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Proper dance shoes are worth investing in and they don't have to be very expensive. The soles are designed to give you the right combination of slip and grip to be able to spin, glide, etc. without hurting your knees/joints. Once you’ve found a pair of dance shoes that work for you, you’ll find your turns and spins much easier so it really is worth the effort. Buying shoes for dancing is an investment so don’t rush into buying the first pair you see. There’s no such thing as the “perfect pair” – there are practical considerations as well as your technique level and foot shape/strength which will narrow down your choices. I’m always happy to help you decide what to buy and where to go, so don’t hesitate to get in touch for more detailed advice. Here is a breakdown of the most popular styles of dance shoes in use for dancing, followed by a few tips on how to go about actually buying a pair. 

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There are different types of dance shoes. Whichever works best for you will depend on your personal preference as well as the shape and strength of your feet. The most common ones are listed below, along with a few tips on who they will be most suitable for:

 

Split Sole Jazz Shoe

Split sole jazz shoes come in leather, polyyrethane (PU), and sometimes canvas. They have a small rubber or suede sole on the forefoot and a small heel. As before a suede sole is usually preferable (works better on floors). They are super soft and flexible but offer no support. They are great for beginners, however as you will feel more grounded and stable and will learn to use your feet properly. Purchase options: $22 Slip On Leather Split-Sole Jazz Shoe | Balera™

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Full Sole Jazz Shoe

Jazz shoes are flat and typically come in leather, PU or even fabric. A shoe with a full sole will be more supportive than a split sole as the sole runs the full length of the shoe giving it more structure. Most dancers prefer a suede sole as they grip less on wooden floors. Purchase option: $21 on sale Full Sole Jazz Shoe | dancefashions 

 

Practice Ballroom Shoe

This type of shoe is a closed lace-up shoe made from leather or fabric. They can have a full or split sole, usually made of suede. These are a good all around for classes, practice, and social dance and are available in many different colors and fun designs, as well as classic black or tan. They will usually have a 1-2 inch Cuban heel. They are comfortable and very supportive. $30 option: Women's Canvas 3cm Heels Teaching & Practice Shoes Ballroom Dance Shoe – DanceandSway 

 

Latin Sandals

The classic choice– a strappy high heel. Heel heights can go as high as 3-4 inches but my recommendation for beginner ladies is 2 inches if you are not used to wearing heels, or 2 and a half inches if you are. I prefer an open toe as it allows the toes to spread, which enhances balance, but there are many closed styles available, and these offer more protection if you accidentally get stepped on. Find them at https://yamishoes.com/ and Open Toe – Burju Shoes Prices are higher ($100-150 but they last a long time). You can find more affordable ones in other sites. You can also go try some on at Black and Pink dance store on 81st & Lewis to see the fit before purchasing. I believe The Dance Place in West Tulsa also carries some shoes. 

 

Dance Sneakers

These are trainer style shoes with a plastic sole, which enables turning and spinning more than a rubber-soled trainer would. The plastic sole can also be worn outside – something which would ruin a suede sole. The soles on dance sneakers tend to be more flexible than a classic leisure or fitness trainer and some have split soles. Option: ATACA x Fuego | Dance Sneaker – Fuego, Inc.