What Jazz Dancing Looks Like Today

In the modern dance world, jazz shows up everywhere: studio classes, theatrical performances, social dance training, fitness-based movement, and crossover styles that borrow from ballet, hip hop, and contemporary dance. It is still rooted in upbeat musical timing, but today’s jazz is flexible enough to suit beginners, hobby dancers, and performers alike.

That range is part of the appeal. Some dancers take jazz for artistry and stage presence, while others want a lively class that improves posture, balance, and footwork. If you enjoy dancing that feels energetic and polished, jazz is a strong place to start.

Why Adults Learn Jazz Dance

• To improve coordination, rhythm, and body awareness
• To build strength in the legs, core, and feet
• To gain confidence performing in a group or solo setting
• To cross-train for ballroom, theater, cheer, or musical performance
• To enjoy a creative workout that feels musical and social

Adults often like jazz because it offers clear structure with room for personality. You can focus on clean lines, sharp accents, and expressive arms without needing years of experience to feel successful. That makes it especially appealing for anyone returning to dance after time away or trying a new style for the first time.

What Jazz Dance Is Danced To

Jazz dance can be done to classic jazz standards, Broadway tunes, pop songs, funk, R&B, and upbeat contemporary tracks. In class, instructors may choose music with a strong beat so dancers can practice timing, isolations, turns, and quick directional changes.

Because the style is so adaptable, the music often depends on the setting. A studio warm-up may feel smooth and technical, while a performance combination may be punchier and more dramatic. What matters most is that the music supports musical accents and confident movement.

If you are pairing jazz training with ballroom or practice work, you may also want to explore our guide to Best Ballroom Practice Shoes for Dance Lessons

Where You Can Dance Jazz

Most adults learn jazz in studios, community programs, college classes, theater training spaces, and fitness or recital programs. You may also see jazz influences in competition routines, stage shows, and dance conventions that mix styles in one class schedule.

As you progress, you might use jazz in rehearsals, performances, or hybrid classes that combine jazz with lyrical or contemporary movement. If you already dance other styles, jazz can be a useful bridge because it sharpens technique while keeping the movement lively and expressive.

What Gear You Need to Start

You do not need a lot of equipment to begin jazz dance, but the right basics make classes more comfortable and effective. Most dancers start with flexible clothing, a fitted top, leggings or dance shorts, and shoes that let the foot move securely across the floor.

For many adult beginners, the most important gear decision is footwear. Jazz shoes should feel close to the foot, allow controlled turns, and provide enough traction for confident steps without sticking too much to the floor.

How Adults Can Learn Jazz Dance

1. Take an adult beginner jazz class at a local studio
2. Join a mixed-level class if the studio offers gradual progressions
3. Use online tutorials for basic steps, warm-ups, and combinations
4. Practice simple jazz walks, kicks, turns, and arm placements at home
5. Ask an instructor for shoe and technique feedback before buying more gear

A good first class will usually cover posture, center control, rhythm, and a short combination. If you are also shopping for beginner-friendly dance footwear, the right starting point can make practice feel easier and more stable. For a helpful comparison, see Best Ballroom Dance Shoes for Beginners.

How to Get Started With Confidence

• Pick one beginner class and commit to a few weeks
• Start with the basics instead of chasing advanced tricks
• Focus on timing, posture, and clean weight changes
• Wear shoes that support controlled movement and easy turns
• Let your instructor know you are new so corrections stay manageable

The best way to improve in jazz is to stay consistent. Even one class a week can quickly build better balance, sharper accents, and more comfort with the style. Once the basics feel natural, you can decide whether you want jazz for recreation, fitness, or performance.

Final Takeaway

Jazz dancing is a modern, adaptable style that works well for adults who want music-driven movement, better technique, and a more confident presence on the floor. With the right class, comfortable clothing, and supportive shoes, it is easy to start and even easier to keep enjoying.

The ballroom practice shoes you wear can make or break your dancing, whether you’re dancing professionally or to pass the time. The best ballroom practice shoes significantly differ from what the best performance shoes might look like. If you’re relatively new to the dancing business, this might be surprising information, but if you think about it, it makes perfect sense.

One mistake you cannot afford to make as a dancer is to torture your feet as they are your stock-in-trade. This is why the best ballroom dance shoes are ones that are comfortable, padded and low heel.

In this article, we have reviewed six shoes by comparing their features with the best attributes of ballroom practice shoes for ladies.

Are practice dance shoes necessary?

If you’re a new dancer, whether you’re dancing latin ballroom or smooth ballroom you might be surprised to learn that there is a difference between normal dance shoes and practice dance shoes. There are also professional, performance shoes, which can be a whole other post in itself! Depending on how often you dance, practice shoes are important to have.

Related: Check out our recommendations for ballroom dance shoes for beginners.

Who are practice dance shoes for?

If you’re dancing frequently – say more than 2 times a week, you’ll benefit most from having a good pair of practice dance shoes. If you’re only dancing once a week, practice shoes probably aren’t necessary and you’ll be fine sticking with your go-to pair of ballroom dance shoes.

What are the benefits?

• Aesthetics: The biggest difference you’ll notice when comparing practice dance shoes and normal dance shoes are the aesthetics. Your ballroom dance shoe is probably one you use to go out dancing. Depending on your style preference – women’s ballroom dance shoes tend to have a lot more variety – these tend to be a bit flashier, colorful, and intricate. Since practice shoes are really just for lessons, practice shoes are more about functionality, so they will have a simpler design and have basic colors.
• Comfort / More Secure: The problem with using normal dance shoes frequently over a long period of time is that they take a toll on your feet, legs, and even your body. Because normal dance shoes have a higher heel, people have been known to develop back and foot problems. Practice shoes have a lower heel and are very sturdy. Using practice shoes helps to prevent long term issues.
• Durability: As I mentioned earlier, practice shoes is all about functionality. They are created for hours and hours of use. A good practice shoe can last you years of extensive use.

What should you look for in the perfect shoe?

What you should look for in a practice dance shoe is really similar to what you might look for when choosing a normal non-practice dance shoe. We’ve written extensively about what beginners should look for when choosing ballroom dance shoes. Here are the most important things to look out for:

• Fit: Your practice shoe should fit like a glove. It should be very snug. This helps to prevent any slipping and prevent injury. It should feel a teensy bit tight. As you keep dancing, the fabric stretches to mold around your foot. Your dance shoe size is generally half a size smaller than your street shoe size.
• Sole: Since practice shoes are usually used indoors in classroom settings, the soles are almost always suede. Suede leather is the best for dance practice because of its ability to both grip the wood dance floor without sticking and complete spins with ease.
• Heel Height: We recommend to keep practice shoes no taller than 1.5in. Of course everyone is built a bit differently, so you should feel free to practice in a taller heel if you feel comfortable. We have added few practice shoe recommendations with a higher heel height for this reason. Just make sure to listen to your body.
• Heel Style: The best heel style for practice shoes is the Cuban Heel. The Cuban heel is a thick block-like heel, making balancing really easy, and requires less pressure on different parts of your foot. Sneakers are also a great option if you don’t feel comfortable in heels at all, or are dancing for long hours. At the end of the day, it’s all about listening to your body.

