Hi all! Wanted to write an introduction to different types/brands of swing dance shoes and what you should look for in a good dance shoe!
Because dancing is an active hobby, you want to make sure your shoes are comfortable! While it’s true that some leather shoes will be uncomfortable to break in, that should be short term.
The ability of shoes to slide is important so protect your knees. But how do you know what to look for?
Often dancers will opt for leather or suede bottom shoes. Rubber soles are not good at sliding on dance floors and can lead to knee damage if you’re spinning a whole lot.
Well this depends on a couple things:
Full leather shoes can be more expensive while DIY or traditionally “non-dance” shoes can be cheaper.
There are a ton of options ranging from flat shoes, oxfords/derbies, heels, loafers, sneakers, boots etc.
For dance styles like Lindy Hop and Charleston some may opt for a flat shoe while dance styles like Balboa or Charleston may lend dancers to reach for heels.
**Note: you can dance any style in any shoes! This is just how dancers have landed.
Brand new shoes can be fun, but used shoes can be just as fun for a lower price! Used shoes can range from never danced in shoes that were the wrong size and can’t be returned or well loved dance shoes that the dancer no longer needs. Keep an eye out for posts in the Huntsville discord Shoe channel for local dancers who are looking to sell their old shoes or for groups like this one: https://www.facebook.com/groups/819377521406334.
Dancers often will DIY dance shoes that are comfortable but not specifically made for dancing:
Shoes often bought for DIY sueding: