What shoes should you wear for country dancing? Should I wear boots? Proper dance shoes or boots can make a big difference in your country dancing. Dance shoes have a suede sole, which allows for easy gliding during turns and pivots. They are also flexible and allow a nice toe point, while providing support for the foot. There are many different styles and price options that we will discuss here.
Should I wear shoes or boots for country dancing?
Boots are the ‘cool thing’ to wear especially if you’re in a country bar or honky tonk. If you two step in a dance studio then boots may be less ‘in fashion.’ Below we will tackle the pluses and minuses of traditional country boots, vs dance boots vs dance shoes. We will even give you our personal vaforite choices.
Country Western Boots for Country Dancing (not recommended)
One factor to consider when looking at dance boots is a shank. Like these. Most boots contain a shank or metal piece across the sole of the shoe. Although the shank provides support, it is not preferred for dancing. Dance boots typically have a short shank or no shank, which allows for better mobility of the foot and ankle.
Another common term in the boot industry is a welt. The welt is the thick strip of leather sewn around the bottom edge of the entire boot. Most dancers prefer weltless boots, again, because it allows for more flexibility of the shoe and foot.
Pro Dance Boots for Country Dancers (our 1st choice)
Another popular dance boot company is called Prodance Footwear with “boots that are made for dancing.” They even have a designer that can create custom-made dance boots to match a particular outfit. This company prides itself on having the most flexible dance boots, with no shank or welt, which makes articulating the ankle much easier and prettier. You can shop pro dance boots here.
Evening Star Dance Boots for Country Dancing (a good option)
One of the most popular choices with dancers for country boots is called Evenin’ Star Boots. They call their shoes the limousines for your feet. They have many different color, style, sizes, and designs available. They carry welted boots, as well as weltless. The main downside of ordering online is finding a comfortable fit and size. You can read their website and decide which size and style option will work best for you: Visit evening stars website.
The UCWDC or United Country Western Dance Council has a great resource describing dance boots. They recommend taking the following factors into consideration when picking the optimal footwear: flexibility, traction, fit, weight, softness, welt, and shank. Learn more about country dance boots there.
Dance Shoes for Country Dancing (great alternative)
Although competitive country dancing requires cowboys boots with a yoke, when dancing at a studio or bar or during practice and lessons, you can also wear ballroom or West Coast Swing dance shoes for country dancing. In this blog we go in depth about the choices for men and women inside – Shoes to wear for West Coast Swing!
In that blog we describe many different options including dance sandals, closed toed, short-heeled shoes, and casual, urban styled boots and shoes. Often times, dancers wear their more casual dance shoes during practice so they don’t wear out their expensive dance boots.
A company called Sway’d produces comfortable, casual boots that are great for social dancing.
They are our first choice for ladies looking for an alternative option to traditional boots.
