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Choosing Ladies Latin Dance Shoes
publication date: Dec 29, 2010
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author/source: Dancesport Place
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As with other footwear types such as running shoes, evolving technology has made it possible for shoe manufacturers to refine and innovate their products to provide further comfort and performance details. With plenty of new style choices, lots of available brands and with the investment in dance shoes being rather significant, it is prudent to know what exactly you need before selecting a pair of dance shoes. Fit: Ballroom dance shoes are specially crafted with suede soles to move freely on the dance floor, yet provide just the right amount of traction. The construction of the arch allows for a great amount of flexibility in pointing and moving with the foot, which in turn then allow the dancer to feel the shoe is working with them while still providing stability. Latin dance shoes are balanced in such a way that when standing in the them, you will feel your weight shifted slightly forward towards the ball of the foot. This engineering lends itself to the technique of Latin dancing, where the dancer's weight is poised forward. Because of the suppleness and the fit of these dance shoes, they are exceptionally comfortable. Since you'll be dancing more forward on your foot, the correct fit for Latin shoes is having your toes at the very edge of the shoes when standing, in fact, even about 1/4 inch past the shoe is desirable. A dancer will now be able to "use the floor", grounding herself with toes, inside edge and ball of the foot. Using your feet in this manner facilitates the characteristic Latin hip action. Sizing on dance shoes depends on the location of the manufacturer. Be sure you know whether the shoes are made in UK, European, US or Asian sizes, and check a size chart. First you need to select the correct style of shoe for the type of dance you are doing. For Latin and American Rhythm dancing, selections feature an open toe design with a variety of strap configurations. Here your personal preference and style can be the deciding factors. Many shoes feature straps either across the toes, around the ankle and/or under and around the arch. You should try shoes on to determine your personal likes, but here are a few notes. If you have high arches, you may not like the T-strap style, which can impede your range when pointing your foot. Those dancers whose toes are not very even in length might find their smaller toes popping out of a vamp featuring multiple straps. Make sure styles with a single band around the vamp cover your big toe joint, especially if you have high arches, or your foot may pop out of the vamp completely when pointed. A shoe with mesh inserts between the straps might also be helpful in this situation. Depending on your foot shape and the fit, some strappy styles may cut into your skin, although after a few wears, they should break in.
Personalizing: As mentioned earlier, you can dye satin shoes to match your costumes and any color shoe can be further dyed to black. For all colors, the recommended dye is Dylon which is simple and effective. Check with the seller to be sure the satin used on the shoe will accept dyeing well. Some shoes will already come with rhinestone adornments, but you can further personalize by adding rhinestones yourself to the vamp, straps or heels. Choose a heavy duty glue, such as E-6000, and be sure to glue the entire stone carefully (not just with a dot) to ensure longevity despite the use they will be getting. Heel Heights: Serious competitors prefer either the 2 1/2" or 3" heel height to create the longest leg line. However if you are social dancer looking for comfort, or pro-am competitor with an injury, there are latin sandals available in a 2" heel. If you're not used to wearing heels, be sure that you've properly strengthened your feet and ankles during practice to be able to wear the shoes comfortably and safely.
Fabrics: Leather and satin are the most popular choices for fabric of Latin dance shoes. White satin was once more prevalent, and dancers would dye the shoes themselves for the best color match. However, now it is more convenient to have a wider variety of skin, nude and flesh colored choices without the hassle of dying. In some cases, you may want white satin if you are looking for bridal shoes or wish to dye to match a costume. Professional competitors typically wear flesh colored shoes to create a long look from foot to hip, unless they are wearing black fishnets and therefore will choose black shoes to again continue a long leg line. Leather shoes will stretch and can provide longer wear if properly cared for. Heel Tips: Ladies heels are generally available in two different heel tips, flared and slim. The slim heel tapers from the foot narrowing as it reaches the floor. The flare tip also tapers initially, but flares out again as it reaches the floor. The choice of which style to select is personal taste, although there might be a bit more stability in the flare tip. You can also purchase heel tip protectors, which are plastic or suede covers that fit over either slim or flare heels, available from your shoe manufacturer. This lengthens the life of your heels.
Care: A shoebrush is essential to keep the suede soles from matting and becoming more slick. Oil can be used if necessary to keep from slipping, but should be used sparingly. Brush to bring the nap of the sole back up as often as necessary. Leather shoes can be cleaned and polished easily. Satin is a bit more difficult as they can get water stains. Use a damp, not wet, cloth to spot clean or take them to a shoe repair shop. If your satin shoes are a lighter color, consider dying them black once they are scuffed up to get some further use of out them.
It is also useful to get the opinions of fellow dancers, but keep in mind that the comfort and fit of your shoes will be unique to your foot. Go to your next local dance competition to try on a variety of styles and brands from the vendors. You'll get a good idea of what suits you best and with that, you'll be ready to invest smartly in some beautiful new shoes. |
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