Best Shoes For West Coast Swing

Introduction

Picture this: You’re stepping onto the dance floor, the lights are dimmed just right, and the music has that perfect West Coast Swing groove. Your heart races with excitement as you take your first steps. But wait, something feels off. Your feet struggle to glide smoothly, and you can’t find your rhythm. Suddenly, your confidence wavers and the joy of the dance starts to slip away. The culprit? Your shoes.

The right pair of shoes can make all the difference between an amazing and a frustrating night. Choosing the best shoes for West Coast Swing can be a journey. The right footwear enhances your comfort and elevates your style, allowing you to move effortlessly and express yourself fully on the dance floor.

We will discuss the good and bad of different shoes commonly worn for West Coast Swing. From understanding the importance of specific shoe features to exploring different types of shoes and their benefits, we’ve got you covered.

We’ll also share real-life examples and expert tips to help you make an informed decision and ensure every step you take is filled with confidence and grace. So, lace up and discover how the best shoes can transform your West Coast Swing experience!

Heels

The ideal heel height for shoes is the same as everyday street shoes, up to 1.5 inches (4 cm). Higher heels can cause functional stepping issues and require a longer, less flexible shank, hindering foot movement.

Flat shoes can also be problematic, leading to overextension and hyper-flexed toes due to a lack of slight elevation. Additionally, small shanks can be risky for those without strong foot muscles. Proper foot rolling and brushing techniques are often unfamiliar to most people without classical dance training.

Shank

The “shank” is the stiff part of a shoe providing structure between the heel and toe. Most street shoes have a full shank, while some dance shoes have a half- or partial shank for easier toe-pointing. Dancers with weaker foot and ankle muscles may prefer more support from a substantial shank. Custom insoles can provide additional support.

Styles

For Men and Women

Fuego

Fuego Dance Sneakers are designed specifically for dancers, combining functionality with style. They are available in various styles, including low-top, high-top, split-sole, and wedge, and feature lightweight construction, vegan materials, and a patented FlowTec™ outsole for optimal spin and reduced knee torque.

I wore these shoes for a while, but they limited my ability to articulate. While they have pivot points for spinning, they were still slower in spins than suede.

Pros:

• Lightweight and comfortable
• Suitable for various dance styles and surfaces
• Vegan and water-resistant materials
• Dual pivot points enhance spin ability
• Stylish design suitable for streetwear
• Black used to only come with a white sole. now they offer all black

Cons:

• Some users may find cushioning insufficient
• The price point may be high for casual dancers
• The soul is quite rigid and may impair your ability to articulate and feel the floor

Teygra

Taygra Dance Shoes are Brazilian-made, eco-friendly, vegan shoes designed for social dances like zouk, bachata, and salsa. They use recycled materials and feature unique, sustainable designs.

Pros:

• Lightweight and flexible
• Made from vegan and recycled materials
• Stylish and available in various designs
• Supports sustainable jobs in Brazil
• Free shipping and returns within the US, EU, and CA

Cons:

• Limited cushioning for high-impact activities
• May not offer enough arch support for everyone

Toms

TOMS offers a variety of shoes, including slip-ons, sandals, boots, and sneakers, for men, women, and children. They are known for their comfortable, casual style and commitment to social causes.

Toms were a great casual shoe for me; they were comfortable and inexpensive, but I found the lack of support an issue over long periods of use.

Pros:

• Comfortable and lightweight
• Wide range of styles and sizes
• Ethical production with a focus on sustainability
• Every purchase supports mental health initiatives

Cons:

• Limited arch support in some styles
• Higher price point compared to similar casual shoes

For Women

Sandals

Strappy sandals or practice Cuban heels are essential for WCS and other dance styles. The fit is crucial; the big toe should align with the shoe’s front edge, and the shoes will stretch over time. They come in various styles and colors, suitable for different outfits. Beige sandals match everything, while black sandals are versatile except with light-colored pants. Hem pants to floor length to avoid them looking short when dancing.

Pros:

• Versatile for different dance styles
• Available in various styles and colors
• Matches different outfits

Cons:

• Requires proper fitting for comfort
• Stretching over time may affect fit
• Fashion considerations can limit color choices

Boots

West Coast Swing boots have become popular for women, offering various styles, colors, and materials (suede or leather). Brands like Sway’d are known for their comfortable and stylish options. Ankle boots are fashionable and pair well with skinny jeans or leggings. Boots should fit snugly like a sock, stretching slightly over time, and are best worn with thin socks. They provide ankle and foot freedom but require proper technique to avoid overextending the heel.

