Quick answer: the main types of dance shoes are Latin shoes (open-toe heels for salsa, bachata and Latin), ballroom shoes (closed-toe heels for waltz, foxtrot and tango), practice shoes, dance boots, men's ballroom and Latin shoes, swing shoes, character shoes, dance sneakers, ballet slippers, pointe shoes, jazz shoes and tap shoes. Each one is built for the way that dance moves: how much you turn, whether you point your feet, and how you use the floor. Start with the shoe that matches the dance you do most.
This guide explains every type of dance shoe, with a chart of which shoe suits which dance and advice on what to buy first. We make shoes for partner and social dancing, so those get the most detail. Browse our women's dance shoes as you read.
Which dance shoes do you need? A quick chart
| Dance | Shoe |
|---|---|
| Salsa, bachata, cha-cha, rumba, samba | Latin dance shoes or dance boots |
| Waltz, foxtrot, ballroom tango, quickstep | Closed-toe ballroom shoes |
| Swing and Lindy Hop | Low-heel swing shoes or flats |
| Heels class and commercial choreography | Dance boots or strappy dance heels |
| Wedding first dance | Ballroom or Latin shoes in white, ivory or nude |
| Musical theatre | Character shoes |
| Ballet | Ballet slippers; pointe shoes for advanced dancers |
| Jazz | Jazz shoes |
| Tap | Tap shoes |
| Hip-hop and street styles | Dance sneakers |
| Contemporary and lyrical | Half soles, foot thongs or bare feet |
Latin dance shoes
Latin shoes are open-toe sandals with a suede sole, a flexible arch and an ankle or T-strap. The heel is usually 2.5 to 3 inches, slim or flared, and it tips your weight onto the balls of the feet for hip action and pointed toes. They are worn for cha-cha, rumba, samba, paso doble and jive, and they are the standard shoe for salsa and bachata.
See our Latin dance shoes and the guide to the best Latin dance shoes.
Ballroom dance shoes
Ballroom shoes, also called Standard or Smooth shoes, are closed-toe court shoes with a suede sole and a heel of about 2 to 2.5 inches set under your own heel. The closed toe protects your feet in close hold and the steadier heel supports the heel leads used in waltz, foxtrot, tango and quickstep.
See our ballroom dance shoes, the guide to the best shoes for ballroom dancing, and the side-by-side comparison in Latin vs ballroom dance shoes.
Practice shoes and low-heel dance shoes
Practice shoes are made for hours of class. They have a low Cuban or block heel, usually 1 to 1.5 inches, a roomier fit and more padding. Teachers and beginners often wear them for every style. Low-heel versions of Latin and ballroom shoes do the same job with a dressier look, and they suit anyone who wants more stability.
See low heel dance shoes and the ballroom practice shoes guide.
Dance boots and heels-class shoes
Dance boots are ankle or calf boots on a dance heel, often open-toe with laces or mesh. They hold the ankle firmly, which makes higher heels feel more secure. They are popular for heels classes, bachata, kizomba and salsa performances. Strappy stilettos with a flexible sole are the other common choice for heels choreography.
See dance boots, our dance boots buyer's guide and all dance heels. If you are wondering whether your everyday pumps would do, read dance heels vs regular heels.
Platform dance shoes
Platform dance heels add a platform under the ball of the foot, so a high heel feels lower than it looks. They are the classic shoe for samba performances and showgirl routines, where height and sparkle matter. See samba platform dance shoes.
Men's dance shoes
Men's ballroom shoes are lace-up Oxfords with a suede sole and a heel of about 1 inch. Men's Latin shoes have a higher heel, about 1.5 to 2 inches, and a softer, more flexible build that moves the weight forward. Most men start with the 1 inch ballroom shoe because it works for every style in a beginner class.
See men's dance shoes and the men's ballroom dance shoes guide.
Swing shoes, flats and character shoes
- Swing shoes: low, wide heels or flats with a smooth sole, made for bouncing, kicking and long social nights. Read the best shoes for swing dancing and see swing dance shoes.
