Men's Ballroom Shoes Buying Guide

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Gentlemen, get ready to dance the night away with these three basic types of ballroom shoes.  Depending on your skill level and level of interest in ballroom dancing, you may need only one pair described below or you may need several pairs of each type! Whether you are a beginner or a professional, here is your basic guide to men's ballroom shoes.

Basic Tips

  • Always talk to your dance partner about the colour of shoes and outfits. If you guys are competing, you'll want to match (or at the very least, not clash).
  • Expect to pay more for ballroom shoes than you would for street shoes.
  • Street shoes are not ballroom shoes. They do not give you the grip or flexibility that you'll need on the dance floor.
  • If you'll be doing a lot of ballroom dancing, look for shoes with a replacement heel. 
  • Flexibility is key. Aside from the shoe actually fitting you, flexibility is the most important thing to look for in a shoe.

Three Basic Types of Men's Ballroom Shoes

Practice

Practice shoes  are meant for people who practice more than an hour every day or teach ballroom dancing.

  • Lower heel.
  • Extra comfortable.
  • Breathable.
  • Don't worry about colour here. Just buy a shoe that is comfortable enough to wear all day.

Standard/Smooth

Standard/Smooth shoes  are the main type of ballroom dance shoes. If you aren't doing Latin dancing or practicing more than an hour a day, a pair of these will do the trick.

  • Usually 1"-2" heels.
  • More flexible than the average men's shoe.
  • The number of eyelets for the laces varies, but this is more a matter of preference than something that will effect your dance technique.
  • Spats  are a two-toned combination of leather and patent.
  • Traditionally purchased in black. 

Latin

Latin shoes  are just what you need if your doing the samba or other Latin dances.

  • Extremely flexible.
  • Often made mostly of rubber. 
  • Usually has a slightly higher heel, but still in the 1"-2" range.
  • Designed for you to have the ability to feel the dance floor beneath your feet.
  • No laces or hidden laces (though not necessary. You can find Latin shoes with the laces visible).
  • Black  is the colour of choice here, with sleekness being the best option.

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