It really doesn’t matter if you are a beginner in Latin dance or a professional; a good pair of dance shoes is an actual necessity. This article will cover the best recommendations for Salsa dance shoes for men and why it is essential to have proper dance shoes while dancing Salsa or any other Latin dance.
Benefits Of Using Proper Dance Shoes For Men
People should wear proper dance shoes because they are specifically made for dancing. Dance shoes are made to perfectly fit your foot, while the suede sole has been designed to give the right amount of slip and grip so that every step can be performed with confidence.
The upper level of men’s dance shoes is made of various high-quality materials, such as leather.
Dance shoes are not suitable for everyday use because they are made of microfiber suede sole (a very soft material), which gives better performance. These kinds of shoes are sensitive to the damage from sharp objects such as stones or rough surfaces and can only be worn to dance social events or dance practices.
Many social dancers would wear their regular shoes to the dance venue and change their shoes upon arrival. It will help preserve the life of your dance shoes.
There is no reason to be self-conscious to change your shoes upon arrival because many people do it to protect their shoes.
Some men don’t like the inconvenience that comes with bringing the second pair of shoes. In that case, I would recommend purchasing full leather sole shoes, which are very similar to formal dance shoes and are less susceptible to outdoor damages and rough surfaces.
Although suede sole dance shoes require more effort, it is definitely worth it when it comes to your overall performance while dancing.
Suede helps improve flexibility while dancing. This is exceptionally important for Salsa dancing, or any other Latin dance, because there are many fast spins and turns involved in these dance styles.
Good quality men’s dance shoes are not that expensive as you might think. You can get high-quality, stylish, and durable Latin dance shoes for under $200.
Purchasing a quality pair of dance shoes is an excellent investment in your salsa dance learning journey.
The Difference Between Men’s Dance Shoes and Regular Shoes
The main difference between dance and regular shoes is in the sole.
Men’s Latin shoes will have a Cuban heel rather than the lower heel like the regular dress shoes. The men Cuban heel is on average 1.5 inches high.
Dance shoes have a suede sole that allows you to glide on the dance floor effortlessly with the right amount of grip. On the other hand, regular shoes have a rubber sole that provides a better grip, which we don’t want to have on the dance floor.
Also, dance shoes are incredibly flexible, allowing dancers to slide, glide, and move with ease while highlighting the footwork.
Latin dance shoes come in many colors, but most men choose black because they look exquisite and easily match different outfits. You can wear simple black Latin dance shoes for regular practice, and for other more formal events, such as Salsa night in a club, more elegant shoes would be a better choice.
The Difference Between Ballroom and Latin Men’s Dance Shoes
Latin and Ballroom dances are both enjoyable and exciting, but they differ in so many things; therefore, they require different dance shoes.
In a ballroom dance, the footwork’s primary focus is on the toe and heel, whereas, in the Latin dance, the dancers turn their feet out while using the balls of their feet.
Therefore, Ballroom and Latin dance styles are very different in technique and require different shoes for dancing.
The decision, whether to buy Latin or ballroom dance shoes for men, is pretty straightforward. The difference between Latin and Ballroom men’s dance shoes is that the Latin shoes have a slightly higher heel that emphasizes the hip movement. If you focus only on Latin dance styles, not on Ballroom dance, you need to choose Latin dance shoes.
10 Best Men’s Shoes For Salsa Dancing
Diamant men’s dance shoes are made of high-quality leather suede sole, which is what you exactly need while dancing Salsa. These shoes are made in Germany, which speaks for itself on quality. The heel is 1 inch in height, and the shoe was manufactured to be comfortable (H) width.
The shoes have breathable moisture-absorbent microfiber lining and shock-absorbent heel cushioning. Besides meeting all the Latin dancing requirements, they are exceptionally fashionable and can be worn to dance practice or a more formal dance event.
Diamant men’s dance shoes made in Germany handcrafted in classic Oxford style with closed 5-hole lacing. The upper material is made of black and soft suede leather from Italy.
As I mentioned earlier, you should not wear suede sole dance shoes outside. For the proper suede sole cleaning, please use a special suede sole brush.
Pros:
- Suede leather sole
- Shock-absorbent heel cushioning
- Fashionable
- Breathable and moisture-absorbent microfiber lining
- High-quality material
- It can be easily matched with different outfits
Cons:
- A bit pricey because they are imported from Germany
Gogodance men’s shoes are made of high-quality leather upper and are lined with moisture-absorbing brushed material. These lightweight and very comfortable dance shoes are made of non-slip suede soles.
