Best Shoes For Dancers (For Both Men & Women)

When you’re dancing to your heart’s content to some great tunes, you don’t want to accidentally sprain your ankle or fall over due to bad or inflexible footwear. Dancers need to wear the right shoes, shoes that can withstand a lot of wear and tear, and shoes that are light and easy to move in so they don’t weigh you down. Some of the best shoes for dancers also have a solid and flexible sole so that your foot is supported, but your movement isn’t restricted.

Whether you’re just getting into dance or you’re an expert who needs to update your dance wardrobe, you’ve come to the right place. There are a wide variety of shoes on offer for dancers nowadays, so you can learn the latest moves and move with flawless grace without risking injury or having your shoes weigh you down.

In fact, some of these shoes will make you a better dancer. Let’s have a look at some of the best dancing shoes available in the market.

LIST OF BEST SHOES FOR DANCERS

10 BEST SHOES FOR DANCERS REVIEWS

1. DC COURT - BEST SHOES FOR DANCING HIP HOP

These DC shoes have a bold, contemporary design, with fun star prints on the side. The shoes come in several varieties, so you can go for a more toned-down dance look or fully embrace the dance party style with some of the shinier pink or rainbow colors.

The men’s color selection is a little more subdued, but the shoes still have a really fun, modern look. They’re some of the best shoes for dancing because of the great support system; the chunkiness of the shoe is partly due to the padded tongue and collar, so dancing in these is a sheer delight.

These dance sneakers are also very breathable, with ventilation holes in the Graffik Skate model, so you can twist away without worrying about sweaty feet. These are also very popular shoes for skateboarders.

The extra padding the shoe provides is also great protection and in case if you happen to fall or come close to injury while dancing, they can protect your feet from getting hurt. So a recommended good buy.

Features:

  • Leather and textile make
  • 15 color varieties for dancing sneakers for men
  • 23 color varieties for dancing sneakers for women
  • Chunky, lace-up sneakers
  • Leather or suede upper
  • Tongue and collar are foam padded
  • Pill pattern tread for traction
  • Rubber outsole

Pros

  • Very comfortable for dance and other athletic activities
  • Great to style with casual wear
  • High quality
  • Great to style with casual wear
  • Different color variety for Womens dance shoes
  • Best suited for hip hop dance

Cons

  • It could be a bit lighter

2. COURT VISION LOW SNEAKER - NIKE SHOES FOR DANCERS

Everyone will be looking at you on the dance floor when you’re sporting a pair of Nikes! They’re fashionable and modeled after the ‘80s basketball look, with a sporty edge about them. The design gives the shoe a retro look, and the collar is slightly low-cut so that you can slip into these quite comfortably.

These are some of the professional dancers shoes you can own, although, being Nike, they do come at a bit of a higher price tag. But they’re worth every penny for the quality you get.

The Court Vision Low model also has perforations so that your feet can breathe easily and won’t feel boxed in by the shoe. The colors are actually relatively simple, but the old-school look of the shoe has an undeniable charm, so these can go great with any outfit when you’re not dancing.

The rubber cupsole of the shoe also improves traction, so you won’t be slipping and sliding all over the place as you bust out some moves. They could be slightly more supportive, but you can’t beat the style statement these shoes make, and for lighter dancing sessions, they’re worth a go.

Features:

  • Six color varieties for men, two for women
  • Sneaker-style lace-ups with stitched overlays
  • Leather and synthetic leather make
  • Outsole and insole fused for durability
  • Sturdy lace construction
  • Cupsole helps enhance grip
  • Padded collar

Pros

  • Professional dancers shoes
  • Good quality leather used
  • Unique styling makes them a classic style statement
  • Good fit, particularly if you have wider feet
  • Super comfortable
  • Light-weight

Cons

  • It might be a bit over budget for some

3. SAUCONY - BEST SNEAKERS FOR DANCING

If you’re a dancer who prefers some bright and shiny colors when it comes to footwear, Saucony’s Jazz original vintage dancing sneakers have got you covered. These come in all kinds of colors, from pinks and golds to maroons and lime greens.

