El Studio Tango - Dance Shoes

If you're just starting out in your Tango journey and shoes have come up as a concern and are looking
for some advice on what to do... well then you've landed in the right place. As a dancer for over fifteen
years I can tell you that the correct shoe is important. In the world of Tango... shoes are a bit of a
commodity amongst both men and women. For ladies, you'll want something that not only looks nice
and is comfortable but also something that will give some protection to the toes. Argentine Tango can
be a bit hostile in the foot and toe area, especially in the beginning.
But its important that you have a shoe that not only is comfortable but also has a proper grip factor to
the floor. Ideally in a perfect Tango world the floor you dance on is an old hardwood that isn't pollished
which gives it just enough grip the allows you to pivot nicely. Though, as you'll soon learn that isn't
always the case. Anyway, if you want great Tango shoes and money isn't too much of a concern, then
you might try checking out sites like Argentine Tango Shoes.com.
Comme il Faut is another popular brand that can be purchased online as well.

But if you want to go the cheaper route for starting off... then a ballroom pair isn't so bad either. In my
experience I've bought ballroom shoes which have the suede soles. Though the suede in the beginning
is ok to dance on in the beginning... over time it doesn't last long and provides little to no cusioning.
In the past I've taken my ballroom shoes to a local shoe repairmen and had him put an alternate sole
on for me. Two brands of sole which are great for dancing on are Topy and Vibran. Most shoe repairmen
would likely be familiar with these. The simply cut the sole to size and glue it on to the existing suede.
This gives the sole a longer life without the nuisance of brushing the suede everytime it slick and loses
its grip.
Being an instructor and teaching all the time and being on my feet, or if I'm training myself, I sometimes wear
a dance sneaker for comfort. Blochs, Capezio are the most common, but Sansha and Puma also
have some great dance sneakers for training in as well.