The size of your dancing shoes has the most impact on how effortlessly you dance. Getting shoes that are too small and too tight may be uncomfortable as they can hinder your movement across the dance floor. On the other hand, opting for shoes that are loose can also negatively affect the way you dance, because loose shoes will wobble and you will be unsteady. The ideal thing is to pick a pair of shoes that are slightly tight, so you can break them in bit by bit each time you dance in them. Start with your true street size to see how the shoes fit. If the shoes feel loose consider getting a size smaller to get a tighter fit. If your true size feels too snug try getting a size larger to get a looser fit. Keep in mind that Latin Ballroom shoes (the nude satin ones) are made to fit wider and should be ordered a half to a full size down. The reason for this is because in Latin Ballroom dances the foot is pointed and dragged through each step. By ordering a shorter shoe you won’t feel the bottom of the shoe getting caught as you drag your step. For other type of dancing such as rock and roll or line dancing, choose the fit that is slightly snug is always a good start as most of our products are made with genuine leather or blend of silk and satin, therefore the those materials will stretch and mole into the shape of your foot much better after being worn.
Decide upon the Material Used
The most common materials used to make dancing shoes are satin and leather. Vegan leathers are becoming increasingly popular. Satin shoes fit more snugly and conform better to the shape of your feet because they’re more adaptable. Shoes made from satin can also be dyed in different colors, making it easier for you to find a pair that matches your outfit. Leather shoes are more breathable and stretch with use. Any man made or vegan materials will not stretch. They do break in, which means the material will be less stiff after a few uses.
Pick the Right Kind of Heel
Latin and ballroom dance shoes generally have heels between 1.5 and 3.5 inches in height. If you are a beginner, it’s advisable to opt for shorter heels because it may take you some time to get used to dancing in high heels. However, staying between a 2.5 and 3 inch heel is recommended (as long as there are no injuries) so the balance, strength and correct posture can be mastered. Men’s dancing shoes typically are made with a 1-inch heel for ballroom dancing, and a 1.5-inch Cuban heel is ideal for Latin dancing. Another thing to keep in mind is that if you’re a beginner, it’s best to choose a pair of shoes with flared heels since they offer more stability than slim-heeled shoes.
Choose between Open and Closed Toe Models
Open toe shoes make it easier to point your feet well and execute deliberate and articulated dance steps. Closed toe dancing shoes support smoother movements and are ideal for dances that require even footwork. To explain things further, open toe shoes are ideal for dances like the salsa, the rumba, and swing dancing. Closed toe shoes are advisable for the waltz and foxtrot. If you’re a beginner or an intermediate student who is not focused on a specific style, opt for closed toe shoes, so your toes are protected if you get stepped on while learning.
Wear Shoes That Allow You to Move Well
Movement is one of the most important factors involved in dancing. Your footwear, much like your outfit, decides how well you can move and shoes play a significant role in encouraging or curtailing your range of motion. Dance Fever’s dancing shoes that have soles made from suede, leather resin, which are ideal for dancing on smooth floors made from wood or similar materials. Street soled shoes are ideal for those that mostly use the shoes for social dancing. The venues tend to be bars or nightclubs where a suede soled shoe can be ruined easily. The other advantage of street soled shoes is that they can be worn outdoor as well so you no longer have to carry your dance shoes in a separate bag and have to change in the club.
It’s worth taking care of your dance shoes – the most important tool for a dancer (besides your body)!
Did you know that dance shoes support your body while you’re swinging those hips and sashaying away? They’re designed to withstand pressure and provide flexibility, so you can nail the twists and turns that come with the territory, without hurting yourself.
Everyday shoes don’t come close, especially if you plan on being a regular on the dance floor. It’s worth investing in a specialised pair that enables the best technique.
But this doesn’t let you off the hook completely. You need to take care of your dance shoes, to get the most value out of them.
This includes following the correct protocols for:
- Storage
- Cleaning
- Polish
- Repair
Wear your dance shoes with care
It’s important for your chosen pair to fit as perfectly as Cinderella’s glass slippers. As obvious as this seems, you don’t want your feet sliding inside the shoe. Don’t be too hasty when getting ready – take time to fasten your buckles (women) and tie your laces tightly (men).
