For a first pair of couple dance shoes (salsa, bachata, ballroom), you should generally expect to pay between €40 and €90 for a decent pair with a genuine suede sole and good support. In ballet, a pair of demi-pointe shoes costs significantly less. There is no need to aim for the top end before you know if you enjoy dancing, but be wary of very cheap pairs with questionable soles.
Market price ranges
Prices vary depending on the dance, material, and brand. The ranges below are rough estimates and should be checked according to the brand and store.
| Type of shoe | Entry-level | Mid-range | High-end |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ballet demi-pointe shoes | Around €10 to €20 | Around €20 to €35 | Over |
| Salsa, bachata, Latin | Around €30 to €50 | Around €50 to €120 | Over €120 |
| Ballroom dance | Around €30 to €50 | Around €50 to €120 | Over €120 |
| Dance sneakers | Around €30 to €50 | Around €50 to €90 | Over |
| Flats | Around €30 to €60 | Around €60 to €120 | Over €120 |
Ballet pointe shoes are a special case: they are chosen with your teacher at an advanced level and wear out quickly. They are not part of a beginner's budget.
What you get at each price level
Entry-level
At this price, you will find models often made of synthetic material or simple satin, with a more basic construction. A good pair of entry-level shoes can still be used for a few months of classes, provided you check three points: a suede sole (not rubber), a stable heel, and a strap that holds the foot securely. What is most often lacking: cushioning under the heel and flexibility in the arch.
Mid-range
This is often the best compromise for a first proper pair. You will find satin or softer leather uppers, a better-shaped arch, sometimes a little cushioning, and a wider choice of heel heights and widths. The shoe fits the foot better and can withstand regular use, one or two classes a week plus a few nights out.
High-end
These models are aimed at regular or competitive dancers: more refined finishes, more widths, sometimes custom-made. The comfort can be real, but it is useless if the shape does not suit your foot. A poorly chosen expensive pair will hurt just as much as a cheap pair.
How much to spend depending on your situation
You are taking a trial class
Don't spend anything for now. Come with a clean shoe with a smooth sole and a moderate heel, and ask the teacher what they recommend for the future. Avoid running sneakers, whose rubber soles block pivots.
You are registered for the year
This is the right time to buy a proper pair suited to your dance, entry or mid-range depending on your budget. Opt for a neutral color (nude, beige, or black) and a medium heel, which will suit all outfits and your first improvements. For salsa, our guide on the equipment that is really useful for starting salsa completes the list.
You have been dancing for a year or more
You now know what you like: heel height, strap type, material. A second pair, of a better range or more specialized, is justified. Keep the old one for classes, and reserve the new one for nights out: each pair will last longer.
The real cost of a pair
At the listed price, add a few elements to compare honestly:
- Shipping and return costs: free shipping but paid returns changes the calculation if the size does not fit. Hence the importance of measuring your foot carefully before ordering.
- Accessories: a brass brush for the suede sole and a fabric bag cost little and significantly extend the life of the pair.
- Maintenance: replacing a worn heel tip at a cobbler costs much less than a new pair.
- Lifespan: it depends mainly on your frequency of dancing and maintenance. A pair never worn outside and brushed regularly lasts much longer.
The false bargains
- Very cheap "dance" shoes without a precise description of the sole: if the product page does not say "suede" or "suede", be wary.
- Street shoes that "look like" ballroom shoes: sole too rigid or too grippy, no arch.
- High and thin heels for beginners: they often cost the same price, but you will not wear them for long.
- Second-hand without checking the sole and heel. Second-hand can be a good deal, with some precautions detailed in our guide on second-hand dance shoes.
Buy wisely at Dansezo
Our selection of beginner dance shoes includes models that are easy to wear for a first pair. For ballet, see our ballet shoes, and for jazz or hip-hop, our dance sneakers.
- Free shipping from €50 purchase in metropolitan France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Spain, and Switzerland, in approximately 8 to 12 business days.
- Automatic 10% discount from 2 pairs of shoes (excluding accessories), useful for a pair for classes and a pair for nights out.
- Returns within 30 days after receipt, shoe not worn outside and in its original packaging, return costs at your expense (except for defects).
- Free size advice: send the length of your foot in centimeters to contact@dansezo.fr.
To order confidently from a distance, our guide for buying your dance shoes online details the measurement of the foot and the points to check on a product page.
Frequently asked questions
What budget to plan for a first pair of salsa shoes?
Generally expect between €40 and €90 for a decent pair with a suede sole, stable heel, and good support. The more expensive models mainly provide comfort and finishes. They make sense when you dance several times a week.
Should you buy dance shoes from the first class?
No. For a trial class, a clean shoe with a smooth sole and a moderate heel is enough. Buy a proper pair when you know you will continue, and ask your teacher for advice on the suitable type.
Should cheap dance shoes be avoided?
Not necessarily. An entry-level pair can be suitable if it has a real suede sole, a stable heel, and a strap that holds the foot. Be especially wary of product pages that do not specify the material of the sole.
How much do demi-pointe shoes cost to start ballet?
A pair of canvas or leather demi-pointe shoes generally costs around €10 to €35. It is the cheapest equipment to start. Pointe shoes, which are more expensive, are only worn at an advanced level and with the teacher's advice.