There’s something for every taste in the selection, and the sneakers have a bulky retro look with a lot of cushioning so your feet can whirl through move after move without feeling a twinge.

The shoe upper is particularly built for long-wear, so don’t worry about the shoes tearing up. If you’re a dedicated dancer who works through routines day and night, these shoes will keep you going.

The EVA midsole is built to absorb shock and impact, and you won’t feel as much pain if you happen to trip or twist accidentally.

These high impact dance will hold you up, and your dance game will get that much better. The styling is so unique and trendy that these will make you the envy of your dance troop. You’ll be whirling circles around everyone else in no time!

Features:

  • 24 color varieties for men, 25 for women
  • Vintage dancing sneakers, chunky look
  • Padded tongue and collar
  • The rubber outsole has good traction
  • Nylon and suede mesh upper
  • Insole is removable
  • The footbed is good at absorbing shock

Pros

  • Lots of color options with cool styles
  • Decent arch support for dancers
  • No breaking is necessary
  • Comfortable dance shoes
  • The toe box is roomy

Cons

  • Not water-resistant

4. ADIDAS ORIGINALS CONTINENTAL 80 SNEAKERS - BEST TENNIS SHOES FOR DANCERS

Adidas cannot disappoint you if you’re looking for a perfect pair of dancing shoes. Although the color selection is limited for men (you get a better variety of choices for women), you really can’t beat that classic Adidas silhouette for style with that sports-casual look.

The white colors lean a bit towards the tennis-shoe trend, and these dancing tennis shoes look great with any slightly casual or sporty outfit. You can wear these to a dance session, or to the bar afterward, without having to change!

The dance sneakers have a rubber cupsole, and the EVA midsole provides a lot of cushioning, so you’ll always land on your feet without feeling like you shouldn’t have danced so hard. The shoes can take all your hip hop crazy moves, and the perforations in the shoe make it really breathable and a joy to move around in.

Your feet will be happy when you slip into these, and they’re a really good wardrobe staple, as long as you keep them clean and take care of them. The white leather look is super trendy these days, so grab these sneakers for dancing while you can!

Features:

  • Three color varieties for men, 14 for women
  • Full leather make
  • Lace-up sneakers
  • Soft material to enhance comfort
  • Water-resistant
  • Ballistic nylon upper is durable
  • Flexible EVA sole

Pros

  • The material of this dance shoes is smooth and soft
  • Hip hop dancing shoes
  • Insoles mold to your feet
  • Reasonably light
  • Great fit

Cons

  • Be careful when picking sizes; it runs a bit large

5. REEBOK - PROFESSIONAL DANCERS SHOES

Reeboks are certainly a highly reliable brand, and these shoes are great for when you want to practice your dance moves. Since the brand is known for sportswear and footwear, particularly the athletic kind, you really can’t go wrong here.

The men’s and women’s shoe styles are slightly different, but you get a decent and interesting color selection if you want to jazz up your wardrobe.

These shoes are ideal for a dance class workout or running through a dance routine with some friends. You can also pull them on for a solid gym workout like cardio or just doing aerobics and they also make great casual wear.

The reebok dance sneaker are pretty comfortable, and they’re guaranteed to last a while. The men’s trainers are particularly suited to heavy workouts because of the sturdy rubber outsole. The women’s shoes have a bootee construction so that the ultimate product really serves as a comfortable cushion for feet, no matter what you’re doing. 

Features:

  • Six color varieties for men, 9 for women
  • Rubber sole for men, synthetic for women
  • Light, breathable make
  • Made for intense practice and workouts
  • The shaft of the shoe measures low-top, starting from the arch
  • Textile upper for men, mesh for women
  • Strong insoles

Pros

  • Well-priced professional dance shoes
  • Highly comfortable due to the cushioned support
  • Good for smaller feet
  • Fit is snug
  • The break-in period is very short

Cons

  • Limited color selection

6. CAPEZIO CANVAS DANCE SNEAKER

This dance sneakers from Capezio is extremely popular, and it’s no wonder why. This is a great choice for some light exercises or for a Zumba or jazz dance class, so if you’re a casual dancer, you can get a great starter shoe right here.

