“Hmm, what are the best shoes for swing dancing?”
Swing dancing seems to have been around for ages, but the term (and the dance) appeared around the 1920s. Swing happens to be an umbrella term used to describe a number of dances that took the world by storm at the time – from Lindy Hop and Charleston to Balboa and Collegiate Shag.
Whether you’re planning on trying out one of the swing dances, or whether you’re a pro searching for the perfect dance shoes to dance the night away, we’ve got your back!
Choosing the right dance shoes can be quite a tough task, especially when you don’t know how different dance shoes affect your swing. Contrary to the popular belief, you don’t need to purchase new shoes when you already own a pair of perfectly comfortable and supportive shoes you can wear and tear.
On the other hand, the comfortable and supportive characteristics matter because they’re the ones you should be searching for when you’re planning on purchasing a brand-new pair.
Of course, dance shoes can make or break your swing because they affect your ability to execute the dance to a tee and they affect how comfortable you are while dancing (both of which are essential for swing).
Slippery bottoms, for example, are a good thing because they enable you to spin and slide on the ground more easily and effortlessly. Shoes that are molded to the foot are a good thing, but shoes that are too tight and too restricting aren’t because they’re not flexible enough for you to perform the footwork properly.
So, how do you choose the best shoes for swing dancing? What are the best shoes for swing dancing available on the market at the moment? We’re bringing you the answers you’re searching for down below!
How to choose the best shoes for swing dancing?
First and foremost, you need to decide whether you can wear your street shoes or whether you need to purchase brand-new dance shoes.
Street shoes are common among dancers who don’t want to spend too much money on dance shoes, but that doesn’t mean that they’re only acceptable when you don’t want to break the bank.
Opt for street shoes when you’re a beginner swing dancer, when you’re dancing outside, and when you know that your street shoes are comfortable and supportive enough for your dancing endeavors.
But, the street shoes you decide to go with need to follow a few guidelines to ensure you’re comfortable and supported at all times. For instance, your street shoes should be lightweight, perfectly fitted to your feet, and grippy.
Furthermore, they should be on the thinner side (for flexibility) and they shouldn’t possess high heels unless we’re talking about a thicker, wider block heel that’s comfortable enough for dancing. And, of course, they shouldn’t be slipping and sliding off your foot while you’re dancing.
On the other hand, opt for dance shoes if you’re a professional swing dancer for when you’re dancing at a dancing venue, working on your technique, and when you’re competing.
We suggest going to a store that works with dancers and sells high-quality dance shoes to avoid purchasing a pair that doesn’t fit you right or doesn’t possess the characteristics you need for the type of dance you’re performing.
We’re bringing you a few different footwear options to try out and check whether they’re the right fit for you, too. Here’s what we’ve managed to gather!
What are the best shoes for swing dancing at the moment?
1. Minishion Dancing Shoes for Men
We’re starting with a bang because the Minishion dancing shoes are one of the best shoes for swing dancing out there. Whether you’re searching for something to wear to an event, a competition, or a Sunday practice, the Minishion dancing shoes might be the perfect pair for you.
One of the first things you notice when you take a peep at these shoes must be the fact that they’re stylish, sleek, and elegant.
Of course, the effortless and timeless black-and-white combination goes with pretty much anything you’re wearing on top. Their natural leather makes them appear more expensive and luxurious than they are – the Minishion dancing shoes are actually affordable and go for $39.99 on Amazon.
2. Capezio Junior Footlight dancing shoes for women
Whether you’re a professional swing dancer or someone who appreciates the art of swing dancing, you might have heard of Capezio. Capezio’s one of the most popular brands when we’re talking about dance shoes that are comfortable, supportive, and durable.
We’re rooting for the Capezio Junior Footlight dancing shoes for women because they’re stable and supportive, they’re made with high-quality, durable materials, and they’re equipped with a few features that make them appropriate for competitive dancing.
We can’t forget about the fact that they’re cushioned for comfort. And, we also can’t forget about the fact that they’re affordable and go for anywhere between $37.00 and $55.00 on Amazon.
