About Men's Ballroom Dancing Shoes

Not every guy is going to be Fred Astaire on the dance floor, but he can definitely help his chances with a good pair of ballroom dancing shoes. Men's ballroom dancing shoes come in several different styles, materials and heel height specifically designed to enhance the dance. One thing they have in common is they should only be worn on the dance floor and kept in tip top shape with some helpful accessories.

Types

Men have several options when it comes to ballroom dancing shoes. One is the standard shoe, which features a flat, squat, short heel. Another is the Latin shoe, with a taller, thinner heel. The ballroom dancing sneaker is another option, with a top that resembles a traditional leather sneaker but with a split sole with a separate part for the heel and the ball of the foot. Popular brand names include DanceLites, International and Supadance.

Features

Black is the traditional color for men's ballroom dancing shoes and leather is the most common material. Most of the shoes are lace-up, either across the top or slightly to the side. Variations exist for those who really want to strut their stuff. Alligator skin, patent leather, suede and leather combinations are available, as are shoes in white, brown or two-tone. Styles range from oxfords to those that look like saddle shoes.

Considerations

For an all-over dazzling appearance, men need to pay attention to more than just their shoes on the ballroom dance floor. A quality, sparkling pair of shoes should be topped off with the proper outfit. Ballroom dancing features formal wear, which means an elegant gown for the ladies and a debonair suit for men. Tuxedos are a common staple for men ballroom dancing, as are other impeccably tailored and formfitting suits. Extra care should be taken to insure the suit is not too form-fitting, however, and allows the dancer room to move freely. In the best case scenarios, the shoes will match the suit perfectly, rather than stick out garishly.

Prevention/Solution

Any guy who wants to keep his ballroom dancing shoes in tip top shape should consider some accessories to go with them. He can cart his shoes around in a special shoe tote bag, or choose any small pouch that comfortably fits the pair. A soft cloth to wipe down shoes after each use and a suede sole shoe brush are other accessories that can help keep shoes looking like new and lasting for years.

Warning

While men can definitely get playful in their shoes on the ballroom dance floor, the shoes are not something in which they should play. Ballroom dancing shoes should be preserved and used only for dancing in the ballroom or other smooth, clean surfaces. Great dancing shoes can easily be wrecked by wearing them on gravel, pavement, rough asphalt or stepping in chewing gum.

Resources

• Shoe selection at DanceShoesOfAtlanta.com