Choosing your first pair of ballroom dance shoes

You are starting ballroom dancing and looking for your first pair of shoes? Here are our recommendations to help you make an informed choice that will see you through your entire first year of practice.

Women or Men: Different Styles

Ballroom dance shoes are gender-specific by design. For women: closed-toe shoes with a flared heel. For men: leather or nappa shoes with a Cuban heel (2 cm).

For the Beginner Woman

  • Heel: 5 cm (flared, never stiletto)
  • Strap: around the ankle, essential for stability
  • Toe: closed (never open-toe for standard ballroom dancing)
  • Material: satin or a silky fabric
  • Color: nude beige (the standard for ballroom dancing)
  • Budget: €40-70 for the first pair

For the Beginner Man

  • Heel: 2 cm Cuban (never higher for standard dancing)
  • Material: black silky fabric or patent leather
  • Closure: traditional laces
  • Color: black (the absolute standard)
  • Budget: €50-90 for the first pair

Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Buying too high: an 8 cm heel for a beginner is a bad idea. Start with 5 cm.
  2. Buying too wide: the shoe must fit snugly, otherwise your foot will slide inside it during pivots.
  3. Buying without a suede sole: essential. Refuse any other type of sole.
  4. Buying a "lifestyle" brand: Repetto, high-street pumps → the sole is not suitable for dancing.
  5. Buying based on looks alone: a dance shoe is a tool. Prioritize comfort over aesthetics for your first pair.

Our Final Tip

For your first pair of ballroom dance shoes, browse our Ballroom Dancing collection. Filter by gender, choose a 5 cm heel (women) or 2 cm Cuban heel (men), in silky fabric or satin depending on your preference, in the standard color for your style of dance. Budget €40-70 to get started, and €90-150 when you want to upgrade to a more technical pair in 12-18 months.