Men's dancing shoes are essentially categorized by type of use. Different shoes are created for different types of dance. Following certain parameters for fit and style will guide a dancer to the best type of shoe for practice and performance.
What Makes it a Dancing Shoe
The proper footwear can make the difference between a fawnlike jetee or a thunderous plop. Not only does a dancer have to be quick on his feet, but he is often responsible for hoisting a female partner. Without the proper shoes, he may miss a step, and she could pay the painful price. For most studio and professional dancing, street shoes will not work. They do not allow flexibility and have far too much traction to glide smoothly across the floor. The two most significant factors which distinguish dancing shoes from ordinary street shoes, for all types of dance, are flexibility and a sole which provides minimal traction (typically made of suede).
With some small differences, most mens dancing shoes can be organized by the key parts of a shoe such as sole, upper, heel (height and width), and how it fastens to the foot. Each type of dance shoe is constructed with characteristics that make them appropriate for the type of dance performed. Using a shoe not designed for the specific type of dance could hinder the performance and even injure the dancer. Details in the following table detail the key distinguishing traits of various types of dance shoes
Hip-hop dancing does not typically require specialized shoes. Because this type of dance is popular both in and outside of studios, the shoes have to be able to withstand outdoor use. Most hip-hop dancers, unless developing a very specialized routine, will wear sneakers or other rubber soled street shoes.
The other types of dance shoes should not be worn outside of a studio or off the dance floor. The suede soles, while perfect for a dance floor, will not hold up to everyday use. Wearing dance shoes on rough surfaces not designed for dancing will ruin the shoe sole and render it useless for dancing. Dance floors and stages are often very smooth and slick, allowing for ease of movement of dancers. All types of dance shoes that are developed for studio, dance floor, or stage work take these surfaces into consideration.
The Fit
When preparing to buy dance shoes, they need to feel like they fit perfectly. The term "fits like a glove" aptly applies. The fit and feel of the shoe will vary slightly for shoe types designed for a specific type of dance. All types of dance shoes should fit snugly to the foot. Once a foot is inside the dance shoe (and laced up, when applicable) it should not be able to move within the shoe.
How it Should Feel
It is important that the shoe not be too loose, as the foot will be unable to properly grip and could throw a dancer off balance. Should the dance shoe be too tight, the dancer will not have proper flexibility and the tightness could cause serious injuries. Choosing a shoe that is half a size or one size smaller than ordinary shoe size should be close to the proper dance fit.
The difference between snug and tight can be very slight, so it is important to understand how the shoe should feel. A snug shoe should be form fitting to the foot. There should be just enough room to wiggle the toes and no slipping in the heel. A dance shoe that is too tight will hurt immediately. The foot will feel uncomfortable and even the simplest movements will be hindered. If the feet hurt, even before any activity, the shoe is too small. Dance shoes should feel comfortable on the foot in order to accommodate the hours of practice and performance.
A brand new pair of dance shoes should feel tight, but not painfully so. Over time and use, the leather shoes will stretch and loosen up. This is a perfectly normal transformation.
Sizing
Ballroom and latin dance shoes are often numbered with UK shoe sizes. The UK shoe size is typically 1 to 2 sizes larger than the US shoe size. It is important to know the equivalent shoe sizes in a variety of measurement types to make sure that the best fit is achieved.
Ballet slippers may be even be sized in centimeters, rather than a street shoe equivalent, because a ballet shoe is form fitting to the foot, almost like a sock. The sizing relates to the exact foot measurement, rather than an equivalent shoe size. The close fit allows for full movement of the foot and the ankle, while showing the exact shape of the foot. If ever there was a necessary fit like a glove, it is the ballet slipper.
What and When to Buy
A newcomer to ballroom dancing should first determine if he is serious about the sport before committing to an expensive shoe purchase. For beginners, during the initial lessons, ballroom dance, jazz, and tap instructors ask that men bring their own dress shoes (no rubber soles). Ballet instructors typically ask beginners to dance barefooted.
For Beginners
After beginning instruction, if the dancer decides to pursue dancing, there are some suggested beginner shoes that will work well in a variety of situations. The standard ballroom shoe covers the range of dance genres and are recommended as the ballroom dancer's starter shoe. This shoe, because of the wider, lower heel, can be used for every type of ballroom dance step. Latin dance shoes, however, are recommended exclusively for the latin dance steps.
A ballroom practice shoe is also recommended for beginners that may be participating in a variety of dance forms from hip-hop to jazz. It is important to remember that these shoes will not be allowed in competitions and may limit some of the freedom of movement afforded a standard ballroom shoe.
The canvas version of ballet shoes will be less expensive than the leather version. It is typically recommended that the canvas ballet slippers be purchased for practice. Leather ballet slippers can be worn for performance night, to enhance a costume.
Color and Style
If it is not necessary to adhere to studio or school dress codes, the color and style of the shoe can be selected by the dancer. Professional dancers often coordinate shoe style to reflect the style of the costume. The most common color of men's dance shoes, of any style, is black. With constant use, it is important to remember that lighter colors will show more dirt than darker colors. Ballroom dance shoes also come in either matte or patent leather. Patent leather shoes are typically reserved for performances rather than everyday practice.
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