If you’re going to go Salsa Dancing then it’s really important that you have the right footwear, it will make sure you get the most from the experience. Salsa dancing is a partnered dance where a great amount of improvised movements are required, all set to Cuban rhythm beats. This can mean that many movements will happen quickly and the dancers have to have the ability to move lightly and quickly without the inconvenience of clunky footwear. This is why some shoe designers have come out with Salsa shoes (for both male and female dancers), that have the sole purpose of making this fun past time easier for the dancers, especially those new to it.
Salsa shoes for women should be light, the movements are very pronounced and made very quickly. Most women prefer to have an ankle strap in place so that mid move the shoes stay where they are supposed to (avoiding taking out spectators eyes is always a good thing!) and give extra support while dancing. Some shoes come with a thicker heel, but not too thick since this could hinder the ability to turn quickly, to provide stability for walking and for balancing in uncomfortable positions. In Salsa dancing, there are many times where the female dancer may make movements that require her to apply all her weight on one foot. Using a thicker heel plus the ankle strap will add much more security to the foot and ensure that any injuries are avoided. Again this is most important for beginners, there is nothing like an injury to put you of a new hobby before you’ve even really got into it.
Men’s salsa shoes should be light as well but with a small heel, this is different to a standard male dress shoe. The heel can be up to two and a half inches high (Yes, for most men the thought of this is quite scary!). This allows the dancer to balance better and makes it much easier for them to redistribute their weight when spinning their female partner. In style they are very similar to what you would seen in a dress shoe, just with that little extra stability from the heel.
For your first Salsa lesson a pair of strapped heels will be fine for women and men can get away with a standard dress shoe. If you do decide to throw yourself into Salsa dancing and want a pair of “proper” shoes then look to spend anywhere between £40 and £120 in the UK ($40 to $100 in the US). If you are going to make the investment it may be wise to talk to your dance teacher first, they may be able to offer specific advice on the best type of shoe to fit your dance ability.