Best Ballroom Practice Shoes

AlmaDanza Ladies Practice Dance Shoes

At a Glance

Heel Height:
1.8 in

Price: $

Material:
Coffee Leather, Mesh

Color: Black, Tan

Key Features

Suede sole

Lightweight and flexible

Comfortable feel

Elegant arc design

Adjustable front lace

Perhaps the two competing important features of ballroom practice shoes are comfortability and durability. Because you spend a lot of time practicing, you want a shoe that is pleasant to your feet without sacrificing the elegance that is pivotal to dance shoes. At the same time, you also want it to be durable enough to survive constant and continuous use.

This AlmaDanza practice shoe definitely meets the mark. An embedded metal shank provides a surprising combination of flexibility and sturdiness while still supporting its elegant arc design.

With a 2.2mm thick suede sole that comfortably grips the dance floor, combined with its heel height of 1.8 inches, it is extremely suited for both performance and practice dancing.

Because this shoe laces in front, it can be easily tightened or loosened to optimally fit the width of your feet, so it is one of those rare finds that perfectly serves people with narrow feet as well as those with broad feet.

Available in black and tan colors, a medium amount of cushioning protects your feet even as its mesh design ensures your feet can breathe.  

Overall, we couldn’t find any feature on this deceptively simple yet elegant beauty worth complaining about. 

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YYTing Black Elastic Dance Shoes

At a Glance

Heel Height: 2.5 in

Price: $

Material: Satin

Color: Black, Nude, Red, Tan

Key Features

Suede outsole

No buckles or lace
criss-cross straps

Snug elastic bands

Sweat-absorbing suede insole and padding

Comfortable and flexible feel

The most amazing feature of this YYTing Ballroom practice shoe is the lack of either a buckle or a lace fitting. Instead, its crisscross straps are made of elastic which automatically cocoon your feet. 

Apart from its practical use as an elastic band, the criss-cross straps also serve as a means of beautification.

Currently available in 4 colors: red, black, tan and nude, these elegant beauties are built for comfort as well as performance. The presence of a sweat-absorbing suede insole together with a soft linen interior protects the feet. You can dance to your heart’s content, secure in the knowledge that your feet will remain pampered.

The lack of a shoe bag for easy transportation is a definite con but it is not a deal breaker as its other features more than make up for this.

With a suede sole that provides traction on the dance floor, you can spin as much as you like. Although at 2.5 inches, you might consider these heels too high for constant practice. This is probably why YYTing provided a 1.5 inch heel option, an alternative that carries all the same exquisite features in addition to its reduced height.

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Sansha Salsette Dance Sneaker

At a Glance

Heel Height: 1/2 in

Price: $

Material:
Leather and mesh

Color: Black, Red & black, Grey & black, Purple & black

Key Features

Suede sole

Elegant arc

Lace-up vamp

Sneaker design

Breathable and comfortable mesh exterior

These ½ inch heeled sneakers from Sansha are probably the most comfortable pair of ballroom dancing shoes you will ever own. In addition to the extremely low heels, they have padded collars and interior for ankle support and protection.

Made in a sneaker design, these dance shoes feature a lace-up vamp for fitting. But as is common with dance shoes, it has that elegant arc structure, a suede sole for traction and a quick-drying mesh fabric that doesn’t suffocate your feet.

All these features combine to form the most terrific ballroom practice shoes, but it should be noted that the toe area is narrow, so might not comfortably accommodate really wide feet.

The Sansha sneakers come in a variety of colors: red, grey and purple, all mixed with black and an all-black option. 

Very Fine Women’s Mesh Heels

At a Glance

Heel Height: 2 in

Price: $$

Material: PU Leather

Color: Black, Nude

Key Features

Suede sole

Leather and mesh exterior

Cushioned memory padding

Deodorizing nano fiber insole

Non-slip insole
lace-up design

In a sea of comfortable shoes, these leather shoes by Very Fine are another hit. Despite an exterior that is almost entirely made with genuine leather, these 2-inch beautiful shoes remain affordable. For its current price you get a bundle of 5: dance shoes, shoe brush, pouch bag, shoe bags, and shoe freshener.

Other features that make it highly recommended include a non-slip insole that is made of nano fiber which automatically deodorizes the shoe after use, an extra thick padding that absorbs the impact of use, a memory footbed which protectively contours to your feet and a lace-up design for a snug fit.

The leather and mesh exterior makes for a beautifully elegant look while the suede sole grips the ground and helps you easily navigate the twists and turns while dancing. Unfortunately, you can only get these classy practice shoes in two colors: black and nude.

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Very Fine Leather Ballroom Dance Shoes

At a Glance

Heel Height: 1 in

Price: $$

Material: Leather

Color: Black, Tan, Flesh Satin

Key Features

Non-slip suede sole

Leather material

Quick-release buckles

Slight shank board

Cushioned insole

Our last shoe is another little number from Very Fine. But unlike the last shoe, these 1-inch ballroom practice shoes feature a quick-release buckle for fast adjustment. 

An outer suede sole provides traction while an inner padding protectively cushions your feet. A closed toe and heel design ensures that they give optimal fitting in addition to remaining flexible and comfortable.

This flexibility and support is also enhanced by the addition of a shank board. Because it is made of durable leather, it is sturdy and thick and might require some time to break it in.

To further sweeten the deal, you don’t only get an amazing ballroom shoe when you buy this beauty. You also get a foldable brush bundle.

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Final Thoughts

Selecting the right pair of ballroom practice shoes sight unseen can be a little daunting. But it always helps to consider the review of other dancers who have bought and used the products. 

We have analyzed and laid out the pros and cons of each practice shoe in this review. Although they come in different designs, they have the common feature of being great for learning or practicing. Because we selected the best from available options, they are largely positives and you can not go wrong if you select any of them.

Dancing is a way of life, and a passion for millions! Thanks to today’s online first world, finding excellent ballroom dance content has never been easier. What I love about the ballroom dance community is that it’s so incredibly uplifting and encouraging. There are so many people out there who are passionate about dancing and want to share that love with others. Here are the best ballroom dance blogs you need to follow right now!

Related: How to find the best ballroom dance shoes

The Girl with the Tree Tattoo

The Girl with the Tree Tattoo is run by Katie, who is an amateur ballroom dancer. The unique blog name is named after her beautiful tree tattoo displayed prominently on her back. She started the blog back in 2015 and still regularly maintains the blog.

She writes about the mental, physical, and emotional aspects of being a dancer. What makes this one of the most unique ballroom dance blogs is that her writing is refreshing and transparent. As a reader, you gain intimate insight into her struggles, frustrations, and triumphs – realizing they’re much of the same struggles you’ve experienced yourself. There is a strong sense of comfort knowing that we’re not alone. We especially loved her recent piece on self doubt and personal progress.

She has published several books, including a guide on solo practicing for Ballroom dancing.

Ballroom Guide

Ballroom Guide is an excellent resource that needs to be bookmarked by all ballroom dancers. The blog was started by Cyril, who wanted to create a source of information she wish she had when she first started dancing.

