You are ready to turn on the music and put on your dancing shoes. But now the only question is- which shoe?
We get it, you are starting bachata classes, and you are looking for shoes. Worry not, because we’ve got your back! This article will run through every piece of information that you might possibly need to make a sound purchase.
Bachata shoes are specialized footwear designed specifically for the Latin dance of bachata. These shoes are essential for several reasons, including comfort, performance, and style!
Why do you need specific shoes for bachata?
One of the main reasons why bachata shoes are important is because of their comfort. Dancing the bachata requires a lot of movement, particularly in the feet, so wearing shoes that provide adequate support and cushioning is important. Bachata shoes are designed with a flexible sole, good arch support, and padding to reduce the risk of foot and ankle injuries. They also have a secure fit that keeps the feet in place while dancing, which helps to prevent blisters and other foot problems.
In addition to comfort, bachata shoes are also important for performance. Bachata is a dance form that requires a lot of turns, spins, and footwork, which can be challenging to execute with regular street shoes. Bachata shoes have a non-slip sole that provides the necessary grip to perform these moves safely and smoothly. The sole also allows for more control and precision in movements, enhancing overall performance.
Moreover, bachata shoes are important for their style. Bachata is a passionate and sensual dance, and the shoes worn during the performance can add to the overall aesthetic. There are many different styles of bachata shoes, including strappy sandals, closed-toe pumps, and boots. These shoes often feature bold colors, intricate designs, and embellishments that add to the overall visual appeal of the performance.
All in all, if you are passionate about dancing the bachata, then you know that having the right pair of shoes can make a huge difference in your performance. Here are a few reasons why you should give some thought to choosing the right shoes for bachata:
- Comfort: Bachata is a very fluid dance that also has very sharp movements. This means that your feet will be expected to do some wild steps in those shoes! Hence, look for shoes with good arch support, cushioning, and a padded sole.
- Safety: Specific shoes can also help you prevent foot injury by giving you ankle support.
- Fit: It’s important to find shoes that fit well, as loose-fitting shoes can cause blisters and other foot problems. Make sure that the shoes are snug but not too tight, and that they provide good support and stability.
- Grip: A good pair of bachata shoes should have a non-slip sole that allows you to maintain your balance and grip the floor as you dance.
- Style: Bachata is a sensual and passionate dance, so you’ll want shoes that match the style and energy of the dance. There are many different styles of bachata shoes to choose from, including strappy sandals, closed-toe pumps, and boots.
- Durability: Bachata is a popular and lively dance, and you’ll want shoes that can keep up with your moves. Look for shoes that are made from durable materials and can withstand the wear and tear of dancing.
- Price: Bachata shoes can range in price from affordable to very expensive. It’s important to set a budget and choose shoes that fit within your price range.
As you can see, whether you are a beginner or an experienced bachata dancer, investing in a good pair of bachata shoes is a must for any performer.
What is the difference between male and female bachata shoes?
The primary difference between male and female bachata shoes is in their design and fit. While both are designed for dancing, there are certain features that are tailored to the specific needs of each gender.
Men’s shoes:
Men’s bachata shoes are typically designed with a flat, low heel and a wider base for better stability. They may also have a more minimalist design, with fewer embellishments and details than women’s shoes. Men’s shoes often have a closed toe and a more streamlined appearance, which can be more practical and comfortable for men who prefer a simpler look.
For male bachata shoes, leather is a popular material choice for both the upper and sole of the shoe. Leather is durable and provides good support, making it ideal for the high-impact movements involved in bachata dancing. The sole of the shoe is typically made from a non-slip material, such as rubber or suede, to provide traction and prevent slipping during turns and spins.
Women’s shoes:
Women’s bachata shoes, on the other hand, often have a higher heel and a more pointed toe. This design is intended to elongate the legs and create a more graceful appearance. Women’s shoes may also have more intricate details and embellishments, such as rhinestones, sequins, or lace, to add a touch of femininity and elegance to the overall look. Women’s shoes may also have a more flexible sole to allow for a greater range of motion and better balance during turns and spins.
For female bachata shoes, a variety of materials are used, depending on the style and design of the shoe. Leather is still a popular choice for the upper. But many women’s bachata shoes also feature materials such as satin, suede, or mesh for added flexibility and comfort. The sole of the shoe may be made from leather or a non-slip material, depending on the shoe design and intended use.