Storage matters: Don’t throw your dance shoes into a plastic bag
It’s tempting to throw your dance shoes into a bag, stashed out of sight, after a tiring session. This is one of the worst things you can do. Plastic will cause your shoes to sweat, decay and stink. The same applies to all bags made from non-breathable fibres or fabric. Boxes are a no-go as well, since they create a damp environment.
It’s best to store your shoes in a dry location and leave them out overnight to air out. This is a good way to keep bacteria at bay.
Filling your shoes with newspaper will help to draw out moisture, if they’re really wet. Never use a hair dryer or heater to dry your leather shoes, since heat is damaging.
Cleaning your dance shoes
If your shoes are made out of canvas, you may be able to get away with throwing them in the washer. Stay away from the dryer though, as this leads to shrinkage.
Other materials don’t fare so well in the washing machine, so you have to get creative.
You can use a damp cloth to clean leather dance shoes. Once completely dry, a small amount of wax or cream polish will preserve the leather.
Never use regular polish, if you have patent leather shoes. Instead, apply patent dressing when dry (after cleaning with a damp cloth). You can also use a soft cloth to add shine.
A clean toothbrush can remove dirt from suede dance shoes (brush from front to back). A suede treatment solution helps remove stains, but make sure the shoes dry completely before wearing them.
Shoes that feature suede soles should be cleaned using a suede shoe brush. If there’s dirt stuck on the soles, brush from toe to heel. This also adds traction, if the soles have become too flat or smooth. Brush carefully and keep your fingers out of the way, especially if the bristles are hard.
Satin dance shoes require a particularly gentle approach, since they’re quite delicate.
- Start by using a soft bristle brush to remove dirt.
- Blot stains with a dampened cloth (cold water), from the top of the shoe to the bottom of the shoe.
- Dab stubborn stains with a damp soapy cloth (hand washing liquid).
- Rinse the shoe straight away by patting with a clean damp cloth.
- Pat your shoe with a hand towel to dry it. Do not rub the fabric, since this creates stains.
Get the most wear out of your shoes
If you look after your dance shoes, they’ll look after you by supporting your feet. When it comes to improving your technique, leave that to our instructors
Apply a thin coat of clear nail polish over the rhinestones or put a small amount of Mod Podge on to a disposable sponge and gently dab the surface of the gems. Make sure the nail polish or the Mod Podge is dry before wear (dry time is recommended for a minimum of 2 hours)
Visit our Size Chart for more information.
Should you require further assistance regarding picking the correct size for your dance shoes, please email the measurement of your foot to info@dancefevers.com.
You will need a piece of A4 paper, a pencil, and a ruler and/or measuring tape.
1. Place your foot flat in the middle of the A4 paper.
2. Press the pencil firmly at 90 degrees against back of your heel and draw a horizontal line on the paper.
3. Then do exactly the same at the front of your big toe.
4. Use your measuring tape to measure the exact length in cm to get your true foot size.
Please be as accurate as possible because dance shoe sizes can vary by as little as 5mm and ballet shoes as little as 2mm.
Dance Fever Returns Policy
We want you to love your purchase, but if you have changed your mind, you can exchange your item within 21 days. Please remember to provide a receipt or proof of purchase when returning your item. If 21 days have gone by since the item has been purchased or delivered, unfortunately we can’t offer you a refund or exchange.
Refunds are only applied when there is a factory fault with a product. We do not offer refunds for change of mind.
To complete an exchange, we require a receipt or proof of purchase. Purchased stock must be returned to us in its original brand new condition which is not worn. Please do not send your purchase back for an exchange before contacting us to confirm stock availability. There are certain situations where only partial refunds are granted. Any item that is returned more than 21 days after purchase may be eligible for a partial refund upon discussion.
