Proper dance shoes make a huge difference when dancing. It can be challenging knowing what kind of shoes you should get, especially if you are interested in many dances styles such as Latin, Ballroom, or Argentine Tango. You will need shoes with proper soles for each of these dance styles. In this article, you will find out the difference between leather and suede sole and when it would be the most appropriate to use dance shoes with suede or leather sole.
What is the difference between leather and suede soles in dance shoes? The main difference between leather and suede soles is that sole leather shoes are used for Argentine Tango, and suede shoes are used for Latin and Ballroom dance.
Simply put, dance shoes are made for dancing. Different dance shoes types and styles depend on what dance style you choose to dance.
When I had just started learning Latin dancing, I was wearing regular shoes because I didn’t realize the importance of having proper dance shoes. After a little while, I noticed that other fellow dancers were wearing dance shoes and their moves seemed effortless.
They convinced me to buy a pair of dance shoes, and I am glad I did. I noticed the difference immediately, and I suddenly was able to dance! I was amazed by comfort, flexibility, and my performance improved, especially when doing spins.
Why Do Dance Shoes Have Suede Sole?
Dance shoes have suede soles because it allows dancers to glide effortlessly across the dance floor while providing enough grip.
Leather soles are stiffer than suede soles and do not bend as much, but they provide more support, and your feet will not get so tired, especially if you want to dance the entire evening. Leather soles are better for rough floors or if you are going to dance outdoors. For smooth, slippery floors, suede soles are a better choice.
Ballroom and Latin dance shoes have a suede sole that allows you to move, turn, and feel the floor easily. You are also less likely to injure your partner or yourself when wearing proper dance shoes.
Proper dance shoes are an investment for sure, but they can last for many years, and they are the only equipment needed to enjoy this fun hobby.
Why Argentino Tango Requires Leather Sole Shoes?
Argentine Tango is a technical, intense, and exquisite dance style.
The sole at the ball of the foot has to be smooth so that the dancer can perform pivoting, while the arch (also called shank) connects the heel, and the toe needs to be very stiff and flexible the point of interaction. The shoe sole needs to be smooth and slim but firm, and that’s why the leather sole dance shoes are the best for Argentine tango.
Argentine Tango shoes need to be flexible and allow dancers to pivot. A leather shoe sole comes in handy for pivoting, and a leather sole is the best for pivoting while dancing.
Also, the dance shoes need to be very flexible in the middle to push off from the floor and use the momentum in your dance.
The Argentine dance shoes must move with your foot, fitting your natural shape. The leather sole is the material that will allow most flexibility and pivoting, and this is the ideal material for the sole of an Argentine Tango shoe. Most Argentine Tango shoes also have a soft lining, usually leather.
Why Are Suede Soles Dance Shoes Slippery?
Suede soles materials are traditionally used in Latin and Ballroom dance. The suede material is thin and flexible, and it has natural fibers called naps that attach to the dance floor, allowing the dancer to make difficult turns without slipping.
Regular heels are not a great choice for dancing because one wrong move could sprain your ankles. Suede soles have naps or fibers that grip smooth surfaces properly. Dancing on a smooth surface is very challenging, especially if you are not used to wearing heels. The suede soles provide the proper traction for dancing to keep you perfectly balanced with every step.
The suede soles are ideal for spinning, sliding, and gliding. You can easily make those tight and challenging turns with a proper pair of Latin dance shoes.
Regular shoes are not flexible, which makes dancing very difficult. It would be very hard to point your toes in these shoes because they aren’t flexible.
Flexible materials are recommended when dancing because it lets you change your weight quickly as you move around. With a full range of movement in your feet, you can perform high-quality dancing.
How Is Suede Made?
Suede is made from any animal hide. The bottom of the animal skin is separated from the top, which creates flowy, thin, and softer leather. It means suede is split leather compared to full-grain leather.
Some leather manufacturers will just turn the leather hide so that the underside is the outside, giving the appearance of suede but with the same rugged and rigid quality of leather. This is not technically suede.
The suede texture is usually soft and smooth from lighter leathers. The nap of the fabric, which are the tiny, raised hairs on the suede surface, can be tougher if the hide comes from older animals or animals with thicker coats, like cows and deer.
How To Care For Dance Shoes?
- Suede soles
You will need a suede shoe brush to raise the nap as it will eventually go flat and hard from use. Always brush suede soles from toe to heel, and you should do this immediately upon noticing the soles of your shoes becoming flat and smooth or having dirt stuck on them.
- Leather soles
The first thing to do to take proper care of your leather soles is to avoid a moist environment. Not because leather cannot tolerate water, but because it wears out much faster when wet. When your soles are wet, the most important thing to do is let them dry slowly. The slower they dry, the better for the soles in the long run.
- Suede shoes
Use a clean toothbrush to remove any dirt and a suede shampoo to remove any stains for suede shoes. Make sure that you use suede dressing before wearing the shoes to have enough time to dry out. Brush your shoes from front to back after applying the suede dressing.
- Leather shoes
It would be best to polish your leather dance shoes twice a week. You can use a damp cloth to remove all dirt, then use a wax polish or thin layer of cream to preserve and moisturize the leather.
If you want to find out more about how to care for dance shoes, check out this blog “How To Clean And Take Care Of Latin Dance Shoes.”
Final Words
As mentioned in the previous article, dance shoes should be treated as safety equipment while dancing, and dance should are created for dancing and nothing else. I hope this article has shed some light on the main differences between suede and leather sole dance shoes.
