Mens Ballroom Dancing Shoes
Get Comfortable Dance Shoes That Are Functional
And Look Great Too!
Yes! It's all about Mens Ballroom Dancing Shoes! Get the most
comfortable, and the
greatest looking dance shoes for a man!
© Peter Forret
Dance Shoes come is all styles... mens ballroom dance shoes, practice dance shoes, latin dance shoes, wide width dance shoes, ballroom dance sneakers.......
For a man, ballroom dance shoes for the standard or smooth dance styles, are usually a black, lace up oxford type of shoe with a low heel.
Mens dance shoes worn for latin or rhythm dance styles are also oxfords, but have a higher heel, making them a bit more challenging to dance in.
Although black is the most common color in dance shoes, men do have some other choices, such as white, various shades of brown, and a few two tone combinations.
Anatomy of Mens Ballroom Dancing Shoes
Ballroom Dancing Shoes are constructed to meet the specific needs of a ballroom dancer and have the following characteristics:
- Steel shank for added arch support.
- Chrome-tanned (suede) soles for optimal grip and slide on typical hardwood floors.
- Light weight construction to help reduce foot fatigue.
- Made from nubuck, leather, or patent leather
- Extra foot pad cushioning for dancing comfort.
Mens Ballroom Dancing Shoes
For a man,
Ballroom dance shoes are optimally designed for the Standard/Smooth dancing styles.
The heels are usually no more than 1 inch and are extremely stable.
The soles are thinner than the soles of a street shoe, allowing maximum control and ease of movement. Most dancers want to feel the floor under their feet!
Some dance shoes come with air holes on the sides, and shoes with suede linings will help to keep your feet cool as well.
A variety of colors are available in either leather, nubuck, or patent leather.
Although the lace up oxford is definitely most common, I have seen a pair or two of slip on mens ballroom dancing shoes!
If you are just starting out, or want only one pair of shoes, mens ballroom dancing shoes are for you! You can easily dance latin dances in a ballroom shoe, but not so the other way around!
Mens Latin Dancing Shoes
Mens Latin Dancing shoes are similar to the mens ballroom shoes, but have a 1.5" - 2" cuban heel.
There is an option to get a split sole on a latin dancing shoe. This provides the added flexibility needed for Latin foot movement technique, but does not provide as much foot support.
Latin Dancing Shoes can also be custom ordered with a half shank or no shank at all.
These shoes are typically worn by more advanced Latin dancers or for competitions.
Available also in a variety of colors in leather, nubuck, or patent leather.
If The Shoe Fits....
Comfort, Comfort, Comfort......That's the most important rule! You will not enjoy ballroom dancing with ill fitting shoes and sore feet!
If you live near a dance shoes store, find an experienced salesperson to properly measure your feet. Try different brands of shoes to find one that fits best.
Mens ballroom dancing shoes should fit snugly with just enough room to wiggle your toes.
You might also learn how to measure your own feet and follow the guidelines of the dance shoes manufacturer to ensure a good fit.
If you require wide width dance shoes, narrow ballroom dance shoes, or have any other special needs, you can custom order your shoes for just a few dollars extra.
It's worth it!...Your feet will thank you over and over!......Your ballroom dance partner probably will too!
By the way, did you know that subscribers to our newsletter, the Ballroom Bytes, get exclusive ballroom dancing tips delivered right to their inboxes? You can join our learn-to-dance community too by entering your details here!
Don't worry, your e-mail address is perfectly safe with us. We hate spam as much as you do!
How To Care for Men's Ballroom Dancing Shoes
If you have invested in mens ballroom dancing shoes, you will want to take good care of them! Implementing the following tips will help to extend the life of your shoes:
- Brush the chrome-tanned (suede) soles after each use with a wire shoe brush.
- Never wear your dance shoes outdoors.
- Do not allow your dance shoes to get wet.
- Steam shoes made from suede or nubuck to clean and refresh.
- Protect patent leather regularly with a silicon oil.
- Store your shoes in a shoe bag to prevent accidental damage.