- Flat dance shoes: dance sandals and closed shoes with almost no heel, for dancers who cannot or do not want to wear heels. See flat dance shoes.
- Character shoes: closed-toe shoes with a strap and a sturdy 1.5 to 3 inch heel, worn in musical theatre and stage dance. Read what are character shoes.
Ballet, jazz, tap and other studio shoes
| Shoe | What it is | Worn for |
|---|---|---|
| Ballet slippers | Soft canvas or leather shoes with a thin full or split sole | Ballet class at every level |
| Pointe shoes | Satin shoes with a stiff box and shank for dancing on the toes | Advanced ballet, with a teacher's approval |
| Jazz shoes | Soft slip-on or lace-up shoes, often with a split sole | Jazz, musical theatre, some contemporary |
| Tap shoes | Hard-soled shoes with metal plates at the toe and heel | Tap |
| Dance sneakers | Cushioned trainers with a smooth or split sole that lets you pivot | Hip-hop, street styles, dance fitness |
| Half soles and foot thongs | Pads that cover only the ball of the foot | Contemporary and lyrical |
| Flamenco shoes | Sturdy heeled shoes with nails in the toe and heel for sound | Flamenco |
| Irish and Highland shoes | Soft laced ghillies or hard shoes | Irish and Scottish dance |
Types of dance shoe soles
| Sole | Feel | Used on |
|---|---|---|
| Suede | Slides enough to turn, grips enough to stop | Latin, ballroom, practice shoes and most dance boots |
| Smooth leather | Faster slide | Swing, character, some men's shoes |
| Rubber or street sole | Grippy and hard-wearing | Dance sneakers; outdoor events |
| Split sole | No sole under the arch, for maximum flex | Jazz shoes, ballet slippers, dance sneakers |
More in suede vs rubber dance shoe soles.
Which type of dance shoe should a beginner buy?
- Salsa, bachata or a Latin class: an open-toe Latin shoe with a 2 to 2.5 inch flared heel.
- A general ballroom course: a low-heel practice shoe or a closed-toe ballroom shoe.
- Heels class: a lace-up dance boot for ankle support.
- Swing: a low-heel shoe or flat with a smooth sole.
- Men: a 1 inch ballroom shoe.
Whatever the type, the shoe should fit snugly with no heel lift; see how dance shoes should fit. The heel height guide explains every height.
What customers say
"They are comfortable and beautiful. I get many compliments on these shoes" — Kathy S., verified buyer of Black Latin Dance Shoes
"They arrived quicker than I thought, and look beautiful and fit perfectly." — Johanna B., verified buyer of Nude Cuban Heel Dance Shoes
"I'm a newbie dancer! I got the 3" heel. They are comfortable and wide enough for my feet." — Jami D., verified buyer of Black Suede Dance Boots
TTdancewear is Amazon's Choice with a money-back guarantee since 2012.
FAQ
What are the different types of dance shoes?
Latin, ballroom, practice, dance boots, platform, men's ballroom and Latin, swing, flat and character shoes for partner and stage dancing; ballet slippers, pointe, jazz, tap and dance sneakers for studio styles.
What are dance shoes called?
It depends on the dance: Latin sandals, ballroom or court shoes, character shoes, ballet slippers, pointe shoes, jazz shoes, tap shoes and dance sneakers are the most common names.
What are the types of ballroom dance shoes?
Closed-toe Standard or Smooth shoes, open-toe Latin or Rhythm shoes, practice shoes, and men's ballroom and Latin shoes.
Can one pair of dance shoes work for every dance?
For social partner dancing, a low-heel practice shoe or a Latin shoe covers most styles. Ballet, tap and jazz each need their own shoe.
What type of dance shoes are best for beginners?
A low Cuban heel shoe with a suede sole and an ankle strap for women, and a 1 inch ballroom shoe for men.
Do all dance shoes have suede soles?
No. Latin, ballroom and practice shoes usually do. Tap shoes have metal plates, sneakers have rubber, and swing and character shoes often have smooth leather.
Are dance shoes different from regular shoes?
Yes. They are lighter, more flexible, fit more closely and have a sole that lets the foot turn.