Ballroom Dance Shoes: Tips for Finding the Perfect Fit

 In the children’s fairy tale Cinderella, a handsome prince searches throughout his kingdom for the girl whose foot will fit the fragile glass slipper she left behind at the ball. Her mean stepsisters tried to cram their feet into the slipper but of course, the shoe didn’t remotely fit no matter how hard they tried. Only Cinderella’s foot would be able to slide into the glass slipper proving it to be the perfect fit.   

Cinderella can be interpreted as a cautionary tale for any dancer when deciding on which ballroom dance shoes to choose. Your shoes are an extension of yourself as a dancer and should provide support and comfort. Whether you are an adult looking for a great pair of shoes or a parent wanting to choose the best children’s dance shoes for your little one, a few practical tips for selecting the proper shoes will assist you in your decision.

Why is a Proper Fit Important?

Does a baseball player want their glove to fit perfectly over their hand? Does a sprinter expect their running shoes to conform exactly to the shape of their feet? The answers are quite obvious of course because these items are essential pieces of equipment needed for them to perform their best.

Ballroom dance shoes are no different and should be selected with the same care as any other type of equipment required for exceptional body movement, comfort, and safety. They must cushion the weight brought down on your feet and surround them with protection.

Many injuries can be avoided when dancers wear dance shoes that fit like a second skin. Dancers can quickly become susceptible to issues like bunions, corns, calluses, and blisters- issues that are difficult to alleviate and heal. In more serious cases dancers can put themselves at risk for sprains and stress fractures if shoes don’t offer stability.

When choosing ballroom dance shoes or children’s dance shoes some useful advice includes:

·       Don’t assume your dance shoe will match your regular shoe size as they can often run smaller. Choose the proper fit and not the number!

·       Shoes should fit snugly and hug your foot with comfort. A tight fit should never be painful. Your ankle, arch, toes, and heels should feel supported.  

·       For open-toe shoes, ensure your toes just come to the edge of the soles and not over them.

·       For closed-toe shoes, your toes should reach the top of the shoe with no wiggle room for back and forth movement. Toes should never feel like they are being pushed against the top.

·       For shoes with ankle straps, make sure the strap is snug and has no gaps.

·       Pay attention to heel height and only select the height that allows you to dance safely.

·       Shoes that are too narrow can cause pain at the sides of your feet. Shoes that are too wide reduce stability and can cause injuries.

Always keep in mind that ballroom dance shoes and children’s dance shoes are vastly different from regular street shoes that are mainly constructed with rubber soles. Dance shoes have suede soles that allow for fast movement but prevent slipping by maintaining just enough friction.  

Consider these points when selecting ballroom dance shoes for yourself or your children’s dance shoes. Remember that your shoes are a part of you and will reflect how you perform as a dancer.  Contact us today for all of your ballroom apparel needs including shoes that are a perfect fit.

But we don’t carry glass slippers.