Buying your first pair of dance shoes and not sure where to start? Here are a few practical tips to help you choose a pair you’ll actually enjoy dancing in.
Heel Height
Whether or not you’re used to wearing heels in everyday life, keep in mind that dancing in high heels is more challenging than simply walking in them — especially for beginners.
For your first pair, I’d recommend a 7 cm heel — it’s the standard height for dance shoes and offers a good balance between aesthetics and stability. If you’re completely new to heels, go for 5–6 cm instead.
Dance shoes do come in lower heels (around 3 cm), but honestly, they don’t do much for the look of the shoe — or your leg line. I wouldn’t go below 5–6 cm unless you’re buying for kids.
Sizing
In terms of length, the shoe should ideally match the length of your foot as closely as possible. Dance shoes are typically available in half sizes (with about 0.5 cm between each), so finding the right fit shouldn’t be too difficult.
A shoe can be very slightly longer than your foot — but it must never be shorter. Width matters too. All dance shoes will stretch over time, some more than others depending on the model and material.
When buying your first pair, make sure they hold your foot firmly. It’s okay if they feel a little snug at first. What you want to avoid is pressure concentrated in one spot — that’s what causes blisters. The shoe should wrap your entire foot securely, like a second skin.
Color and Style
For a first pair, most dancers go with black or flesh/tan. Black goes with everything. Flesh tones look beautiful in summer or with a skirt. After that, the world is yours — future pairs can be any color you like.
Which style suits you best depends on your foot shape — every foot is different. I always recommend comfort over looks, but I’ll be honest: my own shoe rack has both. Because, well, we wouldn’t be women if we didn’t occasionally suffer for beauty.
Want to try them on in person? Give us a call at ☏ +421 948 220 380 and arrange a visit to our showroom in Bratislava.
Monika