Best Ladies Bachata Heels:
We have compiled a list of shoes that will suit any kind of female bachata dancer. These shoes range from the cheapest to some of the best-made luxe and sparkly shoes available on the market. Here are 11 shoes that you can pick from:
1. Capezio Women’s Jr. Footlight T-Strap Dance Shoe:
Pros: T-straps are a classic design in Latin dance shoes, and have been traced back to the beginning of the craft! A T-strap is one of the most durable designs for a bachata shoe, and hence a very popular choice. This model in particular has a classic look. The leather upper provides durability, cushioned insole offers comfort, and the T-strap design ensures a secure fit. The soft microfiber lining is moisture-wicking and the foam-padded footbed ensures extra comfort. The slim buckle closure eliminates the worry of the character shoe slipping off during vigorous routines.
Cons: Heel height may be too low for some dancers, and may require some breaking in. As the shoe has a closed-toe box, your shoe can fog up. Leather is very durable, however, it is not breathable. If you have sensitive skin that chafes easily, this material might not be for you.
Cost: USD $58
2. Very Fine Women’s Salsa Ballroom Tango Dance Shoes:
Pros: Lightweight, suede sole provides excellent traction, padded insole and cushioned sole offers comfort. Various heel heights, and styles to choose from.
Cons: Sizing may run small, and may require some breaking in. Also, this brand is a bit more expensive than the others
Cost: USD $90
3. Ballroom Dance Shoes Women Latin Salsa Practice Dancer Shoes 2.5” Heels YT02
Pros: The suede upper is breathable and molds to the foot for a comfortable fit, the split sole provides excellent flexibility, cushioned heel offers shock absorption.
Cons: Sizing may run large, and beginners might find the heel a bit too tough, as the rubber heel tips need some breaking in.
Cost: USD $60
4. Dancewear Women’s Leather Jazz Bootie:
Pros: We are looking out for every kind of bachata dancer out there, and this shoe is for those ladies whose routines are quite athletic. Soft, durable leather molds to the foot for a comfortable fit, the split sole offers excellent flexibility, and the padded insole provides comfort. The shoe could bring a theatric element to your routine while maintaining a form of avant-garde presence.
Cons: It is marketed towards jazz dancers, and might not fit into every bachata routine. Also, the sizing may run small, and may not provide enough support for beginners.
Cost: USD $51.67
5. Miyoopark Women’s Ankle Strap Glitter Latin Salsa Tango Dance Shoes:
Pros: Glittery design adds sparkle to dance outfits, the suede sole provides excellent traction, and cushioned insole offers comfort.
Cons: Heel height may be too high for some dancers, and sizing may run small.
Cost: USD $32.59
6. CLEECLI Women’s Ballroom Dance Shoes Latin Salsa Dancing Shoes Cross Strap:
Pros: The suede insole gives you the kind of grip you would need in an intense dance routine while keeping your toes secure. The ankle strap is adjustable and the width of the heels is enough to keep you from losing balance.
Cons: The straps on the ankle are a bit dainty, which can snap with enough wear and tear. If you are looking for a very durable pair, this might not be the one for you.
Cost: USD $73.48
7. Miyoopark Ladies 1.5″ Chunky Low Heel Lace-up Ballroom Dance Shoes
Pros: This again, is one of those off-beat choices for women. If you have a routine that calls for a more masculine presence, these shoes are perfect. The leather and mesh upper are breathable and flexible, the split sole offers excellent flexibility, and the cushioned insole provides comfort.
Cons: Sizing may run small, and may not be for people looking for feminine styles.
Cost: USD $29
8. Werner Kern Women’s Felice 3.4 Comfort Suede Sole Dance Shoes:
Pros: Suede sole provides excellent traction, cushioned insole offers comfort for extended dancing, and stylish design with various heel heights and styles to choose from.
Cons: More expensive than other brands, may require some breaking in. Closed toe boxes aren’t great for dancers as they can cause a build-up of humidity and make your skin swell. This can make the shoe difficult to wear for a long time.
Cost: USD $128.78
9. So Danca Women’s BL116 Classic Ballroom Shoe:
Pros: Classic look, low 1.5-inch heel provides stability and comfort, the leather upper provides durability, cushioned insole offers comfort.
Cons: Heel height may be too low for some dancers, and may require some breaking in. This shoe also has a closed toe-box, but because the material is breathable, it can give you some relief in terms of moisture.
Cost: USD $77.76
10. Yami Dance Shoes- Ariel Diamond Studded
Pros: Incredibly beautiful and handmade by Latin shoemakers. The craftsmanship on these pairs is great, and the reviews will back it up. This is the ultimate femme fatale of dance shoes.
Cons: The price is quite steep, and the heel can be intimidating for beginners. Moreover, the reviews say that the rhinestones need extra care, or they can fall off after a few years.