Now, Ballroom Guide has many contributors in the ballroom dance community who write and create content on the website. It has something for everyone, whether you’re a beginner or an advanced dancer. There are guides about fitness, starting competitions, social dance, training apps, and more.

Riot and Frolic

Kate started her blog Riot and Frolic 9 years ago. In fact, her 9 year blogiversary just passed quite recently. She is a professional dancer, having won numerous titles all around the midwest. She also spent many years as a ballroom dance instructor. She later left her job teaching to focus on raising a family.

In her blog, she writes about various topics in addition to ballroom dancing, including craft projects and food / cooking. We love her blog because of the humorous spin she incorporates in each dance topic. We recommend reading her take on the biggest, common mistakes of dancers new to performing / competing.

Dance Sport Life

Dance Sport Life was founded by Catalin Matei. The blog’s goal is to create a community for people who love to dance. They aim to do this by creating content to help anyone who has an interest to dance master their craft.

On the blog, there are all sorts of free tutorials, videos, and posts on how to improve your skills as a dancer. Going beyond dance video demonstrations, they also discuss other important aspects of dance, such as mindset, nutrition, and working with a partner. The content is written by other passionate dancers, who want to share their knowledge and love of dance.

They also have a podcast, featuring interviews with renown champions, as well as an online based dance academy.

Adventures in Dance

Adventures in Dance was started by Holly and Craig. Holly has been a dance instructor for over 30 years and the couple have danced competitively for years. Adventures in Dance is a ballroom dance studio located in Littleton Colorado. The studio teaches various types of dance, such as Latin, Swing, Salsa, and Ballroom.

In addition to owning and operating a dance studio, they regularly keep up with a content-rich blog. Their series on Historically Accurate Princess Dances is nothing we’ve ever seen in any other ballroom dance blog. The historical dance series focuses on popular disney movies and incorporates actual historically accurate dances they would have danced at the time. The posts are how-to type posts, that are very informative and well researched. They also have videos demonstrating the dances and steps. The dancers wear costumes and they sometimes film in castles, which draws us further into the fantasy. Some great examples are The Beauty and the Beast Minuet Dance and the Frozen Norwegian Folk Dance.

The Historically Accurate Dances have been shared by Quest Clubs for kids, and Frontier Girls and are a way of educating young minds by teaching them about dance, history and physical education.

QuickSteps

QuickSteps is an excellent ballroom dance blog for dancers new to the world of ballroom. QuickSteps is also a ballroom dance studio based in Adelaide, Australia. It was started by Michelle. Their mission is to create happiness through dance, which is something we can certainly get behind!

Their site is perfect for beginners because they have written in depth about many questions that beginner ballroom dancers have when first starting out. They walk through topics such as – what dances you should learn, and even basic questions everyone has when starting out – such as what to wear and dance etiquette.

Do you follow any of these wonderful blogs? Let us know in comments if you have other ballroom dance blogs you think should be on this list!

Related guides:

• Best ballroom dancing shoes for women
• Best ballroom dancing shoes for men

Do you really need dance shoes for ballroom dancing?

Are ballroom dance shoes really necessary? As a beginner, this is probably one of the first things you’ve contemplated once looking into the topic of dance shoes. You’ve also likely had a few lessons with some comfortable tennis shoes or even sandals.

When you’re just starting out, this is completely understandable. Why invest in a new hobby before you know if you even like it? However if you’ve fallen in love with ballroom dance, like millions of others, and want to continue growing your skills, a good pair of ballroom dance shoes will serve you well.

Learning to dance for your wedding? LunaSol shoes are a great investment—they’re high quality, and the designs are stunning.

Why ballroom dance shoes are worth the investment

Whether you’re learning Latin or Standard ballroom dance, dance shoes will be important, not only for your development as a dancer, but also for your safety.

• Dance shoes help protect your knees when spinning. Ballroom dance shoes usually have a suede sole. The benefit of this type of sole is that it allows for smooth spins, while gripping the floor. This is in contrast to most shoes, which have a rubber sole. The problem with rubber soles, is that it sticks to the ground, makes spinning difficult. It also causes strain on your knee, which is damaging in the long run.
• Ballroom dance shoes are made specifically for dancing. For example, they are cushioned in the specific parts of your foot, that will experience the most pressure from repeated dance moves. They also have the good support to prevent foot injuries. This is most important for ladies dance shoes with heels.
• They help enhance dance performance. In many ballroom dances, pointing and flexing the toe is important. Dance shoes are structured with flexible soles that help create the full effect. For example, in latin dance, where toe pointing is important, open toe shoes are recommended.

Difference between Latin Ballroom and Standard Ballroom Dance Shoes

There are two major styles of Ballroom dance – International Standard and Latin. International standard ballroom includes Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Viennese Waltz, and quickstep. Latin Ballroom consists of Cha Cha, Samba, Rumba, Paso Doble and Jive.

The footwork for Latin and Standard ballroom dances are quite different, which makes the types of shoes you’d use for either dance, very different. In Ballroom dance, the footwork transfers weight in both the heel and toe whereas Latin maintains weight primarily on the ball of your feet. For this reason, the heels for Latin dance shoes tend to be a bit higher. The footwork for Latin dances is much more demanding and accented. So the Latin dance shoes tend to be more elaborate.

Tips for buying ballroom dance shoes for beginners

With all of this in mind, we can now evaluate the anatomy of a ballroom dance shoe if you will. Let’s take a look at the different aspects you need to be aware of when looking for ballroom dancing shoes for beginners. With so many different things that come into play, it’s not surprising that dance shoes are such an powerful and important tool for any ballroom dancer.

Sizing and Fit

The general rule of thumb is dance shoes are half a size smaller than your street shoes. However this can vary a lot depending on the manufacturer and brand. There are manufacturers all over the world, so the sizing can be quite different.

Dance shoes need to be a little small as it needs to be extremely snug. They need to feel one with your feet – almost like a beautiful and elegant extension of your feet.

When you first try them on, they need to fit a little snug. They won’t feel comfortable immediately. If they do, you likely need to go down a size. Because you will be wearing them often your shoes will stretch out. If you purchase a size that fits immediately, after a few hours of lessons, they’ll be too loose. This will hinder your ability move freely and could make it easier to be injured.

Because of the importance of fit, many dance shoe brands will have narrow and wide options. If your specific shoe brand does not have this option, you may need to go down a full shoe size if you have narrow feet. If you have wide feet, you may have to stay with your street shoe size or go up a shoe size.

We also recommend that you try on your shoes when your feet are the biggest or the most swollen. This is usually during mid day, when you have had a chance to walk around and get some blood circulating in your feet. Your feet will be smallest the first thing in the morning.

Heel Height

Heel heights for Latin Ballroom dancing is higher than Standard ballroom for both men and women. Below are you can compare the difference in heights for Standard vs Latin heel heights.

For women, Latin ballroom shoes range from 2-3.5 inches. Men’s latin shoes range from 1.5 – 2 inches. Most latin ballroom dancing is done with the weight at the ball of your foot, so having a higher heel gives the best aesthetic look for this.

