I am wondering if any of you dance experts can give me some advice on what dancing shoes to buy.

I am a "larger" lady in my early 40s and am going to start dancing lessons again after a 22 year gap. Initially it will be only one hour a week ballroom, I am going to my first class next saturday to see if I like it.

I do not like high heels and have not worn them since I was 18 years old so do not feel I can wear them initially. Should I buy some flat open-toed shoes or have ones that cover my toes for class work as I hope people will not tread on my toes but inevitably I der say it will happen.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated, thank you in advance.

Wait and see if you like it first before spending your money, but if so I'd say you could maybe buy some teaching shoes, Supadance do a very low heeled sandal style that you might like. If you really do want closed toe, you'll find plenty of options there also, however most brands offer a ladies teaching shoe with a small heel and closed toe. I personally like Ray Rose.

If you want to pay out on dance shoes, then I think you should buy practice shoes. If you go to any of the dance shoe sites (freed, supadance etc.) you'll find them there. My shoes are from Freed. Maybe it's a bit extravagant to buy dance shoes before you're sure that you want to continue going to lessons, but believe me it makes it a lot easier to dance (do spot turns etc.) and to keep your balance.

If you want to buy shoes which you can wear elsewhere, then there may be other people who can give better advice than me since I've only ever worn dance shoes to lessons. I guess they need to be comfortable, not completely flat (1.75 inch heels?) with soles which are not too slippery, but are not so grippy that you can't turn on them. I'd probably go for ones with cover my toes, but it probably doesn't matter that much, as long as they're comfortable.

I see Becca's replied. She's probably better placed to advise than me.
Last edited by Vivacious Lady : 12-07-2009 at 19:12