Salsa dance is energetic and fun, and it requires proper dance footwear. High-quality shoes are not too expensive as you might think. Good quality shoes can be purchased for under $200 and could last a very long time if you take good care of them.
Proper dance shoes will help you move smoothly across the dance floor and help prevent injuries to your joints and knees. Whether you need salsa dance shoes for practice, dance socially, or are a beginner or professional dancer, investing in good quality shoes is the single best investment you can make for your dancing journey.
In the previous blog, “Best Salsa Dance Shoes Under $100 (For Women)”, I have talked about salsa dance shoes that are more affordable but lack some benefits that shoes at a higher cost have to offer.
This article will cover all the reasons you should invest in high-quality dance shoes if you will be dancing salsa in the long run.
Characteristics Of Salsa Dance Shoes
Good Fit
It may seem obvious, but it is essential to fasten your shoe belt properly to avoid twisting your ankle while spinning and turning.
Choose dance shoes that have buckles instead of lace because it will provide better support for your feet.
Also, dance shoes are made to be tightly fitted, so if you have slightly wide feet, some styles will be somewhat uncomfortable. Even similar-looking shoe styles by the same manufacturer may have very different widths to the finished shoe, so it is essential to be comfortable as much as possible if you will be dancing for an extended period of time.
Perfect Heel Height
Beginners would be better off with a slightly lower heel as it can take some time to get used to executing dance steps. I would recommend starting with lower heel shoes and increasing the heel height as you become more accustomed to salsa dancing. It is best to start with a heel height of 1.5 inches and gradually increase it with a heel high you feel comfortable with.
Proper Support
Quality dance shoes have a steel shank located in the heel and the sole. This shank provides a strong structure to the shoe and good support for your foot. Steel shank shoes will not soften nor bend in the sole. The heel will not break under pressure while dancing, and it will not lose arch support over time.
High-Quality Shoe Sole
Latin shoes have a suede sole that provides optimal support for slip and grip on the dance floor. A suede sole allows you to spin easily while allowing you to stop securely. Like many Latin dances, Salsa dance involves lots of spinning and turning, so investing in a good pair of dance shoes with a quality suede sole will pay off in the long run.
Why Do You Need High-Quality Dance Shoes?
Dance shoes are a lot different than regular shoes you would wear going out. The upper part is usually made of thin leather, and the sole is light and narrow. Dance shoes are typically much more lightweight than regular shoes, which means you will feel much lighter on your feet, and dancing will seem much more manageable.
Dance shoes also fit tighter to your foot than regular shoes, and they are perfectly balanced, so you will never fear slipping out of them.
Top 10 High-Quality Salsa Shoes Under $200
1. Capezio Women’s SD02 Rosa 2.5″ Flared-Heel Sandal
Capezio Women shoes are perfectly made for being many hours on your feet while dancing. Their leather sole is proof that these shoes are made of excellent material and are durable. Its flexible upper features allow for smooth spins and turns. The suede outsole will keep you gliding in allurement.
Many consumers on Amazon say that these dance shoes are very comfortable even after a few hours of dancing. Ladies who purchased these shoes claim that they can slide easily, and they support their body weight effortlessly.
The shoe’s height is 2.5 inches, which is perfect for dancing, especially for beginners. Also, they come in two fabulous colors, black and camel satin.
Pros:
- Leather sole
- Adjustable buckle for extra support
- Flexible upper features
- Comfortable for long dancing
- Fashionable and elegant
Cons:
- Little too wide
2. Capezio Women’s SD01 Eva 2″ Flared-Heel Sandal
These shoes are another beautiful shoes from the Capezio line. Unlike the previous one, these shoes are a more classical kind of style. I love them because they are so elegant and can be easily paired with lots of outfits.
It contains a speedy buckle that comes in handy when you are late for a salsa dance lesson (like myself here, haha). These shoes are excellent for social dancing.
These dance shoes are lightweight with good shank and heel support. Suede soles are great for a smooth and fast dance floor.