Standard ballroom shoes for ladies range from 2-2.5 inches. The highest heels for standard is only half an inch higher so it doesn’t seem like that big of a difference, but in practice, half an inch is much more difficult. For men dancing standard, heel heights range from 1/2 and inch to 1 inches.

Heel Height recommendations

Generally most men wear 0.5 – 1 inch heels even for latin dancing. Actual latin shoes are worn in competitions and performances, so don’t feel pressured to have to dance in higher heels. Wearing standard ballroom shoes for latin dancing is quite common.

For women who are new to ballroom dancing, we recommend starting with a lower heel generally in the 2-2.5 inch range. This is especially important if you are not used to wearing heels. Getting comfortable with balancing yourself during moves and turns takes practice. In addition, you will need to build up strength in certain areas of the foot to reduce chance of injury. After you start feeling comfortable with this heel height, you can gradually start increasing your heel height!

Heel Shape

In addition to heel heights, the heel shape is also a varying factor and the type of heel you’ll want depends on your experience level. Here are the most common heel types you’ll encounter.

The slim, or stiletto heel straightens or narrows towards the base. The highest heel heights have a stiletto shape. The result is a sexy and dramatic look. For this reason, it’s generally reserved for experienced dancers and for competitions.

That being said, there are slim heel designs with lower heel heights, and they can still be used by beginners. Slim heels are most commonly used with ballroom dancers.

The flared heel “flares out” and gets wider at the base, providing the best support. Shoes with a flared heel is what we recommend for ballroom dancing shoes for beginners. The flared heel is a smart choice for both ballroom and latin dancing, but is more common among latin dancers because of the type of movements required for latin dancing is more demanding.

The cuban heel is for shorter styles. This type of heels exist for both men and women. The cuban heel is works well for dancers who want more support and don’t want a high heel. It is also the type of heel used in practice dance shoes.

Sole Material

There are two types of sole material used for dance shoes – leather and leather suede. These are fine materials, so they should be worn primarily for dancing and not for day-to-day use. The benefit of this sole material is that they both allow for easy and fast spins and pivoting, however the vast majority of dance shoes will have leather suede soles.

For beginners, we recommend starting with a suede sole. Suede soles are attractive because it gives much more control to the dancer. The suede allows for easy turns, but it also allows you to grip the floor as to not slip. With the soft suede material, you’re also able to more easily feel the floor, and you can control your movements easier. The suede is a delicate fabric, so you will need to be careful in not getting them wet or wearing them outdoors, as they’ll easily be damaged.

Some dancers have a preference for leather soles, though this is a minority. Leather soles are much more slippery, so you need to be more careful, but the benefit here is they can execute lighting fast spins. Leather soles are also a good option if you’ll be doing any outdoor dancing. The floors for outdoor dancing rougher than indoor dance floors, so leather soles will be able more durable and they’ll be able to handle it.

High Quality Materials

The materials used for dance shoes should be high quality. There are numerous low end and high end options for dance shoes. Dance shoe prices ranges are huge. They can get as high as $300 and on the other end you can also buy dance shoes as low as $15.

The low end is what most beginners will opt for because of the value. The excellent value cannot be denied. However a common complaint for these types of shoes is that these is the fabrics are low quality. This means you don’t get the optimal benefit of a superior sole which will give you the best spins and control. In addition because of cheaper material, the shoe may not ever break in and will continue to feel pretty uncomfortable and be stiff. Finally it’s guaranteed that the parts of the shoe will break and deteriorate much more quickly than a higher quality shoe.

The issue many have with a higher quality shoe, unsurprisingly is the price tag. As a beginner, we wouldn’t recommend shooting immediately for the most expensive shoe. In fact at a certain price point, the additional benefits don’t necessarily match with the price. There are plenty of shoes in the $75-$100range that are excellent quality and perform superbly.

Here are a few recommendations for the best ballroom dance shoes. We include both high end and value options.

Open Toe vs Close Toe

Women’s ballroom dance shoes have open and close toed options. Close toed shoes are generally for Standard Ballroom or American Smooth dances such as the Waltz and Foxtrot and open toed shoes are associated with Latin ballroom dances.

As we mentioned earlier, Latin ballroom has more involved footwork compared to Standard ballroom, so the open toed shoes work better to highlight these moves. Open toed shoes are also more flexible, and are better for pointing and flexing the foot.

Where to buy dance shoes

These days, the options of buying ballroom dance shoes are endless! The traditional way that people have found dance shoes for hundreds of years, was through good old fashioned brick and mortar stores. However, over the years more people, and companies have moved toward online shopping.

More and more dance stores have moved to online stores, so going to a dance shoe store is not always an option. But if you do have a reputable dance shoe store nearby, it’s always good to try on a few pairs in person to get to know the fit and see how they feel. Usually options are more limited in the store, but they should have more inventory online. It’s always good to check with the store clerk to see if there are more designs.

I would especially recommend buying in store if you’re vacationing in or happen to be in a country with low cost of living and with a strong dance cultures like Argentina or Colombia. The manufacturing costs are much lower in these countries, so the overall prices of the shoe will be much lower. For example, I purchased some beautiful high quality dance shoes in Colombia for a fraction of what it would have cost me in the United States, where I’m from. It’s also a great way to support local communities and businesses.

If you live in a smaller area and don’t have many dance stores around there are tons of options online. We’ve hand picked our favorite ballroom dance shoes – they’re all available online and can be shipped anywhere in the world. The benefit of buying online is there is a lot more variety and the options are more affordable. Most companies offer free returns, so you’ll be able to exchange for different sizes if the fit isn’t quite perfect.

We’ve also written a more general guide on buying ballroom dance shoes.

Latin Ballroom vs Standard Ballroom Dance Shoes for Men

Depending on the style of ballroom dance you’re learning, the type of shoe you’ll look for differs, The difference isn’t quite as drastic as womens ballroom dance shoes, but there are important factors you should be aware of nonetheless. The two main distinct styles are Latin and International Standard.

For more detail on the different factors to look out for, read our comprehensive guide on choosing ballroom dance shoes.

International Standard Ballroom

International standard ballroom style consists for dances such as the waltz, tango, foxtrot, Viennese waltz, and quickstep. The diffferences between Latin and Standard shoes mostly have to do with the heel. Mens Standard Ballroom dance shoes have a 1 inch heel.

Although the heel on Latin Ballroom shoes are higher, it’s common for beginners of Latin Ballroom Dances to start with the lower heel of a Standard Ballroom shoe before moving to a higher heel.

Latin Ballroom

Latin ballroom styles include dances such as cha-cha, rumba, samba, paso doble and jive. Because these dance styles rely on the weight being at the ball of your foot, the heels on Latin ballroom dance shoes are higher than Standard. They are usually 1.5 inches to 2 inches and have more of an arch on the midsole.

They also generally have a split sole. With a split sole shoe, the soles are separated in two. With the sole being separated between the heel and the rest of the foot. This allows for more flexibility, and is especially helpful for flexing and pointing, which is common with Latin Ballroom.

