6 Best Heels For Dancing 2023

Every woman knows that you can’t go dancing without the right footwear. It’s relatively easy to find a quality pair of flats or sneakers to support the foot and still look good at the same time. However, it is another challenge entirely to find heels for dancing.

Heels present the problem of support, pinched toes, and overall discomfort. Here are some options that are comfy, practical, and cute.

Alma Danza Black Satin Pump – Best Overall

The Alma Danza Black Satin Pump (available at Dance Shoe Online) is for dancers and the needs of their feet. These shoes are flexible and built for almost every dance style. These pumps are closed-toed with an embedded metal shank from the heel to the forefoot.

These shoes are flexible and lightweight. Despite the closed-toe style, often confined to more ballroom dances, this shoe is the best overall because of its ambiguity. Even with the closed-toe, the Alma Danza Pump is versatile and effective in Latin and ballroom dances.

The heel on this shoe is an average height of 2.2 inches, with a soft sole perfect for dancing. The Alma Danza Pump may not look like much, but it is comfortable and suited for any dancing needs.

Salsa Lacy Bachata Ballroom Dance Heels – Premium Option

The Salsa Lacy Bachata Ballroom Dance Heels (compared at Etsy and Amazon) may be pricey, but it is worth every penny. The Bachata Heel meshes a modern heel shape and form with a classic black style that fits perfectly in any dance setting.

These heels include memory foam cushions and are lightweight suede for maximum comfort. The Bachata Heels are open-toed, so they are best suited to Latin-style dances. They have a mid-sized heel that is great for a dancer of any skill level. 

Adjustable laces on the front encourage the best comfort to fit the shoe to the foot. It is soft, made of one of the best dance shoe materials, and built to allow ease of movement between steps.

Wide Fit Black Barely There Heels – Best Budget Option

The Wide Fit Black Barely There Heels (compared at In The Style USA and Nasty Gal) are stylish. Made of lightweight material, they come in two color options. It was designed by In The Style, which is more a fashion brand than a dance shoe brand.

The Barely There Heels are made of faux leather and include a stylish buckle and thick ankle strap to keep the shoe in place. With open toes, they are better suited to dances that require a lot of movements and extension of the toes and feet.

While they are not the most luxurious shoes, they are made of a decent material that looks and feels good. The shoe will hold up in any dance situation, even for a night out at the club or for performances and practice.

Dream Pairs Closed Toe Chunky Pumps – Best Color Options

The Dream Pairs Closed Toe Chunky Pumps (compared at Amazon and Dream Pairs) offer nine options in varying colors and bling styles. Sometimes the dance routines need a matching shoe to go with the costume, or you need more shiny shoes to draw attention.

No matter the reason behind wanting out-of-the-box shoes, these Dream Pairs options consist of good soft material with three-inch heel heights. The insole is padded with latex for maximum comfort and cushion while dancing.

These pumps include a chunky heel for stability and to prevent pain so you can dance for longer. The toes are closed, providing the shoe a classier look in black and nude. It almost means the shoe is better for a more ballroom-focused dance, such as the waltz.

The ankle strap increases security and support to prevent possible injuries. The shoe overall is classy and can be worn casually beyond just dancing or for events that include dancing. The Dream Pairs Chunky Pumps are a little big to size but are great for long uses because of the comfortable suede material and supportive fit.

Yokala Ballroom Salsa Latin Dance Heels – Most Comfortable

The Yokala Ballroom Salsa Latin Dance Dress Heels (compared at Amazon and JJ’s House) are for dancers who go for long periods and dance often. It is a lower-heeled shoe with only 1.5 inches in height but is a Cuban thick wedge heel for optimal support.

The Yokala Heel can last hours without causing pain due to the breathable design and suede and satin material. The double strap adds extra support while providing a little style different from most dancing shoes.

It does have an open toe with an intricate strappy design, like the heel, to look good while providing comfort through the structure.

While the Yokala markets as ballroom salsa dancing, it works for almost any type of Latin dance and some ballroom dances. It is soft and comfortable, perfect for dancers who perform a lot or stay in their shoes for hours.

Black Suedette Platform Block Heels – Best Style Heels

The Black Suedette Platform Block Heel Sandals are stylish and comfortable. By bringing the best of both worlds, people wearing these heels can dance the night away, gain a couple of inches, and look great. 

These block heels are supportive and ease the pressure with the thicker heel, although taller than most dance shoes at 3.9 inches. The vegan suedette is soft and allows the foot to breathe without becoming too slick.

It is opened-toed, better for Latin and movement-heavy dances, though the thick ankle strap provides extra support. It is the best-looking shoe on the list and could pass for a normal fancy heel, but it has sole protection and ankle support of the heel.

What To Look For in Heels for Dancing

Shoes play a vital role in how a night goes. The wrong kinds of shoes leave you hurting and sore the next day, maybe even during the dance. Not all shoes have the same quality, comfort, and purpose.

Whether you are dancing in a competition or want to dance for fun without the almost natural foot pain, you need to find the right shoe. As you look for the perfect heel, six factors play in, which are expounded on below. 

Price

Not everyone can afford to pay an arm and a leg for comfy, high-quality dancing shoes. That is nothing to be ashamed of because there are shoes that are cheaper but still have a similar quality.

Professional dancing shoes vary greatly. It depends on the brand, material, and purpose. People who are not dancing professionally or are new to the experience do not need to buy expensive branded shoes. They need comfortable, flexible shoes that are not heavy or difficult to move in.

You can find a good pair of dancing heels anywhere if you know what to look for. That starts with picking a price that fits your budget and applies to how often you wear the shoes.

High-quality shoes are not always overtly expensive. It is high-quality based on the material and depends on how the shoe fits overall. There are good dancing heels in all price ranges, but it is essential when shopping to go in with the desired price range and stick to it. 

