We are an Authorized Dealer of VeryFine Dancesport Shoes. Suede-sole dance shoes are recommended. They let you dance smoothly without sticking (like a tennis shoe) or slipping (like a leather sole). If you do not have suede-sole dance shoes to carry in, we still request that you carry in a clean, dry pair of shoes to change into. Socks or slippers are fine too!
We place dance shoe orders daily. They ship the same day from California. Orders placed on Monday are received Friday. Custom orders can take anywhere from 3-8 weeks depending on the manufacturer's busy season.
We do have a variety of styles and sizes in our inventory for you to try on and buy. Yes, you still pay shipping if we have them in stock because we had to pay the shipping to get them. Orders may be exchanged within 14 days if never worn, and with the payment of shipping them back and shipping to get the new pair. Even paying this extra shipping both ways, you're still paying less than their retail price. Custom orders may not be exchanged or returned.
Please call us to schedule a shoe appointment: (651) 414-0644.
Why dance shoes?
We highly recommend purchasing suede-sole ballroom dance shoes. They not only keep your feet happy all night- because they are light weight and flexible, but they also protect our dance floor. The suede-sole provides just enough slip 'n slide for proper dancing. They make it easier to turn, spin, and maneuver around the dance floor without losing control of your feet. People who wear proper ballroom dance shoes last in comfort much later in the night than people who wear street shoes. Dance shoes are designed to hug the foot and provide support.
Tropical Ballroom is an Authorized Dealer of VeryFine Dancesport Shoes of California. These shoes can be customized in the style, color, material, width, and heel height of your choice. These shoes retail for $145 plus shipping. We sell them for $100 plus $15 shipping. Add $15 for custom orders.
If you cannot purchase suede-sole ballroom dance shoes, we request that you carry in a clean, dry pair of shoes to change into, that you will dedicate to your dancing. If it's raining or snowing outside, this will keep our dance floor clean and dry. Dancing in socks is fine too! Another option is, if you find a comfortable pair of street shoes that fit your feet best, Bill across the hall from us at Woodbury Shoe Service, will put suede on the bottoms for $29. These would then be your dance shoes!
What type of shoes to get?
It depends on your purpose: taking lessons & social dancing, or performance & competition? For taking lessons and social dancing- find a style that fits your foot, you like the look of, and a heel that's sturdy and comfortable for all evening. People often choose black, but fun colors are available for variety! For performing in showcases or competing at competitions, follow the general rules- Closed Toe for smooth & standard dances (the dances that travel around the floor); Open Toe for rhythm & Latin dances (the dances that stay in place). People often choose tan or flesh colored shoes for show because they work with all colors of costumes. Another reason why competitors choose tan-colored shoes is because they blend in with the wood floor and hide footwork mistakes!
In addition to what we have in stock, we have a catalog of shoes to look through. Come on in and have fun shopping!