The heel height is perfect (2 inches) for dancing for many hours. Your feet will not hurt afterward. As the previous pair I mentioned, they come in two: black and camel satin colors.
Pros:
- Suede sole and cushioned insole
- Speed buckle for when you are in a hurry
- Flexible for quick spins and turns
- Extremely comfortable
- Durable
- Classical look for many years of use
Cons:
- Make sure to measure your feet before ordering the shoes
3. Very Fine Ballroom Latin Tango Salsa Dance Shoes for Women S92307 2-Inch Heel + Foldable Brush Bundle
All of the dance shoes I have or will be recommending have a suede sole. As I mentioned earlier, it is essential for salsa dance that the shoes have suede soles for easier spinning and turning. These dance shoes are no exemption, and as an added bonus, they have non-slip suede soles, which is beneficial for a fast and secure stop while spinning or turning.
Also, these shoes are comfortable, flexible, and lightweight. Once you put these shoes on, you will not want to stop dancing. They also have cushioned insole for shock absorption, comfort, and better support while dancing salsa.
These shoes come with a foldable shoe brush that you could wear in your purse for easy access if you need to clean them before dance practice or a lesson.
Pros:
- Non-Slip suede sole
- Lightweight, comfortable, and flexible
- Cushioned insole for shock absorption and comfort
- Stylish and easy to pair with almost any outfit
Cons:
- Be careful of the shoe size
4. Very Fine Dance Shoes 2707 (Competition Grade) 3″ Heel
You have a variety of colors to choose from if you pick these shoes. I really love the white ones. White shoes will stain pretty quickly if you choose them. So you must truly love them and take good care of them. These dance shoes have a suede sole and are very lightweight and flexible for dancing for an extended period of time.
Although they are described as a dance competition type of shoes, they are ideal for beginners and ladies dancing salsa socially only. The reason is that they have a suede sole that will allow you to execute all salsa dance moves without much effort while allowing you to stop whenever you want securely.
Pros:
- Gorgeous shoes for all occasions
- Comfortable and lightweight
- Suede sole
- It comes in many different colors
- the Google ranking #1 company in ballroom dance shoes
Cons:
- Can get dirty easily
5. Dancing Flame Ballroom Dance Shoes, Latin Salsa Bachata ChaCha, Double-Layer Heel Tip, 3″ /7.5cm Heel
I simply cannot resist the red color, and these shoes meet all the criteria. I prefer a smaller heel height, but other than that, these shoes are my dream shoes.
The insole is made of memory foam and ensures ultimate comfort and shock-absorption. The microfiber insole is non-slip and breathable and comes with a suede outsole. Finally, it is partially made of hand-inlaid Swarowski crystal. These shoes would bring life to any outfit you decide to wear. Even a simple black dress with these shoes would look extraordinary.
Pros:
- Hand-inlaid Swarovski crystals
- Stunning Shoes
- Leather sole
- Memory foam for ultimate comfort and shock-absorption
- Microfiber insole is non-slip and breathable and comes with suede Outsole
Cons:
- Only one heel height available
6. Dancing Shoes Women’s Peep Toe Ankle Strap Cut-Out Satin Rhinestones Salsa Tango Social Latin Modern Wedding Dance Shoes
What’s unique about these shoes is that the heel style and height is customizable. So basically, it is up to you to decide what kind of heel you would like.
These gorgeous dance shoes have beautiful satin upper embellished rhinestones that give a luxurious look to these shoes.
These also have suede soles for extra comfort, stability, and flexibility as all salsa dance shoes.
These shoes are perfect for Salsa night out or even other kinds of events where you would need to stand on your feet a lot and dance.
Pros:
- Customizable heel style and height
- Embellished rhinestones
- Luxurious look
- Comfortable and Flexible
- Longlasting
Cons:
- Need to change to rubber sole for outdoor
7. Dancing Shoes Glitter, Latin Salsa Party Sequin Rhinestone Dance Shoes, Ballroom Heeled Dance Shoes Sandals for Women
Although these shoes are a bit more pricey than the other ones mentioned here, the quality and the look speak for themselves.
