Shoes matter, especially if you’re talking about Salsa Rueda. A pair will not only make you feel sexy all over, but they are also helpful to make sure that you will have more control over the dance floor, particularly when the music gets too fast. Keep in mind that Salsa Rueda is all about plenty of movements, and you don’t want to ruin a dance routine or even the entire “wheel” just because you slip or your shoes come flying out of your feet.

But how do you exactly pick the right Salsa Rueda shoes? There are different factors to consider, and you may start with the following:

What’s the ideal weight of the shoes?

Ballet shoes are perhaps the lightest, considering the jumps, twists, and turns that they have to do. When it comes to Salsa Rueda shoes, you would want something that’s a little heavier than ballet shoes, but should not be too heavy that they become a lot harder or uncomfortable to carry. Normally, the material used is lightweight leather.

Should I go for shoes with straps?

Any ballroom dance such as Salsa Rueda would always need shoes with front straps. This is to ensure that the shoes won’t accidentally remove themselves from the dancer’s feet. However, there are different kinds of straps that you can find in the market. To give you a good idea on how to look for the best strap, try wearing the Salsa Rueda shoes. If the strap appears to be non-stretchable, then don’t pursue the shoes. More often than not, they would dig deeper into your skin, which can cause irritation and pain. You should also select those with thicker straps since they tend to hold longer into the sides of the shoes.

What is the best size of the shoe?

It’s obvious that even with Salsa Rueda shoes, you would not go for those that are too small for your size. You wouldn’t definitely last long in the dance floor and find yourself grimacing in pain. You should also not pick those that are too wide, when there is too much room for your feet. They only make the shoes heavier. Of course, with Salsa Rueda shoes, the best size will always be the one with the best fit. As long as you will feel comfortable with it and there’s enough space for your feet to move and even grow, then it’s going to be an excellent buy.

What style of shoe should I buy?

There are different kinds of designs when it comes to Salsa Rueda shoes, but they can be classified into two general categories: open toe and closed shoes. The former means that your toes are visible, though there are some kinds that leave little room for visibility for your toes. The closed ones cover the entire feet. Numerous Salsa Rueda dancers go for the closed ones, since they tend to protect the toes from accidental stomping of their partner. But if you are one of those who have smelly feet or their feet sweat a lot faster, you may pick the open-toe shoes during Salsa Rueda to allow more air to circulate.