Cost: USD $134.99
10. Burju shoes- Ryann Red and Black Lace-up Open Toe Strappy Bachata Heels
Pros: One of the most eye-catching and beautiful pairs on the market. This style is very trendy, not just because of the devilish arches, but because it also supports your ankle quite well. As it has a peep-toe, your toe box will not fog up as you dance up a storm.
Cons: The heel height can be very intimidating for new dancers, and considering the price, this is not the most comfortable shoe to dance in. This type of shoe is definitely for dancers who have been doing bachata for a while.
Cost: USD $169.99
11. SHOES MADE FOR ME- BLACK ELEGANT LATIN DANCE HEELS WITH RHINESTONES
Pros: Extremely well made with a very sturdy heel. This brand makes custom shoes on order, which means the shoe you receive will fit your feet perfectly. You can also choose what heel height you desire which is a unique offering specific to this brand. These are extremely comfortable and are also some of the most aesthetic styles on the market!
Cons: These shoes are quite expensive as each shoe is made to your custom foot size.
Cost: USD $140.49
Our top recommendations:
If you are looking for comfort and you have an open budget, go for #11- Shoes made for me. However, if you do not wish to splurge, Miyoopark has been a very popular brand among bachata dancers, so that is a solid option as well.
Best Men’s Bachata Shoes:
Men’s bachata shoes can be very hard to find, especially because of the limited number of good brands that manufacture well-made shoes. Here is a comprehensive list of male bachata styles that would suit a diverse range of men dancing the bachata.
1. Very Fine Men’s Salsa Ballroom Tango Latin Dance Shoes:
These shoes are lightweight and have a suede sole that provides much-needed traction. The padded insole and cushioned sole offer comfort for extended dancing. The stylish design offers various heel heights and styles to choose from. However, the sizing may run small. The toe box can be too narrow for some feet. So make sure you measure both the length as well as the width of the top of your foot before ordering.
Cost: USD $71.24
2. Capezio Men’s SD103 Social Dance Shoe:
These shoes have a classic look and a suede sole that provides very good traction. The leather upper provides durability, and the cushioned insole offers comfort. The lace-up design ensures a secure fit. This shoe has a narrow toe box as well, which can be difficult to dance in for people with a larger foot. Again, however, the sizing may also run small.
Cost: USD $81.95
3. Bloch Men’s Xavier Ballroom Dance Shoe:
These shoes have a sleek design and a suede sole that provides sizable traction. The leather upper molds to the foot for a comfortable fit, and the cushioned insole offers comfort. The wide toe box ensures that you are comfortable throughout your dance routine. The lace-up design ensures a secure fit. However, they may not provide enough support for some dancers.
Cost: USD $46.17
4. Vivazdance HEATH Latin & Ballroom Dance Shoes
These shoes feature a black leather upper and a suede sole that provides excellent traction on the dance floor. The shoes have a low heel that provides stability and balance during spins and turns.
The shoes are also lightweight, which helps to reduce fatigue during extended periods of dancing. They have a lace-up design that allows for a secure and customized fit, and they come in a range of sizes to ensure a perfect fit for every dancer.
Overall, Heath Men’s Black Casual Latin & Ballroom Dance Shoes are a good option for men who want a stylish and functional shoe for their dance needs.
Cost: USD $90
5. Roch Valley Ritz Two Tone Ballroom Shoe:
These shoes have a stylish design with a high-ankle top for added support. These are for the non-conformist dancers who do not want to wear the same old black leather shoe to your bachata practice.
Cost: USD $89.80
6. PortDance Mens Zane Dance Shoe:
This is an incredible pair of shoes, both on and off the dance floor. The leather+cushion fabric ensures that the shoe is durable, while also being extremely breathable. Not to mention the fact that it definitely ‘toes’ the line between plain black leather shoes and white and black shoes (which is not everyone’s taste).
The only drawback, however, is the price.
Cost: USD 149.41
Our recommendation:
If price is not too much of an issue #6 PortDance Mens Zane takes the cake for the ideal shoe that checks all the boxes. However, let’s say you do not want to splurge on your dancing shoes yet. Then #3 Bloch Men’s Xavier Ballroom shoes will get the job done just as well.
Buyer’s checklist: what to consider when you are buying bachata shoes?
If you’re planning to buy bachata shoes, there are a few important factors to consider to ensure that you get the perfect pair. Here is an in-depth buying checklist for bachata shoes:
- Style: Bachata shoes come in various styles, including closed-toe, open-toe, strappy, and sandal-like designs. Choose a style that complements your dance outfit and allows for flexibility and ease of movement.