The fact that the shoe has a split sole is quite unique; this split sole dance shoes gives you an unprecedented amount of flexibility when you’re moving and doesn’t curb your movement. This dance sneakers are best for jazz, salsa kind of dances. 

Although it only comes in two colors, this shoe is all about function over fashion, and it’ll do the job quite well at a reasonable price.

The Capezio sneaker also has a flat platform so you can twirl on your toes or make other toe-dance moves, and the footbed is removable. The footbed is actually EVA, so it’s perfectly contoured to the foot. You can’t go wrong with this shoe!

Features:

  • Canvas make
  • Unisex 
  • Two-color varieties, black and white, simple design
  • Padded tongue and collar
  • Heavy padding for added comfort
  • The outsole has flex points
  • Cotton laces

Pros

  • Very light-weight
  • Great for quick, graceful movements and more technical dances
  • Highly flexible
  • Easily washable

Cons

  • A wider color selection would be nice
  • This is a shoe that’s made for dancers and not really for other sports

7. CONVERSE CHUCK TAYLOR ALL STAR CANVAS LOW TOP SNEAKER

Of course, Converse has become an iconic brand, and these shoes are some of the best dancing shoes you can get. The Low Top Chucks are simple but classic, with a simple line design.

The shoes have that perfect, non-bulky, casual silhouette, and you can wear them from the dance floor to an evening out and still make it work with the right outfit.

The low profile of the shoe is great for movement, so you can dance without inhibition. The eyelets are well-placed so that airflow is enhanced and the shoe is made much more breathable. Whether you want to team these shoes with casual dance workout gear or a knee-length dress, you’ll look stylish, no matter what.

Features:

  • Upper is canvas
  • Wide color selection
  • Good size range
  • Lace-ups
  • Rubber sole, vulcanized
  • Classic style

Pros

  • Well-priced for a Converse
  • Easily washable
  • Lots of colors available
  • Comfortable toe box

Cons

  • Arch support could be improved
  • Might have a break-in period

8. LINODES TENT LEATHER UPPER JAZZ SHOE

Not only are these shoes from Linodes some of the best shoes for dancers, but you also don’t have to spend a lot of money to get a good quality product. These dancing shoes are in a slip-on style, not sneaker style, and the fabric lining is great for smooth and easy movement.

The arch inserts help to give you a bit of a boost and support, and the slightly unusual look of the shoe allows it to easily double as a slightly dressy piece, so you can pair it with slightly fancier outfits as well.

If you are new and very fond of swing dancing, take a look at this list of exclusive shoes for swing dancing, but I suggest you start with a small wide heel and proceed gradually.

Features:

  • Full leather make
  • Two colors, black and brown
  • The split-sole feature enhances flexibility
  • Durable material

Pros

  • Perfect for amateurs, as a practice shoe
  • Split sole dance shoes enhances grip
  • Comfortable dance shoes
  • Leather make ensures they’ll last a while with proper care
  • No breaking is required

Cons

  • Tend to run a little large
  • More colors would be nice
  • An extra insole might be required for toe support

9. LINODES UNISEX PU LEATHER SLIP-ON TAP SHOE

Another offering from Linodes, this one is slightly more expensive but still very much within budget. The shoes are easy to slip on as you’re rushing out, and the silhouette and easy style of the shoes make them a great companion for any outfit.

The high-quality leather makes means you get a lot for a little money, and the slightly pointed toe will help you enhance your more technical moves. This is perfect for dancers who are training in modern ballet or jazz. 

