How to choose your tango shoes when you start?

Here you are ready to explore the mysteries of Argentinian tango and you already feel this unique thrill, this sensual energy that travels the ground ... But before diving into the dance, a crucial question is essential: how to choose your beginner tango shoes? The first pair can transform your learning, reveal your style and allow you to understand each step with confidence. Between sole, comfort, heel and stability, it is essential to avoid conventional errors to savor every moment on the track. Discover in this accomplice guide all the secrets to choose the shoes that will become your allies in the discovery of this fabulous universe.

Understand the importance of shoes in learning tango

Much more than a accessory, a real dance partner

Beginner tango shoes are much more than a simple pair to put on. They are the direct link between music, soil and connection to your partner. From the first course, you will feel the difference: a good shoe stabilizes you, reassures you and releases your movements, when a bad choice can deconcentrate or generate discomfort. So, how to transform this choice into an ally of your evolution?

• Think of the banner of a ball: it takes as much solidity as grace.
• An adapted shoe protects your joints and accelerates your progression.
• Tango is dancing with the whole body ... and it starts with the feet!

Comfort: Absolute priority to start in tango

Why favor comfort to progress harmoniously

There is nothing more about the pleasure of dance than a shoe too tight, too rigid or uncomfortable. When you start, your feet will solicit muscles little used so far. So they need a cozy cocoon in order to learn to guide or follow without suffering:

• Opts for flexible materials (leather, suede) that marry the foot.
• Test several sizes: forget the temptation of too adjusted shoes!
• Favor the absence of pressure points or aggressive seams.

Some signals to locate the right comfort shoe

Your foot should feel light support, without compressing. Put on them, walks, performs a few pivots: if you have no discomfort, you are on the right track. Dance is born above all. Give yourself this feeling of "second skin" which gives wings.

The sole: flexibility or rigidity?

Choose the right sole for gentle beginnings

The sole is crucial in tango. Too rigid, it blocks fluidity and makes pivots difficult. Too flexible, it lacks support. For a beginner:

• Privileged a suede or suede sole: it slides enough without slipping too much.
• A moderate thickness ensures flexibility and support.
• Avoid the rubber soles, perfect for the street but unsuitable for the track.

Tips to prolong the life of your soles

Brush them regularly and avoid going out outside with your tango shoes: urban soil quickly damages them. A real Tanguero (a) protects his heels as a chief his instrument!

The heel: Start low to target high

What heel height for beginners?

For you who starts, stability takes precedence over aesthetics. The teachers recommend:

• For women: a heel of 5 to 7 cm to start gently (higher = more instability!).
• For men: a small straight heel (about 2-3 cm) ensures the typical tango posture.

Stiletto or flared heels: what to choose?

A large heel brings you a reassuring base, ideal on the first ochos or pivots. You will soon feel confident to put on the finest ... but no precipitation, the magic of tango is also in patience!

We have written a detailed article on this subject also that you will find in clicking here.

Stability: the sine qua non condition when you start

Balance above all

Feel the soil, transfer body weight, rotate: so many new experiences that require perfect stability. Beginner tango shoes are designed to offer this safety:

• An enveloping fit, neither too loose nor too tight.
• A solid bridle (ankle or a pitch) which avoids risking the fall during a frenzied giro!

Test stability at home

Before you start on the track: try a few steps on a smooth parquet. If you feel solid and well rooted, it's won! Stability nourishes confidence ... and confidence blooms style.

Style: expresses your personality, even in beginners

Inspirations and advice to combine elegance and learning

Your first couple of tango shoes for beginners may be sober, black or nude ... But nothing prevents a touch of fantasy! The choice of materials, colors or accessories (small rhinestones, original curls) already testify to your passion and your desire to express yourself.

• A glitter or pastel model gives pep to the simplest outfit.
• Be careful, the priority remains in comfort and stability to start!

Adopt the style that looks like you

Each Tanguero and Tanguera has its universe: start simple and let yourself be inspired over the course of practices, balls, meetings. Little by little, your collection will tell your story!

Frequent errors to avoid when you choose your first pair

The traps to avoid so as not to be discouraged

• Take a too stylish but uncomfortable pair: more suffering than pleasure!
• Bet on sneakers or running: they have neither the right sole nor suitable flexibility.
• Forget the support of the foot (no bridle, too open shoe ...)
• Neglecting the fitting: each brand puts differently.

Good practices as soon as purchasing

• Always try both feet and dance a few minutes before validating.
• Ask advice from more experienced teachers or students.
• Read our Complete guide on the choice of dance shoes To deepen.

Maintain your tango shoes: useful tips

Make your first pair last

Beautiful shoes require a little attention to accompany you for a long time:

• Brush the Swedish soles after each use.
• Let dry in the open air, far from the radiator or the direct sun.
• Use an impact to preserve the shape.
• Systematically keep a dedicated pocket (the Paris metro floor is not their friend!).

When to change shoes?

As soon as you feel that the sole sags, stability decreases or that comfort disappears, it is time to consider a new model. Your evolution deserves the best equipment at each big step!

Where to try or buy your tango shoes in Paris and online?

The advantages of a specialized shop

Buy in a shop like Salsanueva Shop, it is to enjoy theReviews of passionate dancers who know each model. We can try, exchange, let ourselves be guided. And you can also order online and ask for a distance advice to find the rare pearl.

The fitting experience: a full -fledged ritual

Come and try several models, walk, pivot, let yourself be seduced by this little "waouh" which makes the difference. Remember: the beautiful meeting is the one that makes you want to dance, again and again!

Evolution and progression: when to change models?

Recognize the moment to evolve

After a few months, you will gain ease, technique, confidence. Now is the time to test a higher heel, a finer sole or a daring design. Let yourself be carried away by your sensations and the advice of your teachers. Dance is a trip, each shoe is a precious step.

Build your little Tango collection ...

Little by little, you will note your preferences and desires: a comforting pair for practice, an elegant pair for the ball ... Tango is also the voluptuousness to put on a model that makes you vibrate at first glance.

FAQ - Frequent questions

Do you have to choose a different size for your beginner tango shoes?

Often, it is advisable to take your usual size, or half a point below if the shoe relaxes. Please note: each brand size differently, so take the time to try!

What type of sole is better for a beginner in tango?

The suede leather sole (or suede) is ideal for starting: slippery enough for pivots, but not too much so as not to slip involuntarily. It adapts as well to most dance tracks.

Do I have to wear my tango shoes only for dance?

Yes, it is recommended to reserve these shoes at the studio or the Milonga. Wearing them outside the soles and alters their specific grip for dance.

Should men also be attentive to the heel?

Absolutely ! A small straight heel is typical and essential for the posture of male tango. It promotes stable weight transfer and more elegant posture.

How to choose between ankle bridle and Escar model?

To start, the ankle bridle provides additional security, especially during pivots and Baladeos. You can explore more open models as you gain in insurance on the track.

How long do you get used to new tango shoes?

In general, have two or three lesson or practice sessions before your feet adapt perfectly. Take the time to wear them at home, sometimes with a fine sock at the start.

Are there tango shoes for wide feet?

Yes, some brands offer models suitable for wide feet or strong feet. Looking for the mention "special width" and does not hesitate to ask the seller for advice or consult our online selection.

Discover our Beginner tango shoes models available on our Salsanueva online store Shop, thoughts for demanding dancers.