Dance Dresser- Shoe Care

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Selecting the correct dance shoe is vital for your best performance on the dance floor. If you have questions or concerns, we encourage you to call and speak to one of our sales representatives. If this is your first time purchasing a dance shoe, it is important to understand the difference in the fit of a dance shoe compared to a street shoe.

Size and Fit

Dance shoes should be more form fitting than a street shoe. It is normal for dance shoes to be at least one half to a full size smaller than your street shoe. This means that all parts of the shoes should be covered by, and in contact with, your feet. The fit should be snug without hurting, so that you can maintain proper balance and control on the dance floor. In essence, they should fit like a glove on your hand. If your feet move easily inside the shoes, you cannot properly control your balance or your dance posture. The tighter fit also allows for normal stretching of the shoe. If the fit of the shoe is painful, however, then it is either too small or is the incorrect shoe style for you.

In ladies’ open toe shoes, the toes should be at the end of the shoe completely covering the insole. It is actually preferred by most professionals to allow to toes to go over the end of the shoes up to one quarter of an inch. To the new dancer, this will seem strange, but it is important to understand that this will allow your foot to be closer to the floor for better control and shaping.

Closed-toe shoes (Ladies’ and Men’s) should also fit tighter than a street shoe. The toes should be as close to the end as possible without causing any bending of the toes. The normal “thumbs length” at the end of the toe does not apply when selecting your dance shoe size. Your feet should completely fill up entire the shoe without discomfort.

Many ballroom dance shoes come in UK or European sizing. This differs from American sizing and should be considered when selecting your shoe size. Additionally, each dance company can run either larger or smaller than the same size of another company. This makes choosing the correct size even more challenging.

Shoe Size Conversion

Ladies' Shoe Sizes

US	4.5	5	5.5	6	6.5	7	7.5	8	8.5	9	9.5	10	10.5
EN	2	2.5	3	3.5	4	4.5	5	5.5	6	6.5	7	7.5	8
ER	34.5	35	35.5	36	36.5	37	37.5	38	38.5	39	39.5	40	40.5

Men's Shoe Sizes

US	5.5	6	6.5	7	7.5	8	8.5	9	9.5	10	10.5	11	11.5	12	12.5
EN	4.5	5	5.5	6	6.5	7	7.5	8	8.5	9	9.5	10	10.5	11	11.5
ER	38	38.7	39.3	40	40.5	41	42	42.5	43	44	44.5	45	46	46.5	47

Abbreviations

US - American
EN - English
ER - European

Performance Shoe:

Performance shoes are designed for flexibility and movement on the floor. These shoes are usually higher in cost reflecting the investment in research and development. Many social dancers prefer the performance shoe and enjoy the flexibility and control it offers.

Social Shoe:

A social shoe is designed for comfort and style. Many social shoes are still excellent performance shoes but are not designed with the technical specifications of a performance shoe. Social shoes are available in a variety of heel heights and styles. Many styles are available with arch and metatarsal support.

Style Selection

If you are uncertain as to which style of dance shoe to purchase, please consider the following:

Ladies Open Toe Style:

The open toe shoe is recommended for Latin and Rhythm dances. Most new dancers prefer this style when purchasing their first shoe. Open toe shoes are available in a multitude of styles from the strappy sandal to the popular T-Strap.

Ladies Closed Toe Style:

The closed toe shoe is available in the closed toe sandal and the closed toe pump. Both are acceptable for American Smooth dances while the closed toe pump is recommended for International Standard dances.

Men’s Latin Style:

The men’s Latin style shoe is designed with a higher heel to allow more forward weight distribution and movement. The Latin shoe is available in a solid sole or split sole construction.

Men’s Standard Style:

The men’s standard style shoe is constructed with a one-inch heel and is acceptable in both American Smooth and International Standard dances. Men’s Standard shoes are available in leather or patent leather and can be purchased with split sole construction.

Practice Shoes:

The practice shoe is designed for long hours of dancing and built primarily for comfort, performance and durability. Practice shoes range from the very basic social practice shoe to the more technologically advanced practice shoe. Practice shoes are also available in solid sole or split sole construction.

Care of your dance shoe:

Ballroom shoes are constructed with a suede sole. Wearing your dance shoe anywhere except the dance floor is not recommended. Suede sole shoes need to be brushed before or after they are worn. Dance shoes will wear according to the care of the shoe and the amount of use it receives. Your suede sole can be replaced. Many manufacturers sell replacement soles for their shoes.