Competition equipment: which shoes

Taking part in your first dance competition? Your choice of shoes counts as much as your technique when it comes to the result. Here is our guide to getting properly equipped.

Competition: federation rules

Each federation and each category (age, level) has its own rules: check with your club. Here are the most common standards:

  • Color: nude satin/leather for standard ballroom dancing, free choice in Latin
  • Heel height: maximum 10 cm for women, 4 cm Cuban heel for men
  • No visible sequins in Standard (allowed in Latin)
  • Suede sole required

Women: Standard (waltz, tango, foxtrot, quickstep, slow)

  • Closed court shoes with a rounded toe
  • Flared heel 7-8 cm
  • Silky or nude satin material
  • Ankle strap

Women: Latin (cha-cha, samba, rumba, paso doble, jive)

  • Open sandals with multiple straps
  • Flared or stiletto heel 7.5-9 cm
  • Patent leather, dyeable satin or sequins
  • Free choice of color (nude, gold, silver or black)

Men: Standard

  • Black nappa or patent leather shoes
  • Cuban heel 2.5-3 cm
  • Traditional laces
  • Suede sole

Men: Latin

  • Black nappa leather shoes
  • Cuban heel 3.5-4 cm
  • Slightly more elongated shape

Preparing your shoes before the competition

  1. Brush the suede sole to activate the grip
  2. Check the stitching and straps
  3. Do a trial run 48 hours before the competition
  4. Apply a light polish to patent leather

How many pairs should you bring?

For a multi-dance competition, you absolutely must bring 2 pairs of shoes plus a pair for walking around. A sole can get wet, a heel can break. The second pair will save you.

Our selection

Our Competition collection brings together models suited to amateur competition (heel, support, suede sole). Always check the rules of your federation and your category before the event.