Features:

  • Quality PU leather make
  • Two colors, black and brown
  • Synthetic lining
  • 1” heel
  • The rubber outsole is non-skid

Pros

  • Split-sole engineering
  • Great for tap dance
  • Comfortable due to the soft lining
  • Great price

Cons

  • Limited colors available
  • If you’re not buying these for dance, these shoes can be a bit noisy
  • The Toe area is a bit snug

10. VANS UNISEX OLD SKOOL - BEST STREET SHOES FOR DANCERS

The style of Vans is so old school and memorable, with the chunky heel and side strip, that you can’t go wrong with adding these to your wardrobe.

The color selection isn’t too wide, but you get some really unique styles, including a checker pattern. These are great for skateboarders and casual dancers, and they’re the ultimate style statement for hitting the streets.

Features:

  • Synthetic make
  • Skate shoe style, classic design
  • Seven color varieties
  • Suede and canvas upper
  • Padded lining

Pros

  • High-quality material
  • Very fashionable
  • Street dancers shoes
  • Value for money
  • Good fit

Cons

  • Wider color selection would be better
  • Tends to run a little large

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF BUYING THE BEST SHOES FOR DANCERS?

If you want to be a good dancer, you do have to have the skill and talent. But you also need to have good dancing shoes! Wearing shoes that are unsuitable for dance will wear them out quickly, and you might injure yourself if the shoes don’t give you good support and flexibility.

You can’t try out the latest moves in unsuitable shoes, and you won’t get the necessary grip to pull off anything fancy on the dance floor. So the best thing to do is to put your casual or work shoes aside and pick out shoes specifically for dancing! But these dancing shoes usually have quite a casual, versatile look as well, so they’ll go with a lot of your outfits. 

BUYING GUIDE FOR THE BEST SHOES FOR DANCERS

There are a couple of things to keep in mind when you’re shopping for shoes to enhance your dance technique. Here are some of them.

  • The shoes should be light. Heavy shoes will weigh down your feet and not allow you to move properly. That’s fine if you’re just walking, but if you’re dancing, you need shoes to be flexible and easy to move in, so you can practice all kinds of moves without having to make the additional effort of exerting energy to lift your feet.
  • A solid sole is a must. Of course, the cushioning must be soft and comfortable because if you’re dancing for long hours, your feet need to be able to take it, but if the sole is weak, then the shoe will fall apart quickly from hours of dancing.
  • The shoe needs to have decent traction. You need a good grip on it. Otherwise, you’ll be slipping and sliding around when you start moving. 

FAQ

Do dancers wear special shoes?

Yes! The dancers wear specially designed shoes with relatively thinner soles and a steel shank for support. The dancer's shoes are made of lightweight and flexible materials and designed to provide the right amount of traction; that you need for your dance moves.

That’s why; that the brands manufacture different models for different dance styles. There you’ll be having different dance shoes, like - dance sneakers, tap shoes, foot thongs, ghillies, ballet shoes, ballroom shoes, jazz shoes, pointe shoes, and flamenco shoes. 

Are sneakers good for dancing?

The comfortable dancer sneakers or athletic sneakers are good for beginners, but when you’ll be specializing in some particular dance forms, you may need dancer special shoes, like - ballet shoes, ballroom shoes, and jazz shoes for more comfort and support. 

What is the difference between dance shoes and regular shoes?

Regular shoes mainly focus on grip and durability. On the other hand, the relatively thinner suede sole of dance shoes allows the dancers to glide across the floor easily with just the right amount of grip.

Why do dancers need shoes?

The dancers give priority to their footwear the most, as they need to keep their feet healthy and pain-free. So, the dancers choose the shoe based on their foot anatomy, strength level, and the requirements of dancing moves.


CONCLUSION

Some of the dance shoes are on this list, so there’s no extra work to be done! Just pick out whatever strikes your fancy and best fits with your dance style and your wardrobe. Soon you’ll be able to impress your whole dance troop with how much your technique and style have improved.

The better your equipment, the better you’ll dance. So make the investment and get yourself a good pair of shoes for dancing, you won’t regret it!

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