Heel height is 1.2 inches, and a strengthened counter with steel provides additional protection to your ankle.
They are ideal for smooth stepping and turns while durable enough to withstand wear and tear over the years. With good care, these shoes can last you many, many years.
The shoes are perfectly suitable for all kinds of Latin dances and even wedding parties because of their elegancy.
As with many new shoes, it has an unpleasant smell, which is entirely normal with new shoes. This is the smell of glue. Leave the shoes out overnight where air circulates so the scent can vanish.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Comfortable, durable, and longlasting
- Suitable for many occasions
- High-quality leather upper lined with moisture-absorbing brushed material
- Entirely flexible for Latin dances
Cons:
- Not suitable for wearing them outdoors
3. Gogodance Men’s and Boy’s Breathable Ballroom And Latin Dance Shoes
These shoes are from the same manufacturer as the previous ones I have mentioned. They are almost the same, with a few subtle differences. These shoes have air holes on the upper part that provides excellent breathability.
The shoes have an anti-slip and lightweight outsole that comfortably suits your feet. You will feel more confident in them while moving smoothly and freely on the dance floor.
These dance shoes are made of high-quality leather with a cushioned heel and a soft suede sole, ideal for smooth stepping and turns. They are durable enough to withstand wear and tear over the years.
Pros:
- Soft suede sole
- Flexible, durable, and comfortable
- Air holes provide excellent breathability
- Inexpensive
- Anti-slip and lightweight outsole
- Suitable for many occasions
- Fashionable and stylish
Cons:
- Not suitable for outdoors
4. Very Fine Men’s Latin Dance Shoes
Very Fine Men’s Latin shoes offer a wide variety of styles and colors. Unlike other shoes I have recommended, this brand gives you many choices to choose from. The styles vary from black, brown, gray suede, black croc, old navy, black leather, and black perforated leather. Whatever you like, you will find it here.
The shoes are suitable for different dance styles such as Salsa, Cha-Cha, Tango, Rumba, Samba, Jive, and others.
These shoes are made of high-quality non-slip suede or leather sole. It features genuine leather linings for ultimate breathability and durability.
They have an extra padded footbed for additional comfort and a minimal shank board for additional support and flexibility.
They are accurate to the size and extremely comfortable. The shoes come with a foldable cleaning brush for convenience shoes cleaning after each use to ensure longevity.
Pros:
- Leather and non-slip suede sole
- Breathable, comfortable, and flexible
- Various style and colors to choose from
- Fashionable
- True to the size
- Suitable for multiple dance styles
Cons:
- none
5. Bravo! Men Dress Shoe King Classic Oxford with Leather Lining
These shoes are not mainly dance shoes but would be great for practice because of their classic Oxford style. Their traditional and elegant style allows you to dress up or dress down during salsa dance lessons. I’ve seen a few gentlemen wearing these exact shoes during dance lessons.
These shoes come in various colors to choose from. My favorite colors are black, brown, and gray. I think it is effortless to match these shoes with almost any outfit. You cannot go wrong with these shoes, and they are suitable to wear to work or other everyday events.
Since these shoes are not typical Latin dance shoes, they have a rubber sole that provides a firmer grip, which is not ideal in salsa dancing. However, these would be the right choice occasionally for salsa dance practice.
Pros:
- Various colors to choose from
- Faux leather dress Oxford style
- Fashionable and elegant
- Easy to match with different outfits
Cons:
- Rubber sole- not ideal for dancing
6. Very Fine Ballroom Latin, Tango, And Salsa Dance Shoes for Men
This dance shoe style looks a bit like a boot. However, they have all the qualities good dance shoes have. The shoes have a non-slip suede sole for effortless spinning and turning on the dance floor.
Additionally, these dance shoes have professional ultra soft suede outer sole and are very comfortable and lightweight. They are made of a genuine premium leather upper and have a professional ultra soft suede outer sole.
Just enjoy the comfort these shoes have to offer while on the dance floor.
Pros:
- Non-Slip suede sole
- Comfortable and lightweight
- Ultra-soft suede outer sole
- Suitable for many dance styles
- Cushioned insole for shock absorption and comfort
Cons:
- Pricey
7. Bundle Lightweight Very Fine Mens Ballroom, Salsa Latin Dance Shoes
The unique style of these shoes will not disappoint in any way. The white details on the upper part make these shoes so special and unique.
They are made of high-quality material and perfect for Latin and Ballroom dance styles. The shoes come in two colors: black and white, and classic black.
