Waltz Shoes for Women
Closed-toe waltz shoes with suede soles for heel leads, rise and fall, and smooth travelling steps. Every style comes in your choice of heel height, from a 1.5-inch Cuban for practice to a 4-inch stiletto for the competition floor. Amazon’s Choice with a money-back guarantee since 2012.
What Makes a Waltz Shoe
Waltz is a Standard ballroom dance, and it is built on heel leads, rise and fall, and long travelling steps with your partner. That is why a waltz shoe is closed toe: the toe is covered and firm so you can drive forward off the ball of the foot, and the heel of the shoe lands first on every forward walk. The sole is suede, so the shoe glides across a wooden floor but still grips on a turn. The arch is flexible, so you can point your foot in a heel turn and roll through the foot on the rise. And the straps (cross strap, T-strap or Mary Jane buckle) hold the heel of your foot inside the shoe as you go up onto your toes and come back down. An open-toe Latin sandal can't do those things, so every style on this page is a closed-toe ballroom shoe.
Choosing a Heel Height for Waltz
Each style here comes with a choice of heel height, from a 1.5-inch Cuban heel up to a 4-inch stiletto. Pick the height for the kind of dancing you do, not only for how it looks.
- 1.5-inch Cuban: Best for long practice sessions and for beginners learning heel leads. It sits wide and low, so it's easy on your calves.
- 2 to 2.5-inch flared: A good social and wedding height. The flared heel widens at the base, so it lands steady on a heel lead.
- 3-inch flared: The classic height for Standard competition. It gives a stronger rise without making you unsteady.
- 3.5 to 4-inch stiletto: For experienced dancers who want a longer leg line on the floor. Only move up to this once your balance on the rise is secure.
If you're not sure, choose one step lower than your everyday heels. Your weight moves through the heel of the shoe far more on a waltz step than it does on the street.
Satin, Rhinestone or Practice
Nude and tan satin are the traditional colors for Standard ballroom because they blend with your skin and make your legs look longer. Rhinestone styles, with stones on the vamp, straps or heel, catch the light for showcases, competitions and first dances. Black, burgundy, navy and purple go with most gowns and practice outfits. Glitter and velvet shoes are good for social dances and holiday parties. If you only buy one pair, choose a satin shoe in a color close to your skin tone. It will work with almost any dress.
Fit and Care
A waltz shoe should fit snugly, tighter than a street shoe. Your toes should reach the front without curling, and the strap should lock your heel in place so it doesn't lift when you rise. Satin stretches a little with wear, so a shoe that feels roomy on day one will feel looser after a few lessons. Check the size chart on each product page before you order. Keep your dance shoes for the dance floor: street grit wears down suede soles quickly. A few strokes with a suede brush before each class will bring back the grip.
More for Standard Dancers
For every closed-toe style, including low-heel practice pumps, see our full range of ballroom dance shoes. If you're just starting out, our beginner's guide to the waltz box step walks through the basic step, and waltz vs foxtrot explains how the two dances differ. For something to wear with your shoes, browse our ballroom dresses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are waltz shoes the same as ballroom shoes?
Yes. Waltz shoes are closed-toe ladies' ballroom shoes, also called Standard or Smooth shoes. The same pair works for waltz, foxtrot, quickstep, tango and Viennese waltz.
What heel height is best for waltz?
For most dancers, 2 to 3 inches with a flared heel is best. Beginners and dancers who practice for long hours often choose a 1.5-inch Cuban heel. Experienced competitors sometimes go up to 3.5 inches or higher.
Can I dance waltz in Latin shoes?
It isn't a good idea. Latin shoes are open toe and made for dancing on the ball of the foot. Waltz uses heel leads, and an open toe gives your foot no support on long forward steps.
Can I wear waltz shoes outside?
No. The suede soles are made for dance floors. Wearing them outside wears the suede smooth and picks up grit that scratches wooden floors. Carry them in a shoe bag and put them on at the studio.