Pros:

• Versatile with many style options
• Comfortable and supportive
• Fashionable, especially with skinny jeans and leggings

Cons:

• Require proper fitting and technique
• May stretch over time, affecting fit
• Can lead to overextension if not used correctly

Ballet

These beginner shoes are suitable for your first dance class or until you can afford specialized dance shoes. Eventually, you’ll need shoes with a softer sole that stays secure for proper foot rolling.

Pros:

• An affordable option for beginners
• Good for initial classes

Cons:

• Not suitable for advanced techniques
• Lack the softness and flexibility of real dance shoes

High Heels

High heels are generally inadequate for West Coast Swing due to their height and lack of flexibility. They can hinder proper foot rolling and stable movement, making it difficult to execute dance steps effectively.

Pros:

• Stylish appearance
• Adds height and elegance

Cons:

• Can cause instability and balance issues
• Restricts foot movement and flexibility
• Increases risk of injury
• This may lead to improper technique

Wendy’s two styles of shoes

For Men

Ballroom Shoes

Standard ballroom oxfords with a low heel are popular for their balance of support and flexibility. These shoes offer the necessary stability for smooth dances. They offer enough ergonomic design for the natural movements of West Coast Swing but are not as flexible as other styles.

These were my shoes of choice for many many years. They were good all around shoes. I had several different brands.

Pros:

• Affordable
• Provides good support and stability
• Comfortable for extended wear
• Durable construction

Cons:

• Less flexible than than some WCS shoes
• Some may not like the traditional appearance

Port Dance – David’s Favorite

The PD Casual 001 by Portdance are black leather shoes with a suede sole designed for social dancing. They balance style and functionality, making them suitable for various dance styles.

Pros:

• Stylish and versatile design
• Suede sole for smooth gliding on dance floors
• Comfortable fit

Cons:

• Some may not appreciate the traditional style
• Depending on your location, shipping costs could be extreme if you order directly from Port Dance

Aris Allen

The Aris Allen Men’s Canvas Gym Style Dance Sneakers are designed for dancers seeking comfort and flexibility. Made from black canvas with a suede sole, these sneakers are ideal for various dance styles and blend casual style and performance.

Pros:

• Comfortable and lightweight
• Suede sole for smooth gliding
• Versatile design suitable for different dance styles

Cons:

• Suede sole may wear out on rough surfaces
• Limited support for more rigorous dance styles
• White canvas shoes show dirt and wear

DIY Suede

Adding suede to the soles of your own shoes can enhance their suitability for West Coast Swing, providing better glide and control on the dance floor. If you have a pair of shoes, you find comfortable for dance; this can be a cost-effective way to create good dance shoes. Suede can be purchased at Amazon and is quite inexpensive.

Pros:

• Improved glide and reduced friction
• Cost-effective alternative to buying new dance shoes
• Customizable to your preferred shoe style and fit

Cons:

• Suede can wear out quickly on rough surfaces
• Not all shoes may be suitable for suede

Competition Considerations

Performance:

Shoes should enhance your performance by providing the right balance between glide and grip. Suede or leather soles are often preferred for their smooth movement on the dance floor.

Fit and Comfort:

Proper fit is crucial to avoid blisters and discomfort. Shoes should feel snug but not too tight, allowing for extended wear during competition.

Support:

Adequate arch and ankle support are essential for executing complex moves and preventing injuries.

Style:

Choose shoes that complement your costume and overall look. The appearance of your shoes can impact judges’ perceptions.

Durability:

High-quality materials are important to ensure shoes last through practice sessions and multiple rounds of competition.

Backup Pair:

Always have a backup pair in case of unexpected issues, ensuring you’re prepared for any situation.

Conclusion

Choosing the right dance shoes for West Coast Swing, whether for practice or competition, is crucial for performance and comfort. While beginner shoes can get you started, investing in specialized dance shoes with the appropriate fit and sole material will enhance your ability to execute moves effectively. Suede soles offer better glide but require proper maintenance and application. For competitions, prioritize shoes that provide balance, support, and style. Always ensure a good fit and have a backup pair ready to handle any unexpected issues. Your shoes should complement your technique, not hinder it.

Have a favorite pair or brand of shoes? Let us know in the comments.