Mens Ballroom Dance shoes for Standard

Top Pick: Bloch Men’s Xavier Ballroom Dance Shoe

At a Glance

Heel Height: 1 in

Price: $$$

Material: Leather

Color: Black

Key Features

Leather sole

Soft upper full grain leather

Cushioned insole

Kashmir lining

Shock absorbing materials

The Xavier shoe by Bloch gets our top pick for the best mens ballroom dance shoes for Standard ballroom. Designed in the fashion of a nice oxford, this is pretty much a salsa and ballroom shoe that adheres to the time-honored traditions of dancing shoes.

You’ll find that the upper part is made out of high-quality smooth leather, while the heel is low and wide. This is quite important for maintaining balance, but without becoming too rigid. Additionally, the insole has enough cushioning for shock absorption, and the outsole made of suede works perfectly in terms of traction on difficult slides and turns.

It should be noted that Bloch is a brand that has been making shoes by the 1930. They’re the pioneers in the field of dancing shoes; it’s a renowned brand that guarantees quality. Their reputation deserves to have the place as our top pick.

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Capezio Men’s Social Dance Shoe

At a Glance

Heel Height: 1 in

Price: $$

Material: PU Leather

Color: Black

Key Features

Lace-up

Suede sole

Shock absorbing sponge insole

Flexible outsole

Sturdy heel

For all of you out there who are just getting into ballroom dancing – we’ve got a good choice for you right here, if you want the perfect pair of shoes for your first steps. This one-inch heel is lightweight enough for dancing newbies and veterans alike.

Capezio is also one of the top shoemakers in the ballroom dance industry. This dance shoe is the perfect shoe if you are more cost-conscious. These shoes are a great combination of price and excellent quality.

The heel is quite firm and allows for a quick counter, while the suede soles give you all of the traction you need to remain in control. The material this is made out of is flexible and yet manages to be sturdy and supportive at the same time; providing the wearer with ample ankle support!

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Very Fine Mens Practice Dance Sneakers

At a Glance

Heel Height: NA

Price: $$

Material: Leather

Color: Black

Key Features

High-Quality Leather

Suede sole

Trusted by the pros

Lightweight and versatile

Padded footbed for extra comfort

Many wouldn’t generally think of sneakers when thinking of mens ballroom dance shoes, but having a pair of these is extremely useful!

Regardless of how high-quality your dancing shoes are – after prolonged use, they’re bound to get worn out. That’s why you need a pair of shoes for practice as well. So you’re not worried about replacing them at any time. 

With this in mind, we recommend you get a pair of practice sneakers like these. Plus, on top of being affordable, this is a pretty neat package containing other stuff you need to preserve any kind of dancing shoe. With the shoes themselves, you’ll also get an original pouch bag for travel, and a shoe bag for traveling. Also, you will receive a shoe brush that you can use to give your dancing shoes a new shine at any time!

These shoes are also a good fit if comfort is your most important criteria and if you know you’ll be dancing for many hours regularly. While the other shoes on this list are very comfortable, these shoes optimize for comfort.

Mens Ballroom Dance Shoes for Latin Ballroom

DKZSYIM Men’s Black Leather Professional Latin Ballroom Dance Shoes

At a Glance

Heel Height: 1.4 in

Price: $

Material: PU Leather

Color: Black

Key Features

Stylish leather sole

Comfortable and flexible

Lightweight materials

Breathable sole

As a classic latin shoe, it has a higher heel and a more pronounced arch that will elevate every move. If you aren’t used to a heel, it will take some time to adjust, but you’ll be surprised how big of a difference this latin style shoe makes on your moves.

One of its other main attractions is the well-designed bottom made of suede. In other words – this is one shoe that you don’t have to be worried about slipping with on any kind of surface.

Apart from that, you should know that the heel is pretty durable. That’s important because this is the first part to go out on these types of shoes; but you know you can rely on it with this one for a long time. Also, the leather is of a superbly high quality – giving you a sense of style to go along with the comfort you will feel. 

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Very Fine Ballroom Dance Shoes

At a Glance

Heel Height: 1.5 in

Price: $$

Material: Patent Leather

Color: Black, Black and white

Key Features

Patent leather

Non Slip Suede Sole

Ultra soft suede outer sole

Cushioned insole for shock absorption and comfort

Lightweight and comfortable

If you’re someone who’s looking for a quality men’s ballroom dance shoes, you won’t go wrong with this model either. Regardless of whether you’re a fan of salsa or tango – you will find this model designed as well as you’d want. This design also comes in a classic black and white wingtip style.

For one, it’s got a sole made of non-slip suede, providing you with the maximum freedom of movement a piece of footwear could on the dancefloor. 

Speaking of which – the outer sole is also made out of extremely soft suede, ensuring that you barely feel you’ve got any shoes on at all. Plus, the insole has cushioning that’s intended to give you maximum comfort, but also absorb any shock. This makes the shoe ergonomic enough to suit your joints and prevent you from wearing them out. 

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Read more: We’ve also written a guide on the best ballroom dance shoes for beginners

Background on Ballroom Dancing

Before going through the list of the best ballroom dance shoes in the market, it’s fitting to dive a bit into its rich history. Many centuries ago, ballroom dancing was only meant for the elite in society. Commoners generally took part in folk dancing. Fortunately, many years later, these class barriers were lifted and many were able to take part in this elegant dance.

It’s believed that ballroom dancing came from the Minuet which was introduced by Jean-Baptiste Lully in Paris in 1650. Never did he realize that such dance would dominate the dance halls and palaces until the 18th century. Fast forward to the early parts of the 20th century — ballroom gain massive popularity in the US. By this time, Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire successfully put ballroom further into the dance map with their meticulously choreographed and elaborate dances. 

Today, ballroom is not only a massively enjoyed hobby, but it has also evolved into a competitive dancesport that enabled dancers of various levels of competency to compete against other professional dancers. Indeed, ballroom dancing has come a very long way. From being a hobby enjoyed by the elite, now, just about anyone who has a good pair of ballroom shoes and a passion for it can enjoy dancing to the tune of upbeat ballroom music.

Tips on choosing the best ballroom dance shoes

Before discussing each product one-by-one, let’s take a look at the important factors that every ballroom dancer should pay careful attention to before buying a pair of ballroom shoes. 

You can also refer to our more comprehensive guide on choosing the best ballroom dancing shoes.

The Fit

 It is important that your ballroom dance shoes should fit snugly on your foot. Your dance size is usually half a size smaller than your street shoe size. Starting off, your shoes should feel a bit snug. They will stretch over a few hours of practice and will fit your feet perfectly. If they start off too big, they’ll be too loose and the fit will be poor. ‘Snug’ is the key word here. They shouldn’t be too tight where your feet are in pain.

Check if fits snugly on your heel. For female dancers with lower arches, be careful of open-toed, high heeled shoes. Flat feet can easily slide forward through the shoes, causing your toes to dangle off the heel and have a sloppy fit. 

Heel Height

Women’s and men’s ballroom shoes are both available in a variety of heel heights. In general, ballroom shoes have lower heels compared to Latin shoes. Choose the heel height that you find comfortable dancing into. If you’re aiming for higher heels, you have to make sure that you can stand on one leg while pointing your other toe in front of you. If you can do this, then you can wear that heel height while dancing. 