Change of Mind/Exchange
If you have changed your mind, we may offer you an exchange provided that the exchange is:
Made within 21 days of purchase.You are able to provide satisfactory proof of purchase.The merchandise is in saleable condition, which is it is unworn or unused with all original sealed packaging or tags attached and where the product seal is not broken or tampered.
Our team members will assess the item (in-store and online returns) to determine whether an exchange will be offered in accordance with our Returns Policy.
Excluded change of mind items
Please choose carefully when purchasing merchandise designated as a clearance item (either marked as clearance or reduced to clear) as change of mind returns will not be accepted. Subject to availability, an exchange for an identical item (same style, model etc.) may be provided.
Returns and exchanges will not be provided on the following types of merchandise unless the product fails to meet a consumer guarantee:
Custom made, personalised, and altered productsItems that have a tag that accompanies the product that states no exchange or refundSales to individuals who Dance Fever may believe to be resellers or bulk purchasers are final sales, and the change of mind policy does not apply.If you are unable to provide satisfactory Proof of Purchase, we are unable to provide you with a change of mind return or exchange.
We recognise that the option to return an unwanted item is important to our customers. To ensure a positive shopping experience for all customers and to prevent fraud, abuse and misuse of this policy, Dance Fever may refuse to accept items returned for Change of Mind if we identify an unreasonable or excessive return pattern and may also restrict or refuse future transactions from such individuals.
Refunds
Refunds are only applied when there is a factory fault with a product. We do not offer refunds for change of mind.
Refunds for all purchases will be given using your original payment method (online purchases will automatically be refunded to the account used to pay).
Once your return is received and inspected, we will send you an email to notify you that we have received your returned item. We will also notify you of the approval or rejection of your refund.
If you are approved, then your refund will be processed, and a credit will automatically be applied to your credit card or original method of payment, within 5 business days.
Proof of purchase
Refunds, exchanges or repair requests must be accompanied by any one of the following proof of purchase documents for change of mind:
Original register receipt tax invoice (electronic or photograph will be accepted)Online Tax Invoice (order confirmations will not be accepted)Original return/exchange receipt
Please note that our team members are not responsible for proving your purchase. You must supply the proof of purchase, which our team members can validate.
Consumer Guarantees
As a consumer, you are entitled to certain guarantees in respect of goods and services purchased from Dance Fever. These guarantees are called Consumer Guarantees and are not impacted by the change of mind policy or limited by a defined timeframe. The Australian Consumer Law, however does recognise that the relevant time period may vary by product (or service) depending on the nature of the goods (or service), the price paid and any representations made about the goods (or service).
Where you believe an item is faulty or defective, it may be necessary for us to send your goods to the manufacturer or their service agent for it to be assessed within a reasonable period of time. If the goods or service has a major failure, you may reject the good or service and seek a refund, exchange or repair or you may keep the item and seek compensation for any drop in value. If the failure is minor, we will repair the item (or, at our discretion, we may replace the item or refund you) within a reasonable time.
Where an item is damaged through misuse, neglect or abnormal use, Dance Fever will not provide a refund, exchange or repair.
Our goods come with guarantees that cannot be excluded under the Australian Consumer Law. You are entitled to a replacement or refund for a major failure and compensation for any other reasonably foreseeable loss or damage. You are also entitled to have the goods repaired or replaced if the goods fail to be of acceptable quality and the failure does not amount to a major failure.
Dance Fever will require satisfactory proof of purchase before providing a remedy under the Australian Consumer Law.
Shipping
To return your product, you should mail your product to: Unit307/87 Griffith St Coolangatta QLD 4225 Telephone: 07 55993248
You will be responsible for paying for your own shipping costs for returning your item for both exchange and refund items. Shipping costs are non-refundable. If you are exchanging an item please include a return satchel bag with your product for exchange, as we cannot send your exchanged item without having return shipping paid for by the customer. Dance Fever will cover first time buyers exchange shipping costs.
If you are an international customer, we understand return shipping cannot be paid for at the time of returning your product. Simply contact Dance Fever about your exchange and we will invoice you the return shipping cost.
Depending on where you live, the time it may take for your exchanged product to reach you, may vary.
Read about our shipping policy here.