How to Choose the Right Shoes for Your Class
Updated: Jul 27
I'm frequently asked which shoes are best for classes, and it’s a great question!
The right footwear is a MUST for dance and fitness classes. With so many options available, you're sure to find pair to fit your style and budget. Here’s a few pointers:
Line Dance
If you are new to line dance or just want to try it out for a few classes without making a purchase, flat, securely fastened shoes that you are comfortable in and allow you to turn and change direction easily are fine. You want something that is breathable, flexible and doesn't have too much grip.
For regular class goers, you may want to purchase some dance specific footwear. There's a lot of choice available, dependent upon your own preferences and budget.
Ballroom Practice Shoes - Lightweight, breathable low Cuban heeled practice dance shoes that allow you to turn or pivot easily and allow free movement of the ankles are a great choice.
Dance fitness trainers with spin spots are also a great choice and do offer impact protection for the more energetic dances! 😊
Boots - Cowboy boots are increasing in popularity again on the dance floor. Boots with chrome soles designed specifically for dancing are available, but can be very pricey. If you are wearing a regular pair of boots, try to pick a pair that are flexible and breathable. Regular boots can be very restrictive around ankle joints so can tire feet quickly, and are unlikely to have an appropriate sole for dancing.
A few suggestions:
Fuego Dance Sneakers - these are the sneakers I'm currently wearing in classes - use code DANCEJULIE10 for a discount!
FitSteps
Trainers are compulsory to take part in FitSteps classes. Specific dance trainers with a spin spot and protective cushioning to lessen impact are the ideal footwear, but flexible any non running style trainers (for example studio or “cross” trainers) or with not too much grip are also good.
Avoid running shoes as they provide too much grip and may cause joint injury when turning or twisting, runners are designed specifically to take you in one direction, forwards and do not easily allow quick direction changes or sideways movements.
Another good tip is to add a fabric spin spot to a pair of (non running) trainers but are perhaps a little too grippy but otherwise fit the bill.
Features to look for:
Impact protection / Gel cushioning / Foam soles
Spin spots
Toe boxes
Arch support (my personal choice is not for split soles, but yours may be! 😊)
High tops, low cut, split soles or not, your choice of trainers will very much be a personal one but a few suggestions include:
For safety reasons slip on shoes, sling backs, flip flops or higher heels or stilettoes are not allowed in any classes.
These are absolutely just a few pointers to help you find the right style of shoes for you. Once you've decided what type you'd like, get googling, find a website that offers free returns (you may need to try a few pairs to find your preference) and shop around for the best prices!