Stability

To know if a dancing shoe is stable, try taking short and long steps while walking both of your heels and toe first. If you can confidently do all kinds of walks while keeping your balance, the shoe is perfect for you. Stay away from shoes with wobbly heels. 

Quality Materials

Some of the materials used to make dance shoes include patent leather, plain leather, canvas, and satin. Among these materials, plain leather is the least troublesome. Those made from fabric wear out and get dirty faster. Patent leather may look good but they need more maintenance and cleaning. They’re also stiffer. Plain leather will soften later on and conform to the mold of your feet, making it more comfortable each time you wear. 

Sole Material

When it comes to the sole, most Latin and ballroom dance shoes come with leather, resin, or suede sole. Among these choices, suede is the best when it comes to slip, resistance, and the ability of the dancer to feel the floor. They’re not as fragile as other materials, too. 

Women’s Smooth / Standard Ballroom Dance Shoes

Women’s International Smooth and American Standard Ballroom include dance styles such as Foxtrot, Waltz and Tango. For these styles, the ideal types of shoes are low heel and closed toe. Here are our picks for Smooth and Standard Ballroom dance shoes.

Top Pick for Women’s Smooth / Standard: LunaSol Lace Ballroom

At a Glance

Heel Height: 2 in

Price: $$

Material: Genuine goatskin leather, lace and mesh upper

Color: Ivory

Key Features

Supportive closed-toe design

High-density memory foam insole

Suede and street sole options

Adjustable ankle strap

LunaSol Dance Shoes combine style, function, and comfort, perfect for special occasions and hours on the dance floor. Though they resemble elegant evening heels, these shoes are crafted by professional dancers to deliver the support of dedicated dance footwear. Ideal for dancing or any special event, they provide unmatched comfort.

Handmade in Portugal with genuine leather and lace, they offer a chic look suitable for weddings and more. The closed pointed-toe and low vamp create a leg-lengthening effect, while a supportive heel cup and high-density memory foam insoles ensure comfort without fatigue.

With two sole options—suede for dance floors and a street-ready version—LunaSol shoes are designed for seamless transitions. The adjustable ankle strap and balanced 2-inch heel provide stability for moves like the waltz and tango.

Perfect For: Brides, bridesmaids, dance enthusiasts, or anyone seeking an elegant yet comfortable dance shoe that supports long hours of movement.

Joocare Women Cross Strap Ballroom Dance Shoes

At a Glance

Heel Height: 2.5 in

Price: $

Material: PU Leather

Color: Black

Key Features

Cushioned insole

Suede soles

Moisture-absorbent brushed lining material

Non-slip heels

These multi-purpose shoes from Joocare are perfect examples of class and elegance. Though it’s unadorned with gems, rhinestones, or huge buckles, it delivers a strong and stunning presence.

Its cross strap-design added to its mysterious and timeless look that’s fitting for any kind of ballroom dance outfit.

The heels are non-slip, making any movement on the dancefloor seamless and safe. The cushioned insole and moisture-absorbent lining also keep the feet dry despite hours of lessons or time on the dance floor.

AlmaDanza Women’s Dance Shoes

At a Glance

Heel Height: 2 in

Price: $$

Material: leather, lace and mesh upper

Color: Satin

Key Features

Supportive design

Memory foam insole

Adjustable ankle strap

This classic pair of ballroom dance shoes is a simple and elegant design. This particular pair comes in two different colors — nude and black. Despite its color variation, both shoes only scream class and timelessness.

With its low price point, It’s an excellent balance between value and quality. Just like Joocare’s cross-strap pair, this pair is also a gem on its own, sans any embellishments or bling. When worn on the dancefloor, it shows authority and the feel of being composed and confident.

The materials used to make this pair are also nothing but high-quality. The sole is made from 2.2 mm thick Ox leather, making it comfortable and flexible. 

Very Fine Ladies Women Ballroom Dance Shoes

At a Glance

Heel Height: 1 in

Price: $$

Material: Suede

Color: Various

Key Features

Lightweight and flexible

Suede sole

Cushioned insole for shock absorption

Quick release buckle

This is a great option for those who are a little intimidated by a higher heel or are looking to work up to a heel. The solid and sturdy 1 inch cuban heel will make you feel fully supported. It’s also an excellent option if you’re looking for a solid pair of practice shoes.

The great thing that stands out about this pair, it’s the fact that you will have so many options to choose from. This model has neutral, simple colors and materials like the one shown here as well as bright and sparkly options.

Because you don’t have to worry about the heel height, you can dance and move more liberally and aggressively. You can also withstand longer dance sessions with its cushioned and highly shock-absorbent insole. With this pair, pro or novice, you’ll never go wrong. 

Women’s Latin Ballroom Dance Shoes

In contrast to American Smooth ballroom dance shoes, Latin Ballroom shoes feature a slightly higher heel because dancing is done with weight primarily on your toes and there is more dramatic pointing of the toes which is why latin ballroom shoes are generally open toed.

Top Pick for Women’s Latin Dance: Werner Kern Women’s Ballroom Shoes

At a Glance

Heel Height: 2.75 in

Price: $$$

Material: Laminated Goatskin

Color: Antic Satin

Key Features

Breathable and moisture-absorbent leather lining

Suede leather sole

Shock-absorbent cushioning

Lightweight and versatile

Our top pick for women’s latin dance ballroom shoe goes to Werner Kern. Werner Kern shoes are one of the most beautifully made shoes for ballroom dancing. They’re made in Italy, and use some of the finest materials giving it an incredibly comfortable fit and ensuring the shoes will last for years.

This open toe design makes it a great shoe for latin dance. The flexible toes, make for easy pointing, and the beautiful laminated goatskin outsole illuminates your feet in. a subtle way.

Its shock absorbent cushioning provides comfort for many hours and the flexible materials make the shoe immediately comfortable form the moment you put them on. These are truly one of the best investments you can make.

Very Fine Women’s Ballroom Heel

At a Glance

Heel Height: 2.5 in

Price: $$

Material: Leather

Color: Various (Neutral)

Key Features

Classic t-strap design

Suede sole

Quick release buckle

Lightweight and versatile

If you’re not ready to spend $100+ on a ballroom dance shoe quite yet, Very Fine carries some excellent affordable options. Still emphasizing quality, each pair is crafted carefully and handled with precision and care.

These shoes come at a much friendlier price point and are beautifully designed. They’re also insanely comfortable, flexible, and lightweight, so you can be sure you have everything to be dancing your best.

This pair also comes with a set of heel protectors, which will help prolong the lifespan of the shoe.

Yokala Women’s Ballroom Dance Shoes

At a Glance

Heel Height: 2.5

Price: $

Material: Leather

Color: Black, Gold

Key Features

Crystal buckle accent

Suede sole

Sweat absorbent midsole

Breathable lining

There are a couple of reasons why lady dancers love Yokala’s gold with a modest 2.5 inch heel. The stunning style is the main reason. Its four straps do not only complete its eye-catching look, but these also protect the wearer’s toe and hold her feet in.

It also has a sweat-absorbent, latex, elastic mid-sole and snug lining. These grant the wearer freedom in movement while she’s on the dance floor.

