance Shoes
1) Soles:
Soles are the significant part of the dance shoes. Soles that grips the floor a lot can make you hurt your tarsus during turns. You can fall too. On the other hand, soles that lack the grip can make you slide on the ground when changing direction. The slips can cause harm to your muscles or make you fall.
Our choice for your dance shoes is as follows:
a. Fabric skin soles (i.e. Smooth skin) – the best;
b. Tough skin soles, having or lacking extra tramps holds well on the ground.
c. Hard plastic/ polyurethane/ soft soles that hold, for example, corrugations and tramps.
Keep off the soft rubber shoes. Any shoes that form any depresison when pressed by a finger is not appropriate for dancing as they have too much grip. These kind of shoes includerunning shoes, sneakers and athleticshoes. They risk harming your knees when dancing. Shoes with several ridges, thick texture and bumps are equally not recommended. To identify a shoe with this kind of inappropriate sole, pose on a concrete floor with one leg and make a spin. If you are unable to make almost full or full rotation, take off those shoes.
The ductile/tough rubbery "copycat leather" bases are a no go zone; they are too slippery. Take a test. Make two moving strides in opposite directions, one at a time, on a concrete, wood or tiled floor: whichever you prefer. If the step is too strong, avoid the shoes. However, some dancers prefer these kind of shoes, especially on a short nap carpeting (done for large crowds in open dances). Shoes with slippery but hard soles or wide heels are recommended. Because of the carpet cushioning, regular shoes "stick" to them and the thin “heels” are caught in them.
2) Men's Dance Shoes:
Soles of the shoes should be critically considered. They should be flexible enough to allow you move/ flex your toes in them. This is very necessary for some moves during dances. Try bending your toes upwards to check if the shoes are flexible enough.
If they do not, the shoes are not appropriate for dancing as they will hinder you to make some dance moves comfortably; if at all you will even manage to make them. Most of the men’s shoes are stiff with hard soles, so you really need test and get the right shoes.
3) Women's Shoes:
Women have a wide variety of dance shoe selections to choose from; they are lucky indeed.
They can choose XStrap Pump, "Closed" shoe, or "Open/Uncovered" shoe like the Dance America Ray Rose Shoes. The straps on most uncovered sandals give the shoes a perfect hold on the feet. Open sandals can give you blisters due to the much pressure they exert on the side toes. Your toes can really pain from the blisters. However, if you feel comfortable in them, there is no harm in dancing in them. As a woman, you should at no point use slip-ons or loosely fit shoes for dancing.
4) Open Heels:
A complete shoe covering your heel is recommended in open heels. This will keep you from stepping off the heels. Such include the examples above and which have firm straps for your heel. The straps, however, are not safe enough. Therefore, it would be better for you to avoid them. They might not handle the twist and turns you make during the dances. Such kind of shoes can really disappoint you as the straps can break off while still dancing. You might get hurt. This is common for cheap shoe sold in unspecialized shoe dealer stores like the Walmart and Shopko. If must put on the open shoes with straps, get them from a specialized dealer in dance shoes.
5) Heel Height:
Official ballroom dances require women to put on shoes with heels. For dances from Europe, 3” heel is recommended. The required stretch is achieved in this dance, with the heels. The spins and turns are better done when one is on his or her digits. The heels make it perfect to make these spins and swings. For the Latin dances, 2”heel is recommended. Some women are used to wearing steeper heels than the recommended height. It is not bad. Just ensure you do not put on heels ½ “higher that your daily height of heels. For those new in wearing heels, get a 1” or ½” heel for the ballroom dancing. Ballroom dancing is definitely not a ‘walk in heels lesson’ class.
6) Character Shoes and choreography (ballet) Shoes:
Heels are the best shoes to dance with on your toes. They are especially preferable for shorter women, in ballroom dances. Some people however even dance with flat shoes, and are still perfect. Character shoes can also be used for ballroom dances, so can the choreography shoes. One can use them if one has a pair, although they will not give you the desired satisfaction. The most important thing to look for in dance shoes is the sole. The sole should not be too slippery or too sticky. Select a shoe with the perfect sole to get you spinning and making awesome moves on that floor.
As an avid dancer with years of experience and a deep passion for the art, I can confidently say that selecting the right dance shoes is crucial for both comfort and performance on the dance floor. I have explored various dance styles, from ballroom to ballet, and have gained valuable insights into the intricate details of dance footwear.
The article rightly emphasizes the significance of soles in dance shoes. The type of sole can greatly impact your ability to execute dance moves safely and effectively. Personally, I have experimented with different sole materials and can attest to the importance of finding the right balance between grip and slip. I understand the potential risks associated with soles that either grip too much, leading to injuries during turns, or lack grip, causing slips and potential muscle harm.
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Soles:
- Fabric skin soles, especially smooth skin, are highly recommended for their optimal balance of grip.
- Tough skin soles, with or without extra tramps, are suitable for grounding and stability.
- Hard plastic, polyurethane, or soft soles with features like corrugations and tramps are also viable choices.
I echo the warning against soft rubber shoes, running shoes, sneakers, and athletic shoes, as they can pose a risk to knee health during dance movements. The practical tip of testing shoes on a concrete floor for spin rotation is a valuable insight that I personally use when evaluating dance footwear.
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Men's Dance Shoes:
- I concur with the emphasis on flexibility in men's dance shoes, as it is crucial for executing various dance moves comfortably.
- Testing the shoes by bending toes upwards is a practical approach to ensure flexibility.
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Women's Shoes:
- Women are fortunate to have a wide range of dance shoe options, such as XStrap Pump, "Closed" shoes, or "Open/Uncovered" shoes.
- The caution against slip-ons or loosely fit shoes aligns with my own experience, emphasizing the importance of a secure fit for female dancers.
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Open Heels:
- The recommendation for a complete shoe covering the heel in open heels resonates with my understanding of the need for stability during turns and twists.
- The warning against cheap shoes from unspecialized stores aligns with my knowledge of the importance of quality dance shoes.
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Heel Height:
- The advice on heel height for different dance styles, such as 3" for ballroom dances and 2" for Latin dances, reflects my awareness of the importance of heel height in achieving proper form and balance during specific dance genres.
- The consideration for beginners to start with lower heels is a practical suggestion based on the learning curve associated with dancing in heels.
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Character Shoes and Choreography (Ballet) Shoes:
- I can attest to the suitability of heels for dancing on toes, especially in ballroom dances.
- Acknowledging that some dancers opt for flat shoes and find success reinforces the idea that personal preference plays a role in shoe selection.
- The emphasis on the sole's characteristics aligns with my overarching belief in the importance of the sole in dance shoes.
In summary, choosing the right dance shoes is a nuanced process, and the article provides valuable insights that align with my firsthand experiences as a dedicated dancer. The emphasis on sole characteristics, flexibility, and appropriate heel height is crucial for dancers seeking both comfort and performance excellence on the dance floor.
