Men's Ballroom Dancing Shoes

This Is Your Dance Space

So you think you can dance, fella?  Not with those Nikes . You're going to need some new kicks if you want to sashay around the dance floor like a real man. Like any sport, ballroom has some serious requirements and equipment.  Aside from your skill, your suit, your partner, and your smile, you're going to need good shoes . Shoes vary by

• Size (Each maker tells you something different about which size to order, in relation to your street shoe size. If they say order two sizes smaller, listen.)
• Width
• Heel Height (Usually 1"-2". You can deal with it.)
• Material (Mostly black leather, patent, or Nubuck. If you want sparkles, strap on a dress.)
• Laces (For security and style.)
• Dance Style

This last option will dictate what kind of shoe you buy.  Read on to learn the differences.

Practice
	To spend all day learning or teaching, you're going to get something livable.  That's what practice shoes  are for. Comfortable Lower heel Ventilated

Standard/Smooth

For your waltz, tango, Viennese waltz, foxtrot, and quickstep, you're going to need Standard/Smooth shoes.  Classic men's shoe with more flexibility and heel. Variations in how many eyelets for the laces. Choice seems like a matter of taste. While black is the universal color, you have choices about leather, patent, or a combination thereof. Spats are a two-tone combination of leather and patent. Tango shoes are sleek. Oxfords look like business shoes. Loafers are rare on the dance floor, as they lack laces, stability, and the style of ballroom shoes.

Latin

To truly get down with the rumba, cha-cha, samba, pasa doble, and jive, you're going to need some styling latin shoes.  Very flexible, often largely rubber. With a 1"-2" heel. Large variation on whether or not to buy American size or 1-2 sizes smaller than that. Check with manufacturer for specifics. Designed for you to feel the dance floor beneath your feet. Often lace-less or hidden laces. Black and sleek.

What Else To Look For

• Be prepared to spend $70-180 on each pair.
• Some shoes come with replacement heels. If only the women were so lucky.
• Make sure the shoes are flexible. You're going to want to be able to work with the floor.
• If you look hard enough, you might find those white shoes to go with your white tux. Make sure your partner knows you'll be wearing that thing.