When it comes to picking out a new pair of salsa or ballroom shoes, there are so many factors to consider that the process can seem overwhelming! Never fear, the sales associates at Chicago Dance Supply are here to help you find the perfect dance shoe for your particular style and needs.
One of the most common questions we are asked is which heel height is best for beginning dancers. There are a few different ways to answer this question. First, we recommend beginning dancers start with a lower and sturdier heel than we recommend for a more experienced dancer. However, if you wear heels often and are comfortable dancing or walking in a higher heel, you can start with a 2.5″ or 3″ heel. The most important factor is comfort and stability in the shoe. You want to be able to focus on dancing without having to worry about your shoes!
The ballroom and salsa shoes we carry at CDS come in a variety of heel heights and widths. Below is an overview of the different heel heights we carry.
Low Heels:
Our lowest heel option is the Cuban heel. This 1.5″ square heel is very stable and ideal for beginning dancers, dancers with physical limitations, and dancers who are uncomfortable with high heels.
Very Fine Cuban 1670C, 1.5″ heel, $89
We also carry Mary Jane style ballroom dance shoes with heels around 1.5″ that are slightly more narrow than the Cuban heel, but still a great option for beginners and those uncertain about the prospect of dancing in a high heeled shoe.
Werner Kern Daniela, 1.5″ heel, $169
We also have some more traditional flare and wider flare heels that are under or around 2″ that are great options for beginners more comfortable with a small heel or those working their way up to the standard 2.5″ heel height.
Werner Kern Greta, 2″ heel, $163
Mid-range heels:
The standard heel height for salsa and ballroom shoes is 2.5″. We carry a wide selection of flare and slim heeled shoes in this height. These are most popular among younger beginners or dancers already comfortable in heels. These are the most popular shoes at Chicago Dance Supply.
International Demani, 2.5″ heel, $159
High heels:
Some dancers, particularly professionals and advanced dancers, prefer an even higher heel. We carry salsa and ballroom shoes with heel heights up to 4″ in store, but can special order shoes with even higher heels upon request. These shoes are best for the experienced dancer or someone who wears or dances in heels regularly.
Burju Vaneno, 4″ stiletto heel, $135
Stop into Chicago Dance Supply today to try on our salsa and ballroom dance shoes. We have the largest selection in the Chicagoland area and helpful sales associates ready to help you find the perfect shoe for you!