When choosing shoes for dancing, it is crucial to consider not only the style of dance, but also the comfort and specific features of each type of shoe. In this article, we will explore the different types of dance shoes and their pros and cons to help you make the best choice.
Jazz shoes
Description
Jazz shoes are lightweight, flexible, and often made of leather or canvas, with a rubber sole.
Benefits
- Flexibility : Their lightweight and flexible construction allows for great freedom of movement, ideal for quick movements and ground feel. The split sole slippers offer even more mobility for the foot and the arch of the foot.
- Comfort : They are designed to be comfortable during long dance sessions, but pay attention to the thickness of the soles.
- Versatility : Suitable for a wide variety of dance styles, from jazz to salsa, including contemporary dance, and even some styles of hip-hop.
Disadvantages
- Limited Support : They don't offer much ankle support, which can be a drawback for dancers who need more stability.
- Durability : Canvas jazz shoes can wear out quickly, especially when used on rough surfaces.
Heeled shoes (Latin dance)
Description
These shoes, often used for salsa, tango and other Latin dances, have a heel of 5 to 10 cm and are usually made of leather or satin.
Benefits
- Aesthetics : Heels elongate the silhouette and add a touch of glamour, perfect for ballroom and Latin dancing.
- Control : The heel helps transfer weight forward, facilitating pivot and rotation movements.
- Arch Support : These are often designed with good arch support for added comfort.
Disadvantages
- Limited Comfort : Wearing heels for long periods of time can be uncomfortable, especially for beginners.
- Injury Risk : Heels increase the risk of ankle injuries, especially for those who are not accustomed to dancing in heels.
Dance sneakers
Description
Dance shoes are specially designed for styles like hip-hop, urban dance and sometimes jazz funk. They are lightweight, with flexible and pivoting soles, they are perfect for all partner dances as well.
Benefits
- Comfort : Designed to provide maximum comfort, they are perfect for long dance sessions.
- Support : Provide good ankle support and shock absorption, which is crucial for high impact movements.
- Versatility : Can be used for various dance styles and even general training.
Disadvantages
- Less elegant : Compared to more formal dance shoes, these may not be suitable for performances that require a more elegant outfit.
- Less flexibility : Even though they are designed for dance, they generally offer less flexibility than jazz shoes or ballet flats.
Ballerinas
Description
Ballerinas are flat shoes, often made of leather or canvas, with a thin sole. They are commonly used for classical ballet.
Benefits
- Flexibility : Extremely flexible, they allow great freedom of movement of the foot.
- Sensitivity : Provides a good connection with the floor, essential for ballet techniques.
- Aesthetics : The classic, elegant silhouette of ballerinas is perfect for ballet performances.
Disadvantages
- Limited Support : Does not provide much arch or ankle support.
- Specific use : Mainly suitable for ballet, they are not ideal for other styles of dance.
Tongues
Description
Flip-flops, or sandals, are rarely used for dancing, but they can sometimes be worn for very casual dance styles or in outdoor settings.
Benefits
- Comfort and Ventilation : Ideal for hot climates and beach or outdoor dancing.
- Easy to put on : Easy to put on and take off, perfect for casual situations.
Cons: They are flip-flops!!
Summary:
Shoe | Comfort | Grip | Ground feeling | Evening style |
---|---|---|---|---|
Jazz shoe | 4/5 - the thinness of the sole can tire the foot | Rather slippery in general | 5/5 close to the ground - even better in split sole | 4/5 - widely used and versatile |
Heeled shoe | 1/5 - needs some getting used to (toe/ankle/arch) | Intermediate - depending on usage and soil | 4/5 Excellent - body point naturally forward) | 5/5 - essential for chic dress codes |
Basket - Sneakers | 5/5 | Quite adherent in general | Stiffness of the shoe in general | 2/5 - perfect for afternoons and hard floors |
Ballerinas | 3/5 - quite thin soles | Intermediate | 5/5 - pretty thin shoes overall | 3/5 - casual look |
Tongue | 5/5 - relaxed | Very adherent | The shoe remains stuck to the ground 😊 | 1/5 - Unique look |
Conclusion
The choice of dance shoes largely depends on the style of dance practiced, the environment and personal preferences. Each type of shoe has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it is essential to choose the one that best suits your specific needs. At My Dance, we offer a diverse range of dance shoes to help you find the perfect pair for every occasion. Explore our collection and dance in style and comfort!