Overall, it is best to shop around beforehand to find a shoe that has all the perfect elements for the right amount of money.

The Right Size

Sometimes people pick something based on limited options or availability. Unfortunately, often when they do this, they sacrifice size or price. More than just the size of the shoe, but also the fit of it overall is essential to maximum comfort.

Shoes that do not fit correctly will chafe, blister, pinch, and overall cause discomfort. For anyone who wants to be on their feet and moving without worrying about possible pain, it is essential to find a shoe that fits.

Dancing shoes, in general, need to be snug but not so tight that circulation is blocked. Tight shoes will pinch and dig into the skill causing immense discomfort. Swelling is normal when you are on your feet for a long time, and shoes have to allow that.

It is ideal for your toes to touch but not crowd in the toe and for the perfect balance of snugness to stay comfortable and keep the shoe on. Shoes that are too loose will wobble and leave you dancing unsteadily. It can lead to twisted ankles.

It is common for sizes to be a little off, so when looking consider going up or down a size. It is not the size itself that matters but the way it fits your foot.

Durability

While you dance, your feet will move, bend, flex, and swell. Based on the material used, the shoe will give some support and cushion the foot against harsh floors. A poor-quality material will not last long, leading to fast breakage and more pain.

The durability of each shoe is essential to a good dancing experience. If the heel is not made well, then it will cost more over time to replace it and could potentially cause harm to the dancer. A dance shoe is more durable than a regular shoe with a softer sole.

Dance shoes last anywhere from a couple of months to about a year. It depends on how often they are worn, for how long they are used, and for the type of dancing they encounter. Shoes only worn for performances will last longer than shoes worn every day or for practices.

Durability plays an essential role in how long shoes will last and how comfortable they will be. Durability will tie back into sizing. Poorly sized shoes can have the best durability but still perform inadequately. The sweet spot is between a softened durable material and the right fit.

Heels include a variety of materials, but dancing heels are typically softer. There is a need for firm support that consists of a more wedged heel and a softer sole.

Heel Heights

Many people wear shoes because they are cute or match their outfits, but the height of the shoe is very important when dancing. When the heel is too high, the dancer will be consistently unstable.

The height of average heels is anywhere from an inch and a half to about three inches. This height is not so low to be flat, but not so high that it causes problems.

When heels are too high, they will be more painful faster. The taller the shoe, the greater the pull of the muscle and ligaments in the foot and ankle. This causes straining and may lead to health issues later down the road.

For the most comfort, the ideal dancing pump height is two and a half inches. It can be challenging to start at a higher heel height, so it is more beneficial to start at a lower heel and work up to the taller ones. It is also wise to start with a wider, more pump-like heel and slowly move to a thinner heel.

The sooner a dancer reaches the average height, the better because it allows for better form. It is easier to hold an improper form with a lower heel. The proper heel height is essential to a good dance.

Flexibility

It is essential for a dancing shoe, in general, to be flexible but also supportive. Dancing is all about moving around. A shoe that is too stiff will inhibit movement, causing the steps to look stilted and out of place.

Some materials are more naturally flexible than others, such as suede when it is compared to leather. Heels are not going to be bendy, but they will be softened to the point where the shoe matches the shape of the foot and works for the best dancing experience.

As the shoe moves with the foot because it is flexible, movements are flowier and less likely to cause an injury. When heels do not fit properly with the foot, it is more dangerous to move around in them.

Stiff heels will make the foot hurt a lot faster than a softer sole would. They increase the possibility of injury and could potentially help the shoe wear out quicker. They tend to be a little thinner than a regular heel for better flexibility.

Since dancing shoes are made with the intention of constant movement from almost the second they go on until they are taken off, the design has to be capable of such activity. When you shop for shoes, you need to consider how easy it is to move around in them.

Toe Situation

For heels, you can either go open-toed or closed-toed. There is no right answer, but each style has pros and cons. Open-toed shoes provide more breathing room, but the toes may blister around the toe strap. Closed-toed shoes may crowd the toe area but also can protect them from getting stepped on.

The style typically depends on the type of dance. Traditionally, closed-toed heels are for ballroom dances such as the waltz or foxtrot. Open-toed heels are worn for Latin dances like rumba or salsa.

Heels with open toes allow for better movement and reach, which is why they work well in high-intensity routines. It is easier to extend the foot without feeling discomfort or pull from the shoe when the toes are open.

Closed-toed shoes are ideal when the routine needs even footwork and smooth, flowy movements. As the material does enclose the toe, it will restrict some movement. Closed-toed shoes protect the toes better, which is sometimes necessary for close partner dances.

Both have their place in specific dances, but it depends on the dancer on which shoe is better for their routines. Closed and opened-toed heels are both widely available and are made to suit dancers in all situations.

Best Brands That Make Heels for Dancing

Dancing heels need to be comfortable, fashionable, and durable. DanceShoeOnline provides a place to find any dancing shoe in any style. Some other brands that also hold up well are Yokala and Dream Pairs.

Part of what makes a good brand is the quality of its shoes, the reputation they hold, and the accuracy of the people they cater to. The brands above sell good-quality shoes. They are trusted by dancers to sell shoes that support their feet and encourage each movement.

It can be challenging to pick the perfect shoe online. It is more beneficial to try on a couple of pairs in a store or order more than one size before you decide on just one.

Top Heels For Dancing, Closing Thoughts

Plenty of dancing shoes flood the market, so it is essential to pick the best shoe to dance in. The wrong choice could inhibit movement, cause injuries, and create problems while you dance.

Picking the right shoe is essential to presenting the best dance possible, armed with the best footwear available. Use this guide and the examples to make the best decision for you and your feet.