Find the right Salsa Dance Shoes for you.

i. The Shoe Design.

Salsa Dance shoes utilise split leather which is a great surface to dance on.This ease of motion enables you to get better results dancing with less strain on feet, legs, and joints.

Dance shoes also have the added advantage of being lighter in weight than most conventional shoes and more flexible.

They are also designed with more padding in the insole than many conventional shoes, so that your feet are comfortable dancing for longer. Finally, they are generally designed with more toe room so that your feet can move comfortably without pressure.

Salsa Dance shoes weigh less than conventional shoes because they are made of lighter-weight leather. The "trade-off" for these advantages is that dance shoes are not able to stand up to repeated hard, punishing wear (rough pavement; exposure to the elements, etc). So it is advised not to wear these shoes outdoors especially in wet weather as leather and water are natural enemies.

Also do not wear in wet weather then on the dance floor. Floor absorbs moisture which makes floor slower and difficult to dance on. Please also note that split leather is a reasonably sturdy material and your shoes will not instantly fall apart when you step out the door. If you must wear your Salsa Dance shoes for street wear, they will then work best for dancing if you brush them periodically with a steel brush.

If dancing is this important to you and you enjoy dancing for long periods of time, you probably want to be an active dancer for as long as possible.

In this case, choosing your dance footwear should be as important as the dancing itself.

When it comes to choosing your Salsa Dance shoes, three things are indispensable.

They must be comfortable, resistant and of good quality.

Well-fitted shoes will enable you to dance longer with less effort.

The shoes are for dancing, so it is fundamental for them to be comfortable. The width of the shoe is important in order for it to adapt to one's foot. Consider that they tend to give a little with use, so don't get shoes that are too wide. The ones made of hide tanned into suede are more flexible and comfortable from the start, but they also lose their shape more quickly.

Very thin straps are less supportive than wider ones. Alternately thin non-stretch synthetic straps may dig into the skin causing them to become tight and uncomfortable. 8mm or wider leather straps with a non-stretch backing, designed in a way so as to give good foot support, are a better choice.

Open toe styles can vary from a very small opening, where the toes may be barely visible, to a very large opening with all the toes showing. So smaller open toes are safer than the larger ones - particularly for narrow feet.

Many dancers feel that having a closed toe will protect their feet from their dancing partners stomping on them. However one advantage to having an opening in the front of a non-strappy, semi-closed style of shoe, is that it allows more air to flow around the foot, keeping the foot cooler and reducing perspiration.

Sandal style Salsa Dance shoes with closed-in backs are generally more secure on the foot for dancing than open-back styles with just an ankle strap.

Not all leathers 'breathe', and some synthetics 'breathe' very well. Breathability’ of a shoe relates to the ability of perspiration, moisture and air to successfully permeate the upper material and lining from inside the shoe to the atmosphere outside.

Materials and finishes that aid the breathing of ladies’ dance shoe uppers and linings include:

• Unlined suedes, nu-bucks and leathers with a minimum of finish on the surface.
• Special ' polymeric' synthetic lining materials.

Upper and lining materials that reduce the breathing of shoes include:

• Leathers finished with Lacquers, waxes, oils and plastic coatings.
• Non-woven synthetic and plastics, eg. 'patent' finishes.
• Non-polymeric synthetic and plastic linings.

Quality leather uppers have an advantage over any synthetic uppers in that they have the ability to stretch and mould to the shape of the foot without splitting, cracking, going hard.

Sole materials used in dance footwear construction usually need to be thin, flexible, and have a reasonable amount of slip. They include smooth leather, suede leather, thin resin, thermoplastic rubber, micro-cellular rubber and polyurethane. Suede leather soles are very thin, light and flexible. They can be used for many different types of dancing, but may only be used inside on a wooden dance floor.

Smooth leather soles may be too slippery to dance on and ruin easily if they get wet. However they are used by experienced dancers with good control on the dance floor, who like to do a lot of fast spinning.

Thin resin soles are extremely hard wearing, can be worn inside and outside on all dance surfaces. They have a less slippery, softer feel when worn in, somewhere between suede and smooth leather. Its ideal for those who do not wish to carry around two pairs of shoes when going dancing.

The most acceptable heel height range for most dancers, especially beginners creating the optimum compromise between look and comfort, is usually between 51 mm and 63 mm (2 to 2 ˝ inches). Professionals however tend to use a classic 7 cm heel (2.36 inches).

There is also the Cuban heel, which is a little bit wider, and it gives the shoes greater stability. Some dancers are happy with 75mm (3 inch) heels, but few dancers can tolerate heel heights of 89mm (3 ˝ inches) or higher without a platform under the forefoot to reduce the 'effective' heel height.

Quality is very important. Avoid plastic. They are cheaper, they tear quickly and your foot will sweat profusely. Genuine hide is the best. Leather tends to be more resistant, withstands use better and, with a little bit of care, the Salsa Dance shoes will last for years.

Suede is a good material as well, but the shoes last somewhat less, because they lose their shape more easily.