Practice Shoes

Practice shoes are the dance shoes I make sure I have with me when I know I’ll be dancing for hours—teaching or rehearsing and needing a break from heels. They’re usually lower, with added comfort and breathability, while still offering the flexibility, dance sole, and function of a professional dance shoe.

Practice shoes are by far my favorite shoes to dance in. Generally they are black and come in a 1 ½” chunky heel for women. They look similar to a man’s International Latin shoe, but they have small holes for breathe-ability. I recommend Supadance or International brands (see ballroom and Latin shoes). These shoes are mostly bought ballroom and Latin dancers who spend a lot of time teaching and/or practicing.

I recommend this type of shoe to any female partner dancer who is itching to get out of their strappy heels after a few hours. It’s best to use these shoes in moderation. I always bring them when I know I will have a long practice. I’ll wear my Latin shoes for a couple hours and then switch into my comfy shoes. Or I may teach in my practice shoes if I’m going out dancing later that night. If I wear pants or jeans to a casual club, I may wear these shoes if I wore my Latin heels the night before. That way, you can give your feet a bit of a break while still keeping you and your partner used to your height, balance, and stability in the shoes you’ll perform or compete in.

Many practice shoes have a gap between the heel and ball of the shoe (called a split-sole) to allow dancers to easily flex their arch. Because of this gap, it is easy to sprain your foot while spinning. It is especially important that these shoes fit snuggly.  Friction from a sticky dance floor can cause the toes to move slower than the foot causing a sprain in the middle of the foot.  If wearing split-soles use extra caution.

WorldTone and Champion Dance Shoes (Los Angeles) — Try On Dance Sneakers In Store

Want to try on dance sneakers before buying? In Los Angeles, both WorldTone and Champion Dance Shoes offer in-person shopping where you can test fit, comfort, and flexibility before you commit. WorldTone has stores in both NYC and LA, while Champion is LA-based. Both shops carry a great selection of dance sneakers, with experienced staff available to help you find the right pair. 

Need Help Choosing Dance Shoes?

Feeling overwhelmed or not sure which dance shoes to choose? You can book me for an in-store shoe-shopping appointment in Los Angeles for the same cost as a one-hour private lesson. I can meet you at WorldTone LA or Champion Dance Shoes and help you find the right pair based on your dance style, comfort, fit, and goals.