How to choose your dancing shoes?
Dance shoes are more than just fashion accessories; they're essential for performance, comfort and safety of dancers. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced dancer, choosing the right pair of heels can transform your dancing experience. In this article, we'll guide you through the most important aspects to consider when buying your dance shoesso you can find the perfect pair for your needs.
1. Test shoe flexibility
The suppleness of a dance shoe is essential to ensure comfort and fluidity of movement. To test this, try bending the shoe. If you can do so easily, it's flexible enough to allow you to move freely. On the other hand, if the shoe is rigid and difficult to bend, it may restrict your movements and make dancing uncomfortable. Flexibility is crucial, as it allows the feet to adapt to the different positions and movements required by dancing, reducing the risk of injury and increasing the fluidity of movement.
2. Pay close attention to heel height
Heel height is a key factor in stability and comfort. For beginners, we recommend choosing low heels, around 5 cm, to guarantee greater stability. As you progress, you can try 7 cm heels, but it's advisable not to exceed this height until you're perfectly comfortable. For experienced dancers, heels can be higher, up to 8 or 9 cm, but this requires a certain ease and habit. Heel height should always be chosen according to your comfort level and ability to maintain balance, especially during complex passes such as double/triple turns!
3. Ensure heel safety
The solidity of the heel is an important criterion for avoiding accidents. A heel that moves or is unstable can cause falls and injuries. Make sure the heel is secure and does not wobble under impact. Heel security is essential for rapid movements and changes of direction, as an unstable heel can easily lead to ankle twisting or loss of balance.
4. Make sure of the type of support
The fit of dance shoes is crucial to prevent slipping, and therefore falls. Straps are commonly used in Latin dance shoes to ensure good foot support. Booties are also an excellent option, offering extra support around the ankle. Good support means you can dance with confidence, and that's no mean feat!
5. All about heel types and how to choose them
There are three main types of heels for dance shoeseach with its own advantages. Let's see which heel is right for you!
- Flared heels Mainly used for Latin dancing, these heels have a wider base, offering greater stability and better weight distribution, which reduces pressure on the feet. They're also safer, reducing the risk of ankle twisting and being ideal for fast movements and changes of direction.
- Stiletto heels Mainly used for dancing heels, these heels are elegant and elongate the silhouette. They require good control and precise technique to maintain balance, as the small contact surface intensifies sensations underfoot, demanding great skill.
- Thick heels: Less common than flared heels, but chosen by some for their comfort and stability. They offer good support, reduce fatigue and the risk of ankle twisting.
6. All you need to know about insoles
The type of sole is another crucial aspect to consider.
- Flexible insoles Ideal for couple dancing, these insoles offer excellent cushioning and flexibility. They absorb shocks and reduce pressure on the feet, enabling you to dance longer without excessive fatigue. The flexibility of these insoles allows great freedom of movement and promotes better proprioception, helping dancers to better feel the floor and adjust their movements.
- Outdoor soles Versatile, they enable you to move around on different types of floor, such as concrete, tiles or wood. They are practical for those who take part in courses, training sessions or parties in a variety of environments. These insoles are often made from sturdy, wear-resistant materials, offering good grip to reduce the risk of slipping, while allowing enough freedom of movement to make the floor vibrate!
7. Then there's aesthetics!
The aesthetics of dance shoes, although less of a priority, also play an important role. Once you've found a pair that meets all the functional criteria, you can concentrate on style. There are a colors and types of straps..
Depending on your tastes, your clothes and the use of your heels (training, class, evening), you can opt for red, purple, beige, rhinestones, leopard patterns, a pair of denim-effect heels, etc. Choosing a pair of heels that suits you is sacred!
Choosing the right pair of dance shoes means taking several key factors into account: shoe flexibility, heel height and strength, foot and ankle support... not to mention aesthetics!
By taking the time to evaluate each of these aspects, you'll be sure to find a pair of heels that will not only allow you to dance comfortably and safely, but will also enhance your dancing and your look!