- Toe-box: This is one of the most overlooked aspects of buying dancing shoes. A good broad tow box with enough breathing room can make an immense difference to your dancing experience!
- Material: Look for shoes made of high-quality materials that can withstand regular use on the dance floor. Suede and leather are popular options, as they provide good grip and are durable.
- Wearing with stockings/socks: Make sure you wear a pair of socks or stockings when trying on your bachata shoes for the first time. This is a great way to ensure your shoe fits your feet with the sock’s additional fill.
- Fit: Bachata shoes should fit snugly but not be too tight. Consider purchasing shoes that are half a size smaller than your regular shoe size. This will provide a better fit and prevent your foot from slipping inside the shoe.
- Heel height: Bachata shoes have different heel heights, ranging from flat to high heels. Choose a heel height that is comfortable for you and allows for balance and stability while dancing. As a general rule, for men, 1.5 inches is a good heel height. Whilst for ladies 3.5 inches is the norm.
- Sole: The sole of the shoe should provide a good grip and allow for ease of movement. Look for shoes with a suede or leather sole, as they provide good traction on the dance floor.
- Cushioning: Bachata shoes should provide good cushioning and support to your feet, especially if you plan on dancing for long periods. Look for shoes with padded insoles or cushioned soles for extra comfort.
- Breathability: Choose shoes with breathable materials or mesh panels to prevent your feet from getting too hot and sweaty while dancing.
- Brand reputation: Purchase Bachata shoes from a reputable brand that specializes in dance shoes. Examples of reputable brands include Rayrose, Capezio, and Bloch.
Steps to Size and Fit Bachata Shoes
- Measure your feet: The first step in sizing bachata shoes is to measure your feet. Use a measuring tape to measure the length and width of your feet.
- Check the size chart: Once you have your measurements, check bachata shoe size charts to find your size. Keep in mind that sizing may vary by brand, so make sure to check the size chart for the specific brand you’re interested in.
- Consider your foot shape: Bachata shoes come in different shapes and styles, so consider the shape of your feet when choosing a shoe. If you have wide feet, look for shoes with a wider toe box. If you have narrow feet, look for shoes with a narrower fit.
- Try on shoes: When trying on bachata shoes, wear the type of socks you would typically wear while dancing. Try on both shoes and walk around to make sure they fit comfortably. You should be able to wiggle your toes, but the shoes should not be too loose or too tight.
- Check for support: Bachata shoes should provide support for your feet and ankles while dancing. Look for shoes with a supportive sole and good arch support.
- Consider heel height: Bachata shoes come in different heel heights, so choose a heel height that you’re comfortable dancing in. If you’re new to dancing, start with a lower heel height and work your way up as you become more comfortable.
- Test the shoes on a dance floor: If possible, test the shoes on a dance floor before buying them. This will give you a better idea of how they feel while dancing.
- Break in the shoes: Once you have your bachata shoes, break them in slowly by wearing them around the house or for short dance sessions. This will help ensure they fit comfortably and provide the support you need while dancing.
How to take care of your bachata shoes?
Taking good care of your bachata shoes is important to ensure they last as long as possible and remain in good condition. Here are some tips for taking care of your bachata shoes:
- Store them properly: When you’re not wearing your bachata shoes, store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid storing them in a damp or humid environment, as this can damage the materials and cause mold or mildew to develop.
- Clean them regularly: To keep your bachata shoes clean, wipe them down with a soft cloth after each use. If they become dirty, use a damp cloth or sponge to gently clean them. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials, as these can damage the materials and cause discoloration.
- Allow them to dry properly: If your bachata shoes get wet, allow them to dry thoroughly before wearing them again. Stuff them with newspaper or a towel to help them maintain their shape as they dry.
- Use shoe trees: Shoe trees are a great way to help your bachata shoes maintain their shape when you’re not wearing them. They can also help to absorb moisture and prevent odor.
- Polish and condition leather shoes: If your bachata shoes are made from leather, use a leather conditioner to keep them soft and supple. You can also polish leather shoes with high-quality shoe polish to help protect them and give them a nice shine.
- Have them resoled when needed: Over time, the soles of your bachata shoes will wear down. When this happens, have them re-soled by a professional cobbler. This will help extend the life of your shoes and keep them in good condition for longer.
Further reading
If you enjoyed this article, then you will likely find value in our related article titled The 7 Best Mens Salsa Shoes For Every Situation + Fitting Guide where we take you through a wide spectrum of men’s salsa shoes for any salsa (or Latin) dancing situation.