Ballroom & Latin Shoes For Women:

Women’s ballroom and Latin shoes are mostly available in flesh tones or white satin. White satin shoes should be dyed to match your skin color (or your hose). This general rule was made based on the concept that matching your shoe color to your skin extends your leg line. I find this very freeing, because you don’t have to worry, your shoes will go with any color costume/dress. If you get satin shoes dirty or wet (Don’t keep water bottles in your shoe bag!), they can be bleached (1/3 bleach and 2/3 water) and redyed. (The bleach smell can linger- plan to air them out). Some floors require heel protectors. Purchase them when you buy your shoes – about $2 to $5.

International Latin , American Rhythm, and Salsa shoes are generally open toed, 2 1/2” ”, slim or flared heel. T-strap or ankle-strap is acceptable. Shoes with a heel cup are more stable. Wear the style that fits you best. If you are a new dancer, look for a shoe with a maximum heel height of 2 1/2″. I don’t recommend the brand, “Very Fine”. Their shoes are very cute and inexpensive, but the quality is very poor and the shoes don’t last very long.

International Standard shoes traditionally have a 2 1/2″ slim heel, are closed toed, and have no straps. They can also have one strap across the top of the foot and/or a flared heel. If your shoe does not have a strap you may want to buy “Superfeet” inserts to help with fit. Finding a well fitting shoe can be challenging for women who dance international standard. DANSport England shoes were my favorite for a long time.  (You may find some to try on at World Tone) However, since International Dance Shoes has upped their already solid shoe game in the last few years, that’s my go to brand now.  

American Smooth shoes are generally 2 to 2 ½” heel, closed toed or have a small opening at the toe (similar to swing wedgies or Argentine tango shoes), they can have straps. Usually they look like a cross between a standard court shoe and a Latin heel. They are usually more flexible than international standard shoes. If you need a shoe with more room in the toe box area, check out the “American Flex” by International Dance Shoes. I helped adjust the design. It is the most comfortable and stable ballroom dance shoe I have ever owned.