Buying your first pair of dance shoes might seem a challenging task. But what if I told you that you might need more than one pair of dance shoes? Also, purchasing dance shoes are an investment, especially if you buy more quality type of dance shoes. In this article, I will discuss how many dance shoes you should have and why.
How many dance shoes should I have? You should have at least two pairs of dance shoes, regardless of what dance style you are practicing. The second pair will be your backup if the first pair of dance shoes get dirty or damaged or you get blisters from the first pair of shoes. Also, it is a good idea to switch them up.
However, the number of dance shoes you should own greatly depends on the dance style, how often you dance, and the occasion.
Criteria # 1 – Dance Style
How many dance shoes you should have depends on your chosen dance style. Is it Ballroom dance, Latin dance, ballet, jive, or any other dance style? Some dance styles wear out dance shoes much more quickly than others due to the nature of the dance.
I wrote an article recently about how long dance shoes can last based on dance styles called “How Long Can Dance Shoes Last.” Check it out to find out how long dance shoes can last. For your convenience, check out a summary table that nicely summarizes how long dance shoes last on average based on the dance style.
| Dance Style | Number of dance shoes you should own |
| Latin Dance | 3 pairs of dance shoes |
| Ballroom Dance | 2 pairs of dance shoes |
| Tap Dance | 2 pair of dance shoes |
| Ballet Dance | 2-3 pairs of shoes |
| Jazz Dance | 1-2 pairs of dance shoes |
Criteria # 2 – How Often You Dance
You should get more than two pairs of dance shoes if you are a vivid dancer. By a vivid dancer, I mean dancing two to three days a week. Dance shoes should be treated as safety equipment like any other sport.
I recommend rotating your dance shoes every time you dance. The reason behind this is that they equally get warned out, and that way, they would last you longer, too. Also, dancing in shoes that are too worn out is not safe. You could hurt yourself and your dance partner by wearing worn-out shoes, and it is better to have a backup.
Criteria # 3 – Dance Occasion
You would need at least two pairs of dance shoes if you are going for dance lessons and also dancing socially. For example, you would typically wear dance shoes to a dance class that are less fancy than those you would wear to a club.
I like the dance shoes I wear to a club to look brand new, so I avoid wearing them for dance lessons. Also, the dance shoes I wear for social dancing have higher heels than my practice shoes. So high heel dance shoes are uncomfortable for dance lessons, and dance classes typically last between one to three hours. I am not very used to wearing high heels, so it would be challenging to dance for three hours straight.
In a nutshell, you would need a comfortable pair of dance shoes while practicing and another pair while dancing socially.
If you are interested to see my top recommendations for dance shoes for women, check out this page here.
How Many Dance Shoes Men Should Have
The requirements for men’s dance shoes are a bit different than for women, and men can get away with regular dress shoes while dancing. Depending on the type of dance, men could wear a pair of dress shoes with leather soles because leather soles allow men to turn and slide across the dance floor more easily than rubber soles.
Men should have two pairs of dress shoes for dancing. One pair of casual shoes should be for dance class, and more formal shoes should be dedicated to social dancing (aka club).
Men’s practice shoes are an absolute must when putting in hours of dancing. They typically come with a lower heel and lots of flexible, different, and breathable materials for an upper.
Men’s dressy dance shoes are perfect for a night out. As with ballroom dance shoes, men’s shoes for club dance settings have a lower heel and durable material, making them ideal for dancing all night long.
Criteria For Choosing Dance Shoes For Men
There are many factors to consider if you’re in the market for a new pair of dance shoes. With various styles, it is important to take your time and choose wisely, especially because dance shoes are an investment in your safety, comfort, and performance.
- Right fit. The perfect pair of dance shoes fit like a glove. They shouldn’t be too tight or too bulky, either. Dance shoes stretch a bit, so be careful not to purchase shoes that will be too big in a few months. Shoes need to be snug enough to feel each of your toes touching with no extra space in the shoe.
- Right size. Remember that dance shoes go a half size up or down from your regular shoe size. The ideal thing is to pick a pair of slightly tight shoes, so you can break them in bit by bit each time you dance in them. Begin with your actual size to see how the shoes fit.
- Right price. It would be hard to tell if the price is right for dance shoes if you have never purchased a pair before. A pair of good dance shoes for men can range anywhere from $80 to $200.
- Right dance style. Before making a purchase, it’s essential to be clear on what kind of dance style you will use the shoes for and how often. For example, If you want to explore Latin dance styles, there’s nothing wrong with purchasing a pair of Latin dance shoes, but they may not be a good fit for ballroom dancing.
If you are interested to see my top recommendations for dance shoes for men, check out this page here.
Final Words
Having more than one pair of dance shoes is a good idea to find out what works for you the best. This is especially important if you are new to dancing and you want to find a perfect pair in which you will be most comfortable. I trust this article has helped you decide how many dance shoes you should own.
Happy dancing!
