Raw Beginner Shoe Question

[mamabert]

Hi everyone, I have studied the Beginner's FAQ, but need to know what kind of "street" shoes to wear- for my husband and myself -to our very first dance class. I love online shopping for dance shoes (based on the many recommendations in other threads!), but I'm not going to buy any yet until I get a feel for what I am doing. My husband most likely won't ever buy any "dance" shoes, I'll be lucky to actually get him to class, so what would you suggest would be the best shoes to wear to get started?
Thanks!

[MacMoto]

Welcome to DF, Mamabert! :D

One important rule is to avoid shoes with non-slip soles. In salsa, you need to be able to pivot on the balls of your feet, and if you wear non-slip shoes that grip the floor (e.g., rubber soled shoes/trainers), you can end up hurting your ankle or knee. Leather or hard plastic soles should be fine. Also, you don't want your shoes to come off too easily -- slip-on sandals are not a very good idea. When you raise your heels and stand on toes, the heels of your shoes should come up with your feet, not staying on the ground.

Other than that, just wear any shoes you feel comfortable in. Good luck with your first class!

[pygmalion]

Yeah. Good luck. I probably wouldn't worry about dance shoes, yet, if I were you. (That is, unless you're just dying for a pair, in which case, have fun! :wink: :lol: )

But I've never seen a raw beginner partner dance class where dance shoes were required. And, since dance shoes can be quite an investment, I would suggest taking a few lessons before you plunk down the cash for shoes. That'll give you time to get a feel for what you want in a shoe, which styles you like, and (dare I say it?) whether you and your guy are going to continue dancing.

It would be a shame to spend $100 on shoes, only to realize later that salsa is not for you.

Best of luck with everything. Be sure to let us know how it goes. :)

[MacMoto]

It would be a shame to spend $100 on shoes, only to realize later that salsa is not for you.
Oh but you will still have something pretty to wear at parties! :wink: :lol:

[mamabert]

Thanks for your suggestions! We had a great time at our first class and we will be going back! Somehow I think I might improve more quickly with some snazzy dance shoes :wink: It made a lot of sense as I read all the threads on shoes and how important the construction of the shoe is to providing better support, etc., but now after actually doing the steps in "non" dance shoes, I am completely convinced of the need for proper dance footwear!!

Paige

[pygmalion]

Yes. Having proper footwear definitely helps. The only problem is that buying shoes online is really risky, for your first pair or two. No personal questions, but do you have a dance shoe dealer near you?

[peachexploration]

Thanks for your suggestions! We had a great time at our first class and we will be going back! Somehow I think I might improve more quickly with some snazzy dance shoes :wink: It made a lot of sense as I read all the threads on shoes and how important the construction of the shoe is to providing better support, etc., but now after actually doing the steps in "non" dance shoes, I am completely convinced of the need for proper dance footwear!!

Paige


Hi Paige. Welcome to DF. May I suggest a good "dance" sneaker to start out with and then work your way up? :) The Bloch style sneaker seems to be quite popular and easier on the feet for most. I have gotten by with a good pair of capezios but they tend to run narrow. I also have a good pair of cuban heel sneakers to give me more of a lift and a better feel for dancing in heels when I'm out socially. If sneakers aren't your thing, then there are some stylish practice shoes that would work and are easier on your pocket book. Also, sometimes I use a good tango shoe when I'm going out dancing. They don't have the suede on the bottom so I can wear them both indoors and outdoors. Comes in handy when I don't feel like changing shoes once inside the venue. They also sell strictly salsa shoes with leather heals depending on the vendor you use. Oh and one more suggestion if you're not going to use the dance sneaker, make sure you find something that has extra padding for the balls of the feet. If you're a new dancer, it can get pretty painful until you get used to it. Oh and one more thing (last one, I promise :wink: ) As Pygmalion hinted to, it is better to get fitted by a live person first just to make sure you're ordering the correct size and to see how a shoe actually feels before you buy. Hope this helps. :D

[tacad]

Ditto on the padding if you don't get dance sneakers. I just went from dance sneakers to dance shoes. I had to stop dancing for 2 weeks. I'm still not dancing as much as usual as I have not completely recovered. And I've been dancing semi-regularly for at least 2 years now.

[pygmalion]

If you decide on dance sneakers, a dance shoe shop might be easier to find. Ballet shops tend to stock dance sneakers. But ballroom-y dance shoe shops (Where a lot of people buy salsa shoes) are a little less easy to find. :?

[Twilight_Elena]

Jazz sneakers are very good for salsa as they allow lots of pivoting. They're the best choice for beginners. :D

Twilight Elena

[mamabert]

There are quite a few shops near me that have dance sneakers- so that won't be a problem, but when I graduate to ballroom shoes, I may have to travel a bit to find a true dance shoe store, however, there are some dance studios in town that have ballroom shoes- would that be a good idea, or should I stick to a true dance shoe store to ensure a better fitting?

I will definitely be trying on some dance sneakers- I need the "ball of foot" padding!!

[peachexploration]

.......however, there are some dance studios in town that have ballroom shoes- would that be a good idea....

I think that might work. They could help you with the fitting. Also, ask them if they do special order for that extra padding. Most do, particularly if they make (or know someone who does) their own shoes.

[pygmalion]

There are quite a few shops near me that have dance sneakers- so that won't be a problem, but when I graduate to ballroom shoes, I may have to travel a bit to find a true dance shoe store, however, there are some dance studios in town that have ballroom shoes- would that be a good idea, or should I stick to a true dance shoe store to ensure a better fitting?

I will definitely be trying on some dance sneakers- I need the "ball of foot" padding!!

It certainly can't hurt to go try on some shoes and ask a few questions. :D