What is the Difference Between Ballroom and Latin Dance Shoes?
Quick Answer
The difference between ballroom and Latin dance shoes primarily lies in their design. Ballroom dance shoes have closed toes and a flatter heel for stability during quick turns, while Latin dance shoes have open toes and higher heels to facilitate hip movement and foot articulation.
Standard (Ballroom) & Latin Dance Shoes
The standard (or ballroom) dance shoe is designed for smooth dancing, such as the waltz, tango, and foxtrot.
Latin shoes have higher heels and raise arches to help with hip movement in the samba, rumba, or cha-cha.
Choosing the proper shoes helps in the mastery of each dance’s particular techniques.
All ballroom and Latin shoes share one thing: They have a suede or leather sole.
The Main Differences Between these Shoe Types:
Ladies Ballroom
Lady’s ballroom shoes are fully enclosed, usually have a wide and thick-style heel commonly ranging from 1.5-2.5″ and may or may not have a strap or buckle.
They typically don’t have a lot of flexible movement in their sole.
Ladies Latin
Lady’s Latin shoes are frequently opened-toe, adjustable, and buckle-bound.
The heels on this style are typically worn higher than ballroom heels (typically 2.5-3″ heels).
They also have more flexibility in the sole than ballroom shoes.
Men Ballroom
Men’s ballroom shoes are similar to men’s dress shoes in that they’re closed, have low heels, and have laces.
Men Latin
Latin dance shoes are similar to ballroom shoes but have a steeper heel (Cuban heel). They are made to keep the weight focused on the feet’ balls for easier weight changes.
They can also come with a split sole. Split sole shoes offer a few distinct advantages, including flexing your feet and providing more mobility.
How To Identify Quality Standard & Latin Dance Shoes
It can be tough to identify quality dance shoes, but there are a few things you can look for.
First, the shoes should be made of high-quality materials.
They should be durable and able to withstand hours of dancing.
The soles should also be suede or leather so that they can grip the floor and allow you to spin and turn easier.
Rubber-soled shoes adhere and restrict movement, placing additional strain on the ankles and knees.
Second, the shoes should fit well.
They shouldn’t be too tight or too loose. They should provide good support and cushioning so that your feet don’t get tired after a long night of dancing.
Third, the shoes should be stylish.
You’ll want to look good when you’re out on the dance floor! So make sure you pick a pair that suits your personal taste.
Finally, the shoes should be priced well.
FAQ
How Much Do Dance Shoes Typically Cost?
Dance shoes typically cost anywhere from $15 to $200. The price of dance shoes generally depends on the materials used in their construction, the brand, and the type of dance they are intended for.
Cheap dance shoes can often be found at discount stores. In contrast, more expensive shoes are typically available through specialty retailers or online.
It is important to note that a good pair of dance shoes will last longer and perform better than a cheap pair. So it may be worth investing in a higher-quality shoe.
How to Choose the Perfect Ballroom Shoe?
When choosing ballroom shoes, the most important thing is finding a comfortable pair. You’ll be dancing in them for hours, so finding something that doesn’t pinch or squeeze your feet is essential.
Next, you’ll want to consider the style of the shoe. Ballroom shoes come in both closed and open-toe styles.
Closed-toe shoes are more traditional and will provide more support, while open-toe shoes are better for performances since they allow your toes to spread out a bit.
Finally, you’ll need to decide on the height of the heel. Heel heights can range from low heels (1-2 inches) to high heels (3 or more inches).
Heels higher than 2 inches are typically used for performances, while lower heels are generally more comfortable to dance in for practice or social dancing.
What is the Best Type of Sole for Ballroom Shoes?
There is no one “best” type of sole for ballroom shoes. However, a suede sole is generally considered the best option, as it provides the most traction and allows for the greatest range of motion.
Leather soles are also a popular choice, as they are durable and provide good traction. Rubber soles are not recommended.
Wrapping up
In conclusion, when shopping for dance shoes, it is important to understand the difference between Ballroom and Latin styles.
Ballroom shoes are designed for smooth dancing, while Latin shoes have a higher heel and raised arch to help with hip movement.
By choosing the proper shoe, you can improve your mastery of each dance’s particular steps. Thanks for reading!