The suede sole makes spinning and turning effortless. These dance shoes are comfortable, beautiful, stylish, and come at an affordable price. As soon as you step on the dance floor, you and your shoes will be the center of attention. So shows them what you’ve got 😉
Pros:
- Comfortable, flexible, and lightweight
- Stylish
- Suede sole for easy gliding on the dance floor
- Made of high-quality material
Cons:
- These shoes are not suitable for outdoors
8. Myloo Men’s Classic Lace-up Leather Modern Salsa Ballroom Practice Dance Shoes
Impress people with these shoes when you step on the dance floor. The genuine imitation leather upper is what makes these shoes very unique and beautiful.
These shoes have a leather sole and are very comfortable, lightweight, and flexible. They are all you need to ask for in dance shoes. Whether you are an amateur social dancer or a professional, you will not regret purchasing these shoes.
Pros:
- Leather sole
- Beautiful and stylish
- Flexible, comfortable, and lightweight for dancing
- Made of a genuine imitation leather upper
- Custom heel height
Cons:
- Not suitable for outdoors
9. Capezio Men’s 1″ Standard Ballroom Shoes
Capezio never disappoints whether it comes to men’s or women’s dance shoes. Their styles and quality are outstanding.
These very inexpensive shoes have a suede sole and flexible outsole for all those moves you need to perform on the dance floor, whether you are a professional dancer or an amateur social dancer.
They also have a shock-absorbing sponge insole that gives extra comfort and support during energetic salsa dancing.
The shoes have moisture absorbent cotton lining that will keep your feet dry while working up a sweat on the dance floor.
Pros:
- Suede sole and flexible outsole
- Shock-absorbing sponge insole
- Inexpensive
- Beautiful classic look suitable for many dance occasions
- Moisture absorbent cotton lining
- Folded edges, padded collar, and Achilles notch for comfort
Cons:
- These shoes are suitable for indoor dancing only
10. DSOL Men’s Standard Dance Shoes
The quality of these shoes is excellent while being very stylish. These shoes are made of black synthetic leather and have a suede sole. These shoes are very flexible, lightweight, and comfortable.
They are perfectly suitable for various Latin and Ballroom dances. These shoes’ classic look opens a window of opportunities to dress up or dress down, whether you are going out dancing in a club or going to a dance lesson.
My Favorite Pick
My favorite choices are Capezio men’s dance shoes (number 9) because they never disappoint with style, quality, and price point.
They also have a shock-absorbing sponge insole that gives extra comfort and support during energetic salsa dancing.
The shoes have moisture absorbent cotton lining that will keep your feet dry while working up a sweat on the dance floor.
These shoes are perfectly suitable for beginners and those who are experienced with Latin dance. You can wear these shoes to dance practice or to a club. Either way, you can dress up or dress down wearing these shoes.
How To Take Care Of Men’s Dance Shoes
Dancing and turning at a very high speed might result in your shoes being damaged, so proper care of your dance shoes is necessary.
Your dance shoes can survive during numerous spins and turns because they are designed to be flexible at the right time.
However, your dance shoes’ flexibility over time might be compromised if you don’t take proper care of them.
Here are a few tips on how to take care of your dance shoes:
- Fasten your dance shoes properly, so you don’t step on your laces. I know this may sound obvious, but you are running a risk of hurting yourself or breaking and pulling the shoelaces out if you don’t do that. Also, the constant over-flexing of the shoe’s sole and the upper level can result in the separation of these two.
- Do not leave your shoes in a plastic bag or unbreathable box because the damp environment can damage your shoes. Clean your shoes immediately upon returning home and put on a shoe protector.
- If you are using leather shoes, then put on a leather shoe protector. The leather shoe protector will maintain the flexibility of the leather. Without a leather shoe protector, your shoe would be prone to cracking from demanding movements.
- It is essential to protect the sole because the suede sole wears smooth very quickly, and the softness of the material can easily become embedded. I would recommend purchasing a shoe brush to protect the suede sole. The shoe brush will remove most stubborn debris quite easily.
Can I Wear Salsa Dance Shoes To Other Latin Dance Style?
Whether you are learning to dance Salsa, Bachata, or any other Latin dance, you can wear these kinds of dance shoes. Salsa shoes are suitable for any other Latin dance because they have similar techniques and turns. If your dance shoes can withstand fast and demanding dance moves during Salsa dancing, it would be perfectly suitable to wear the same shoes during slower styles of Latin dances, such as Bachata.
