The Right Dance Shoe for Chicago Stepping

Tneshela Jones, the owner of A Steppers Sole, shares her best advice on finding a good dance shoe for Chicago Stepping. A stepper’s choice of shoes can determine how many years he or she can keep on dancing. Having the right shoe is your stepper responsibility because as a dancer, it is wise to take care of your feet and yourself. Are you a marathon stepper that wants to dance every day of a four-day weekend event? If you answered yes, here are some tips and advice that can help you make good shoe choices so you can dance for days.

What qualities make a good dance shoe for Chicago Stepping

Foot support

Most steppers who choose the wrong pair of shoes, forget about support. After spending a lot of money on a shoe, some of us end up with a pair of shoes that does not sufficiently support our heels or ankles.  Support is important when you walk and step. This is why good dance shoes have straps that wrap around the ankle multiple times.

Smooth Sole

Get a shoe with a smooth sole. Look for leather or suede soles.  Stay away from rubber soles to avoid sticking velcro to your shoe or using tons of powder.

Heel Height

Select a heel height that is based on the type of dance you want to do. If you are a slow, classic stepper go for a 3-inch heel, and platform stilettos are a great option for some.  If you step to mid-tempo or faster songs, flat bottoms or a low heel work well.

Fit and comfort

Fit and comfort are important to your feet and your entire body. When picking out a shoe, try it on in the store. Next, walk around and move in it as if dancing. If you can’t dance in that shoe right then and there it is not the shoe for you to step in. Can’t spin? Don’t even try it. When you are paying to go have a great night, why even begin to ruin your night by trying to fight with a pair of uncomfortable shoes?

The right shoe for beginner Chicago steppers

Go for a flat to 3.5-inch heel shoe that offers the comfort you need. A shoe should also provide the flexibility to do most of the things an advanced stepper might challenge you to do on the dance floor or in class. When your basic foundation is etched in stone, then go for higher heels.

Stepping shoes do not exist. From the many different styles, steppers do well with salsa and tango shoes. Certainly, start with a less expensive shoe since a stepper has two or three pairs at times. However, some women at all levels of experience, arrive at the sets wearing stilettos but fall down into dance sneakers. You can spend $200-$300 for a good, advanced dance shoe for Chicago Stepping. The life and longevity of your shoe are based on the type of dancer you are. If the shoe gives the freedom to do whatever a stepper wants to do with no interruption, some people wear shoes for 2-3 years.

Shoe Advice For Men Who Step

Let us not forget about the gentlemen. Next, Tneshela shared some shoe advice for men to understand the sole options available. Orthopedic options include double sole, triple padded, or single padded shoes. The right padding feels like purchasing a sneaker in a dance shoe that is more fashionable on the outside. Above all, find a pair of shoes for Chicago Stepping that is complete with comfort and functionality. Also, if you have flat feet get properly diagnosed by a podiatrist to see what is happening with your feet. You can buy Dr. Scholl’s inserts but while dancing those items slip all over the place and just continue the erosion of your foot health.

TNESHELA’S TIP: If you have a marathon weekend at an event and your feet are tired, use a tennis ball. Put it on the floor and roll it back and forth under each foot.  This exercise helps to release tight muscles and cramps from dancing. Do this exercise while sitting at the table or at night.

Dance Shoe for Chicago Stepping Shopping Recommendations

A STEPPERS SOLE FOR CHICAGO STEPPING SHOES

Visit Tneshela’s store online at www.asteppersole.com. Tneshela personally picked out and tried the available selections with the realistic mind of a stepper who is looking for the right outfit and dance shoes for Chicago Stepping. If you love to buy things that you can touch, look for her table at the 2017 Heritage Ball in Atlanta, Georgia, February 23-26.

TONI’S TOES FOR DANCE SHOE BLING

Make a personal statement with a custom touch of bling for pizzazz. Queen, owner of Toni’s Toes, styles footwear to be what she calls “sophisticated art on your feet.” Tneshela’s satin shoe selections are a perfect choice for Queen to get steppers a unique look in true bling fashion for the next weekend event. Call Queen for shoe styling at 951-220-2473.

This is a Reader’s Request: This is a topic request from one of you.  Thank you for the idea.