What kind of shoes do I need for this style of dance?

If you go to the dancewear store to find shoes for your first dance class, it is important to know the general name and appearance of the sort of shoe you are looking for.  Sometimes having the wrong shoe will impede your ability to participate in class, so it’s important that you get exactly what the dress code requires.  Additionally, dance store workers will not understand what you need if you do not use exact terminology to describe the shoes you need.  This illustrated guide will help you associate a name with a look with a style of dance.

Split sole ballet shoe

full sole ballet shoe

Pointe shoes

Ballet: ballet shoes

Usually young children wear full sole leather ballet shoes.  Kids over age 10, teens, and adults can wear split sole leather or split sole canvas ballet shoes.  Only very advanced dancers wear pointe shoes, a special kind of ballet shoe made of satin and paste that allows a dancer to stand on her toes.

Jazz shoes

Jazz: jazz shoes

These soft canvas or leather shoes feature a split sole and low foam heel that allows dancers to perform all sorts of moves with ease.

Mary Jane style

Oxford style

Tap: tap shoes

Little girls usually wear shiny mary-jane style shoes.  Young boys, older children, teens, and adults wear lace-up oxford tap shoes.  Tap shoes are usually divided up by level and price point.  “Beginner” or children’s shoes usually cost under $50, intermediate shoes (recommended for adult or larger-bodied beginning dancers) usually cost $50-$100, and advanced shoes usually cost $100 to $200.

Women's character shoe

Women's Rhythm ballroom shoe

Men's ballroom or character shoe

women's teaching shoe

Ballroom/Latin: ballroom shoes, Latin shoes, practice shoes, dance sneakers, character shoes, jazz shoes, or teaching shoes

For your first lesson, I recommend getting character shoes.  These dress-style shoes come in varieties for men and women, and they have hard leather soles that accommodate wear on both a dance floor and on the street.  You can wear them as dress shoes in addition to dance shoes (just clean them regularly).  Character shoes are pretty comfortable, not too expensive ($50 or less for women’s, $80 or less for men’s), come in different colors and heel heights, and can also be used for other activities like musical theater.

If the dancewear store offers ballroom practice shoes, they are a great choice because they are comfortable and can be used for any type of ballroom or Latin dance.

Dance sneakers and jazz shoes are also a good choice for dancers who have a difficult time with hard dress shoes or high heels.  These soft, comfy shoes look more casual, but perform very well on a dance floor.

For female dancers who want a dressy look but can’t take a hard shoe or heel, teaching shoes are ideal.  Usually worn by ballet instructors, these shoes look like jazz shoes, but with low vamp and a 1” foam heel.  The overall appearance is of a soft leather pump.

Modern: modern footwear (half-soles, foot undies, etc.), ballet shoes, jazz shoes, socks, or bare feet. I recommend half soles or foot undies for modern since they protect the feet from blisters and floorburn while leaving a barefoot look.  Check with the studio on what is allowed before making any purchases.  See my full guide to modern footwear here.

Hermes Sandals

Belly dance: modern footwear, jazz shoes, Hermes sandals

Usually belly dance is done barefoot, but sometimes performances are done outside or on surfaces that hurt unprotected feet.  If you plan on performing, it can be good to practice in shoes or footwear so you are used to the feeling.  Hermes sandals are the most traditional, and look like part of most belly dance costumes.  However, they are usually very stiff and expensive for what you get.  Modern footwear protects just the ball of the foot, but keeps the barefoot look.  Jazz shoes are the most supportive, but sometimes detract from the overall look.

Tumbling shoes (also called vaulting shoes or acrobatic/acro shoes)

Acrobatic: Tumbling shoes, barefoot

You definitely want to check with the studio here.  Some schools require footwear for acro dancers, and others do not allow footwear.  Tumbling shoes (also called vaulting shoes or acro shoes) resemble jazz shoes, but have a flat rubber split sole instead of a hard foam heel.  This sticky rubber does not slide on the floor, which helps dancers land tumbling passes and gymnastics moves without skidding.  It is dangerous to wear ballet shoes, jazz shoes, or other footwear for acro classes because these types of shoes are meant to make sliding across the floor easier rather than more difficult.  Tumbling with bare feet can also provide a similar ability to stick with out sliding.

Dance sneakers

Hip-hop: dance sneakers

Dance sneakers are your best choice for hip-hop.  Clean streetwear sneakers and jazz shoes also work, but not quite as well.  Dance sneakers for hip-hop usually have chunky molded plastic split soles and soft foam cushioning.  These attributes help dancers articulate their feet and absorb shock from high impact movements.

Women's character shoes

Jazz shoes

Burlesque or musical theater: character shoes or jazz shoes

Depending on your specific needs and what kinds of performances you might do, either character or jazz shoes will suit your needs.  It is often easier to learn choreography in softer, lower-heeled shoes, but character shoes are preferred for many productions. 

Drill team, pom, or color guard: jazz shoes

Almost all “dance team” styles require jazz shoes.  The softness of the shoe and durability of the sole make them good for most dance surfaces, easy to maneuver, and flattering to different costumes.  Do be sure to check with the studio or team before purchasing; specific colors and even brands/models are often required.

Cheer shoes

Cheerleading: cheer shoes (sneakers)

Cheer shoes are white lace-up sneakers that are built to absorb shock from high impact movement.  Some have a spin spot on the ball of the foot.  There are different varieties for bases, fliers, etc, but many dancewear stores carry only one basic type.  Sporting goods stores or online cheerleading retailers have more options.

Dance Sneakers

Line dancing, square dance, or country western:  dance sneakers, possibly character or jazz shoes.  The chunky molded plastic sole of a dance sneaker make gliding and turning very easy.  Sneakers are also very comfy, which contribute to ease of movement and shock absorption.  Dance sneakers are usually black and resemble other athletic shoes, so they go well with jeans and dance pants.  If you desire a dressier look, low-heeled character shoes or even jazz shoes will also perform well.

Dance Sneakers

Zumba or dance fitness: dance sneakers

Regular sneakers are not ideal for dance fitness classes because their soles are too sticky.  Trying to slide and turn in them can damage ankles and knees.  Dance sneakers glide and turn better, so they are a more appropriate choice.