3. Ferro Aldo Arthur shoes for men
Now, the Ferro Aldo Arthur shoes are similar to the Minishion dancing shoes when we’re talking about appearance, but they deserve a mention for a million different reasons. While the Ferro Aldo Arthur shoes might not be the best shoes for swing dancing, they’re pretty freakin’ close.
Whether you’re searching for premium synthetic leather, lining made with soft, comfortable fabric, and high-quality tailoring, these are the perfect dance shoes for you.
Not only do Ferro Aldo Arthur shoes possess those features, but they’re also equipped with flexible stretching and an affordable price (not more than $54.99 on Amazon!) Need we argue anything more than that?
4. Skechers canvas sneakers for women
We mentioned that there’s nothing wrong with resorting to your street shoes for swing dance.
Whether you own Skechers or you’re searching for something you can wear to occasions other than swing dance competitions, the Skechers canvas sneakers for women are guaranteed to serve you year-round.
Of course, you can uncover a bunch of different styles, color combinations, and patterns on the official Skechers website, but we would suggest going for the simple, clean-cut white Skechers that go with pretty much everything you own.
Oh and, the Skechers canvas sneakers for women are lightweight, breathable, durable, and comfortable which means they’re exactly what you need for swing dancing. Skechers’ prices vary depending on the style, but you can find the Skechers canvas sneakers for women on Amazon for anywhere between $34.99 and $50.
5. DanceNwear shoes for men
We might as well go ahead and mark the DanceNwear shoes for men as the “best shoes for swing dancing” out there. While we wouldn’t be lying, we’re going to allow you to decide for yourself (but, we’re going to give you the tea on these shoes, too).
Before anything else, the DanceNwear shoes for men are meant for pro dancers. They’re made with genuine leather and they’re equipped with suede soles (which are better for slipping or sliding on the floor, and more comfortable for the foot).
They’re soft but durable, supportive but flexible, and cushioned but tight-fitting. However, we have to mention that they’re pretty expensive and go up to $104.95 on Amazon.
6. Eastland Sadie Oxford shoes for women
We haven’t forgotten about the women’s best shoes for swing dancing, either. While we’re rooting for all styles we mentioned beforehand, there’s something special about the Eastland Sadie Oxford shoes for women that makes them perfect for swing dancing.
Whether you’re searching for genuine leather, memory foam, or flexible soles, the Eastland Sadie Oxford shoes for women have got your back. Other than that, they’re made with elegant, effortless flat heels and a stylish design that’s guaranteed to turn heads.
Of course, they’re a little more expensive than some of the affordable alternatives we discussed beforehand (they go for anywhere between $61.48 and $90 on Amazon), but they’re worth the money.
7. TOMS classic slip-on sneakers for men
We wouldn’t skip out on the comfort of wearing street shoes when we’re talking about men, either. We adore the Skechers canvas sneakers for men, too.
But, we’re obsessed with the TOMS classic slip-on sneakers for men because they’re simple and elevated at the same time.
And, the TOMS classic slip-on sneakers for men feature a few characteristics that are guaranteed to get you through the night without blisters and bruises.
They’re lightweight and breathable because they’re made out of a combination of textile fabric and faux leather. They’re soft and comfortable because they’re padded. And, they’re equipped with flexible soles that are hardwearing.
Oh and, they’re fairly affordable because they go for anywhere between $40 and $59.95 on Amazon.
8. Cheapdancing leather practice dancing boots for women
Sometimes you want to wear boots, right? Sure, the Cheapdancing leather practice dancing boots for women might not be the best shoes for swing dancing. But, they’re one of the most supportive and protective shoes out there.
And, they’re perfect for anyone who’s searching for shoes made with high-quality materials, flexible soles, and stable low heels. Actually, they’re absolutely amazing because they go for anywhere between $9.60 and $26.99 on Amazon.
Whichever shoes you decide to go with, we’re sure you’re going to turn heads!
Read more: 10 Best Shoes For Shuffling To Keep You On Your Toes
