The Importance of Latin Dance Shoes: How to Choose and Why They Matter
Latin dance shoes are an essential part of Latin dancing. They come in various styles, shapes, and sizes, so it is important to know what kind you need before buying them.
This blog post will go over everything about Latin dance shoes: how they're made, why they matter, and the different brands available in the market so you will know how to shop for the right shoes.
What is Latin dance?
Latin dance is a type of dance that originated in Latin America and the Caribbean. It is danced to music with a Latin beat, such as salsa, bachata, merengue, and cha-cha-cha.
It's similar to ballroom dancing but has its own unique steps and style.
This type of dancing is a great way to get fit and have fun and is also considered a popular form of social dancing.
Why do Latin dance shoes matter?
Latin shoes are important because they provide the dancers with stability and support on the dance floor. They're made specifically for Latin dancing, so they have features that other types of shoes don't have.
These features include a hard heel, which helps the dancer stay on their feet while dancing; a suede soles, which provides traction and prevents slipping; and a low-cut vamp, which gives the dancers a greater range of motion.
Latin dance shoes come in both men's and women's styles and are available in various colors and heel heights.
How are Latin shoes made?
Latin shoes are made in a variety of ways, but the most common is by using a process called "lasting."
This process starts with the upper part of the shoe, made from either leather or man-made materials. The upper is then glued to a sole and attached to a heel.
The final step is to stitch the upper to the insole, which gives the shoe its shape.
What are some of the most popular brands of Latin dance shoes?
If you want supportive dance heels, check out these famous brands of Latin dance shoes that provide all of these features:
Burju Shoes
Founded by a salsa and mambo dancer, Burju Shoes offers high-quality dance shoes that look good outside the dance floor and provide dancers with the support they need.
The brand offers different men's and ladies' shoes, including Latin, ballroom, salsa, mambo, and swing shoes.
They also have a wide range of colors and styles to choose from, so you're sure to find the perfect pair of practice dance shoes for your next Latin dance class or event.
This brand is my go-to for quality dance shoes. What I love about Burju shoes is the wide range of lace up styles that are perfect for either wide or narrow feet. Before I discovered Burju's, I would always buy a half size up to accommodate my wide feet and struggled to find the right fit. My first pair of these, I wore primarily for several years until the soles were worn away. By far, one of the best shoe investments I've made to date!
GFranco
GFranco is a brand that understands the needs of dancers and offers shoes made specifically for Latin dancing.
Their shoes are made with high-quality materials such as ultra-soft microfiber to provide the dancer with extra comfort and support during a performance.
Professional salsa dancers and teams usually shop at GFranco due to the high-quality and durable shoes they offer.
Yami Shoes
If you're looking for dance shoes that have an affordable price point but still provide good quality and support, Yami Shoes is a great option.
This brand offers shoes for every type of dance, whether for Salsa, Cha cha, or Latin.
They have high-quality Latin shoes that are light, comfortable, and durable.
I first discovered the Yami brand at Bachateando Dance Festival down in Miami. I am rarely an impulse shopper but once I tried on a pair of their shoes, I bought them immediately! They were by far the most comfortable dance shoes I had ever tried without having to break them in. With a soft suede upper (in purple of course) and extra padding in the ball of the foot, these shoes quickly became a favorite of mine!
Very Fine Shoes
Very Fine Shoes is a well-known brand for dance shoes and offers a wide range of Latin, ballroom, tango, and swing dancing shoes.
They have different shoes for men and women in both low and high heel options.
The brand is also known for its flashy designs to make you stand out on the dance floor.
So, if you're looking for good quality, flashy Latin dance shoe- Very Fine Shoes is the brand for you!
Very Fine was the brand I used when I first started dancing and was ready to invest in proper shoes instead of trying to dance in street shoes which killed my feet. They have a ton of designs to choose from and the quality varies, but they are definitely a good option to choose from if you are just starting out.
Final Thoughts
Latin shoes are a must-have for any dancer. They provide stability and support while allowing the dancers to stay on their feet without slipping.
With these fantastic benefits, it's easy to see why they're considered an essential part of every dancer's wardrobe! If you don't have a pair already or want to add another color to your collection, be sure to check out this blog post again today so you can take into account the different features of the most popular brands of Latin dance shoes. Happy dancing!
The most important feature…
By dress4dance (not verified) on Mar 24, 2022 - 3:23 pm
The most important feature for newbie dancer is to have shoe that supports their foot and has stable heel. For more experienced ones the softness and flexibility of a shoe matters a lot!