They are very flexible and lightweight and are suitable for amateur and professional dancers.
Beautiful rhinestones on the black finish will leave everyone in the aw when you get on the dance floor.
Pros:
- Ultra-lightweight and flexible
- Shock absorption
- Absorb sweat
- Wear-resistant
- Anti-slip
- Elegant
- Adjustable buckle
Cons:
- Pricey
8. Dance Shoes Ballroom Dance Shoes Women Latin Salsa Practice Dancer Dancing Shoes 6cm Heels Ballroom Dance Shoes Women
These shoes have a beautiful and elegant finish. They are very feminine and ladylike. The shoes are ideal for salsa practice nights combined with a simple black dress or black tights.
They are made of leather and are soft, breathable, and comfortable to dance all night long if you want. Also, they have an anti-slip feature to be assured that you can freely spin as much as you want. If your dance partner doesn’t stop you from spinning, these shoes will 🙂
Please measure your feet before purchasing for accurate sizing.
Pros:
- Ultra-lightweight and flexible
- Shock absorption
- Absorb sweat
- Wear-resistant
- Anti-slip
- Elegant
- Wear-resistant
- Environmentally friendly
Cons:
- Feet measuring recommended
9. Dance Shoes Ballroom Dance Shoes Women Latin Salsa Practice Dancer Dancing Shoes 6cm Heels Ballroom Dance Shoes Women
These shoes come from the same manufacturer, so they have similar features as previous ones. These beautiful blue dance shoes are exquisite and would be the main feature on the dance floor as soon as you step in. The black straps on the smooth blue color give the shoes a unique look.
They are made of leather and are soft, breathable, and comfortable to dance all night long if you want. Also, they have an anti-slip feature to be assured that you can freely spin as much as you want.
Pros:
- Ultra-lightweight and flexible
- Shock absorption
- Absorb sweat
- Wear-resistant
- Anti-slip
- Elegant
- Wear-resistant
- Environmentally friendly
Cons:
- Feet measuring recommended
10. Jazz Shoes Women’s Latin Dance Shoes Heeled Ballroom Salsa Tango Party Practice Dance Shoes Wedding Prom Shoes
If you like to wear beautiful shoes to a salsa dance party or dance lesson but don’t like to wear high heels, then these are the perfect solution for you. They come in a wide variety of colors to choose from.
Insoles have superior resistance to compression, deformation, and twists, which can withstand a long time, frequent high strength treading without deformation.
They are suitable for many dances but primarily for salsa, Tango, Rumba, ChaCha, for both social dancers and professionals.
Make sure to choose the shoe size according to your feet. If your feet are a bit wider, then go for a size larger.
These dance shoes are made of high-quality material, are durable, and long-lasting.
Pros:
- High-quality material
- Available in many colors
- Comfortable
- Durable
- Stunning
- Long-lasting
Cons:
- It might not be true to the size
My Favorite Pick
It is hard to decide which shoes are my favorite because they all are beatiful and made of a great material. However, my favorite are Capezio Women’s because they are very versatile and practical.
You can wear these shoes to a salsa dance lesson and also to a dance party. So you could dress up or dress down with these shoes.
Their leather sole is proof that these shoes are made of excellent material and are durable. Its flexible upper features allow for smooth spins and turns. The suede outsole will keep you gliding in allurement.
Additionally, they are very comfortable, so if you have to spend lots of hours standing or dancing, your feet will not suffer.
The shoe’s height is 2.5 inches, which is perfect for dancing, especially for beginners. Also, they come in two fabulous colors, black and camel satin.
Tips On How To Remove The Smell That Comes With New Shoes
I am sure that many of us have encountered this issue when purchased new shoes. Here are some tips on how to get rid of that uncomfortable smell that comes with brand new shoes:
- Soda powder can remove shoe smell
- Leave your shoes in a cold and dry place for a few days after removing them from the packaging
- Leave an orange or lemon peel overnight in your shoes