With other ballroom shoes, you either have to choose a bigger or smaller size to achieve that snug fit you’re aiming for. However, with Yokala’s nude, you don’t have to do that. Their shoes are all true to their size because sizing is based on the US standard shoe size.

And lastly, its design makes it ideal for ballroom dancing, dance lessons, and other events wherein you’ll have to wear a formal indoor dress. 

JZNX Professional Ballroom Dance Shoes

At a Glance

Heel Height: 2.4 in

Price: $$

Material: Satin

Color: Nude, Black

Key Features

High-quality satin

Suede soles

Sweat-absorbing inner lining

Padded footbed

This low price point make this beautiful dance shoe an excellent choice for someone who is just starting out, or someone who appreciates a great value.

It’s simple with some sexy straps that’ll wrap around your ankle beautifully. It comes in two different colors –black and nude. It has a comfortable height, with heels measuring 2.4 inches.

Its ergonomic design is also one of its unique selling points. It has been polished repeatedly, the match your feet almost perfectly. It also has a soft, comfortable cushioning which helps for those hours spent on the dance floor or during lessons. 

Note that the shoe is closer to a gold color rather than the pink / rose color in the photo.

Men’s ballroom dance shoes

Top Pick for Men: Bloch Men’s Ballroom Dance Shoe

At a Glance

Heel Height: 1 in

Price: $$$

Material: Leather

Color: Black

Key Features

Classic oxford style

Low, wide heel, short shank

Suede sole

Cushioned and shock absorbing insole

Kashmir lining

Our top pick for the best ballroom dance shoes for men is Bloch’s model. Bloch has been providing high quality dance shoes since 1930. Refining their craft for nearly a hundred years, it’s no surprise that Bloch is one of the most reputable and trusted shoe brands in the industry.

It’s recommended you order one size smaller than your street shoe size for a snug appropriate fit. These shoes are the epitome of excellent excellent workmanship with its fine and clean stitches over and under a high-quality leather material for both the insole and outsole.

It’s no surprise these shoes tend to last several years, even among dancers who dance frequently throughout the year.

All in all, this standard 1 inch heel is a classic ballroom mens shoe and we feel confident recommending this as our top pick for men.

Capezio men’s social dance shoe

At a Glance

Heel Height: 1 in

Price: $$

Material: PU Leather

Color: Black

Key Features

Suede Sole

Shock absorbent insole

Achilles notch

Strong heel for maximum support

Carries wide sizes

This pair of Capezio shoes is very similar to Bloch’s, except that it comes with a lower price tag. Capezio is still an extremely well respected brand, and a solid ballroom dance shoe choice for those who are more price conscious.

This pair of ballroom dance shoes offers optimal comfort with its padded Achilles notch that goes with its shock-absorbent sponge insole.

It also has a moisture-absorbent inner cotton lining that will keep the wearer dry as he gets more intense on the dance floor. This shoe is perfect for beginners in ballroom dancing as it strikes a perfect balance between comfort and ease of movement.

Its lightweight, full suede outsole also brings just the right of traction to move comfortably on the dancefloor. Its durable, supple, and soft PU upper makes the shoes flexible yet supportive enough to execute any forms of ballroom dances. 

They also carry wide sizes so you’re sure to find the perfect fit. Note that sizing tends to be a little inconsistent, so if you can, order a couple other sizes so you can ensure you have the best fit.

NLeahershoe’s lace-up breathable leather dance shoes for men

At a Glance

Heel Height: 1 in

Price: $

Material: PU Leather

Color: Black

Key Features

Breathe able toe design

Anti slip

Lightweight

Suede sole

Cushioned heel

If there are three adjectives that can well describe this pair of ballroom dance shoes from NLeahershoe, these are comfortable, lightweight, and flexible.

This pair is comfortable because it fits the form or mold of one’s feet perfectly. Similar to other dance shoes, for the best fit, make sure to get a size smaller than your street shoe size.

The raw materials used to make this pair of shoes made it incredibly lightweight. As such, dancing with, leading, or following your ballroom dancing partner is seamlessly done.

And lastly, because of the shoes’ lightweight nature, the pair can easily cope up with all the fancy footwork. To add to all these, the shoe has an anti-sole, making sliding on the dancefloor safe and easy. This is perfect for newbies and pros in ballroom dancing. 

Because there are as many dance shoes as there are happy feet to wear them, it might be a little overwhelming to make a choice. To help with this, we have put together a list of tested and trusted dance shoes that will make you shine. If you want to know more about selecting a ballroom dance shoe, you can review our guide on how to choose a ballroom dance shoe. Here we address the different factors that go into choosing dance shoes.

We’ve also written a more general comprehensive guide for best ballroom dance shoes (includes both men and women).

Close-toed ballroom dance shoes for beginners

Close-toed shoes are also the better choice for smooth or standard ballroom dances, such as Foxtrot or Waltz. As a beginner dancer, close-toed dance shoes are a safe bet as your steps won’t be quite as precise and your toes will be better protected.

iCKER GetMine Women’s Ballroom Dance Shoes

At a Glance

Heel Height: 2.5 in – 3 in

Price: $$

Material: Satin, Crystal

Color: Various

Key Features

Suede and rubber sole

Faux leather and sequin material

Quick release buckle

Cushioned footbed

Our first choice of ballroom dancing shoes also come with a bit of glitz. With an exterior covered in high-quality sparkling sequin and an interior made in faux leather, these shoes are built for comfort, beauty and durability.

The footbed is layered with extra cushion for protection while dancing. The outer sole is made of wool material, which isn’t quite as suitable as suede, but is still skid resistant and non-slip.

These 2-inch heels attract and refract light when in motion and would be an added advantage to your routine. 

The thin ankle straps might look like a disadvantage, but it is durable and grips snugly.

TDA T-Strap Glitter Ballroom Beginner Dance Shoes

At a Glance

Heel Height: 2 in – 3 in

Price: $$

Material: Synthetic

Color: Various

Key Features

Leather and Rubber Sole

T-Strap Design

Quick release buckle

Custom heel style

These gorgeous t-strap ballroom dance shoes from TDA is the perfect first dance shoe for a beginner who is interested in bringing together style and comfort.

This shoe comes in a variety of designs, patterns, and colors that there’s no doubt you’ll find a style you love. Many people even purchase multiple pairs because they fall in love with other styles.

There are also several different heel types to choose from, so you can gradually change heel styles as you continue your training. For beginners we recommend 5cm – 6cm flared heel style to start.

Joocare Cross Strap Ballroom Ladies Dance Shoes

At a Glance

Heel Height: 2.5 in

Price: $$

Material: Faux Leather

Color: Black

Key Features

Suede Sole

Moisture absorbing

Classic Design

Cushioned insole

A popular ballroom dance shoe for beginners is a pair of simple, black ballroom shoes. These work great for people who are looking for simplicity, functionality, and elegance.

The double criss cross straps helps provide a comfortable and stable fit. The pointed toe gives your feet a flattering look.

The heel height is perfect for a beginner, as it’s in the 2-3 inch range. The heel style, being flared and a bit thicker, will give plenty of support for beginner dancers.

