A pair of dance shoes are not always required for anyone just starting dancing. However, it is a good idea to obtain a pair of good dance shoes if you have been dancing for more than a month. Once you buy a pair of dance shoes, they may last for your entire dance life. Beginners often try to save money by buying a pair of street shoes, but as s/he is more experienced, s/he will need to buy a pair of dance shoes anyway. It is a good idea to invest for them now than later.

Men's Shoes

Ballroom dance shoes (1 inch standard heel for taller men and 1½ inch Cuban heel for shorter men) typically works well. The tango shoes, which Argentineans prefer to wear, have 1 ½ inch heel which are slightly wider than Cuban heels. The top of the heel is slanted to allow the walk on the balls of the feet. Soft-toe shoes are a must in order to not hurt your partner. The cost per pair is typically $100+.

Women's Shoes
In order to protect your toes (from Media Luna etc), closed toe shoes, or those with an optional vent hole (small enough to protect your toes), are recommended. Although sandals are more popular today, it may not be as practical and safe as the closed toe shoes. Also, the ankle straps are a must (cross, T or single) as to prevent the shoe from flying off when performing kicking actions. Many prefer black or beige. Red, white and other brighter colors tend to make feet appear larger. Flare type heels may provide more stability than slim heels. Open toe shoes are for Latin/Rhythm (cha cha etc). Closed toe without ankle straps are for Standard/Smooth (waltz etc). Cost per pair is typically $100+.

Sole Materials
There are three types of soles: leather, suede, and non-marking rubber. In Buenos Aires, local dancers typically walk into the dance floor with street shoes, whereas North Americans typically bring their dance shoes in a Safeway bag. Because of this, suede soles are not usually worn by Argentineans. However, in northern countries, the studio owners try hard to keep the dance floor clean and polished. Thus dancers are expected to bring a pair of clean dance shoes. As suede soles are typically not too slippery nor too sticky, they are highly recommended in this case. It is a good idea to brush suede soles with a metal brush. However, dancers tend to brush so much more than needed so that re-soling is often necessary.

Upper Material
Leather upper is highly recommended. Shoes made of cloth/satin materials do not last long. Nubuck (simulated suede) gives a more casual look, but they are hard to maintain and not durable. Letherette/Co-ag is simulated leather and won't last as long as natural leather does. Perforated leather is good for those who practice a few hours a day, but the leather may crack and split on the long run. Patent leather shoes are mandatory to Tuxedos. The gentleman must place a small quantity of Vaseline on the inside edge of his shoes to prevent sticking while dancing.

Sizes
Since most of dance shoes are made overseas, you must be careful with sizes. For example, ladies size 6 can be 6 UK or 6 USA. Since most dance shoes are hand made and the natural leather stretches and shrinks according to the climate, the actual size of a pair of shoes may vary, even though they are rated as the same size. It is best to try them before buying. The Internet offers wide variety of shoes, but it may cost more to exchange if the shoes do not fit. * Do not fax the figure of your feet as the fax machine at the other end will enlarge/shrink the figure according to their paper size!

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