We highly recommend purchasing suede-sole ballroom dance shoes. It not only keeps your feet happy all night- because they are light weight and flexible, but it also protects our dance floor. The suede-sole provides just enough slip 'n slide for proper dancing. It makes 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 Very Fine Dancesport Shoes of California. The shoes can be customized in the style, color, material, width, and heel height of your choice. Shoes range from $85-100 per pair, plus shipping.
If you cannot purchase suede-sole ballroom dance shoes, then you must carry in a clean pair of shoes to change into, that you will dedicate to dancing. If it's raining or snowing outside, this will keep our 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 best 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 Toes 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!
We have catalogs of shoes, and material swatches in the studio. Come on in and have fun shopping! We have several varieties in stock to try on for size or to buy! Otherwise, shoe orders arrive within 1 week.
Dance Shoe Prices:
$85 per pair, $15 additional for custom orders
$15 shipping for first pair, $5 shipping per additional pair, buy 5 or more pairs to get free shipping
For exchanges: Customer will be charged a $15 shipping fee to send back shoes, and a $15 shipping fee to receive the new pair. Order smart the first time! Dance shoes may be exchanged only once and within 14 days if never worn. Custom orders are not exchangeable or returnable.