Dress First Low Heel Ballroom Dance Shoes

At a Glance

Heel Height: 1.2 in

Price: $$

Material: Suede

Color: Black

Key Features

Ankle cross strap

Low heel

Lightweight

Suede sole

If you don’t have a lot of experience with high heels and are feeling a little nervous about learning how to dance AND learning how to walk in heels, a low heel might be a good starting shoe. You can work yourself up to a heel when you feel comfortable. No need to add unnecessary pressure or anxiety to a fun learning experience!

These shoes have everything you need in a ballroom dance shoe. They’re flexible, light weight, and secure. Being a lower heel, the heel is wide and thick, to ensure maximum stability.

They also have quick release hook, which allows quick changing of shoes.

Open-toed ballroom dance shoes for beginners

Open-toed ballroom dance shoes are generally used for Latin ballroom dance. This includes dance styles like Rumba, Samba, Bolero, Mambo. Open-toed dance shoes are optimal for Latin ballroom because toe-pointing is an important part of these dances and open-toed shoes can emphasize these moves and enhance the overall look of the dance.

TTdancewear Women’s Ballroom Dance Shoes

At a Glance

Heel Height: 2.5 in – 3 in

Price: $$

Material: Satin, Crystal

Color: Various

Key Features

Comfortable, flexible and lightweight design

Catchy and sparkly look

Quick-release buckles

Suede sole

These glamorous TTdancewear rhinestone ballroom dance shoes are made of high-quality satin, these glitzy shoes are ideal for beginners. The soft satin material is super comfortable and lightweight.

Covered in sparkly crystals, its iridescent look makes your feet come alive as you dance. Quick-release buckles are perfect for changing between routines. You can also easily slip them on and off while on stage.

The 2.5 or 3 inch low heel options guarantee comfort and ease of movement. A suede material sole lets you glide around the ballroom without fear of slipping.

To meet every fashion need, they are available in a variety of colors -blue, gold, red, silver, tan, black, and nude.

But note that this product does not come together with a shoe bag or box for carrying it around. Of course, this is a minor issue that could be easily rectified.

Capezio Rosa Flared-Heel Sandal

At a Glance

Heel Height: 2.5 in

Price: $$

Material: Satin

Color: Black, Camel Satin

Key Features

Leather sole

Cushioned insole

Crisscross straps 

Forefoot straps support

Salvatore Capezio, is believed to have surrounded himself with dancers. A cobbler himself, it is said that he often listened to their needs and complaints as regards dancing shoes.  This is probably why Capezio is an industry leader in ballroom dancing shoes.

In addition to the soft satin material, a cushioned footbed protects your feet. Also, the flared 2.5″ heels  provide additional support by evenly distributing your weight.

Another supportive feature is the multiple forefoot strap for feet protection. These are interwoven and help support the toes while crisscross straps do the same at the ankle.

A common complaint is that they do not come with enough holes in the ankle strap to snugly fit your leg. To get a snug fit, you might need to make another hole. This is a small price to pay for owning these beauties which are available in either black or a rose-like hue, referred to as camel satin. 

TTdancewear Rhinestones Performance Ballroom Dance Shoes

At a Glance

Heel Height: 1.5 in -3 in

Price: $$

Material: Satin, Rhinestone

Color: Various

Key Features

Suede sole

Quick-release buckles

Extra padded insoles

Moisture absorbing lining

Another outstanding product from TTdancewear, these pair of ballroom dance shoes make an extra effort to put comfort and convenience above all other features.

While the soft satin material of these beauts make them easy to acclimatize to your feet, an extra padded footbed cushions your feet from harm.

The extra addition of a shock-absorbent insole and moisture-absorbing cotton lining significantly increases the appeal of these shoes.

Non-slip suede soles increase your balance and slip-resistance. Ankle straps snugly secure them to your feet with quick-release buckles for fast action.

Beauty is not neglected as they are bedazzled with glittery rhinestones and come in attractive colors like hot red, red, silver, tan, gold, black, and nude. Depending on how confident you’re feeling, you can choose between 1.5, 2.5 or 3 inch heel options.

Akanu Women’s Ballroom Dance Shoes

At a Glance

Heel Height: 2.5 in

Price: $$

Material: Satin and Mesh

Color: Nude, Black, Gold, Shining Silver

Key Features

Suede sole

Cushioned footbeds

Straps and chiffon protection for forefoot

Adjustable buckle

Not to be outdone, this Akanu Women’s ballroom shoes is comfortable, stylish and lightweight. It is suitable for beginners because its quality satin material easily moulds to the wearer’s feet and requires little to no break-in time. 

At 2.5 inches, these low heels are convenient for spirited dance steps. The cushioned insoles protectively cradle your feet while the non-slip suede sole protects you from skidding or falling.

Adjustable quick-release ankle clasps secure them to your feet. The covered back and forefoot straps design also guarantee a snug fit.

The forefoot chiffon and straps design does the double duty of beautifying and supporting the toes. These satin shoes are a bargain at the current price and quality.

iCKER Women’s Ballroom Dancing Shoes

At a Glance

Heel Height: 2.5 in

Price: $$

Material: Satin

Color: Various

Key Features

Suede or Rubber sole

Snug wrap-around strap

Quick-release adjustable buckles

Elegant arc design

This second iCKER ballroom dance shoe is an alternative choice for those daring beginners who want an iCKER shoe but would rather go for higher heels than those offered by the previous option.

They are a great option as a more conservative choice as another difference is the lack of sparkly rhinestone decorations. However, this doesn’t detract from its elegance as it features an arc design that flatters your feet. 

Although some features are noticeably different, the quality is still the same high standard that this brand prides itself on.

Suede soles provide traction and prevent accidents on the dance floor. Soft satin material contributes additional protection for your feet while a wrap-around strap snugly secures the shoe to your feet.

This style also has a rubber sole option, so you can go with this option in case you like the design for every day use. Note: rubber soles are not ideal for dancing.

TTdancewear Women Ballroom Dance Shoes

At a Glance

Heel Height: 2.5 in – 3 in

Price: $$

Material: Satin, Sparkly Glitter

Color: Nude, Tan, Red, Black

Key Features

Suede sole

Quick-release buckles

Comfortable, lightweight and flexible design

Flashy design

Rounding out our list, is another TTdancewear ballroom dance shoe. Like the others, it is certainly perfect for a beginner. TTdancewear is known for producing super comfortable and attractive ballroom dance shoes. 

The soft satin material of this shoe easily molds to your feet and eliminates the need for breaking it in. It is also lightweight and suitable for extended time on the dance floor without fear of blistered feet.

A quick-release buckle feature makes wearing and removing these shoes super fast and easy. However, a crisscross ankle strap snugly fits this shoe to your feet so they do not slip during a rigorous dance routine.

Suede soles are suitable for traction on ballroom floors. As a dancer, your feet are your tool and so should be protected at all times. Suede soles do this job perfectly. 

Every ballroom dance shoe for beginners should have suede soles, low heels, they should have secure straps, and shouldn’t be backless. You do not want to trip and hurt your leg or have your shoes slide off mid-dance. We hope you’ve found the perfect fit in one of these beautiful shoes for beginners!