Best Salsa Shoes Reviewed & Rated

The sole of this Diamant shoe uses suede, which is one of the best materials for ballroom dancers, seeing that it provides the right amount of traction on highly polished surfaces, but won’t stick to the floor. This means that the likelihood of getting injured is considerably lower than with rubber outsoles, plus you will enjoy the benefit of greater flexibility.

The lining is antimicrobial and moisture wicking, taking into consideration the amount of physical effort that dancers put into their training, while the 2” flared heel provides just the right amount of elevation, with great stability. The price is higher than the average Latin ballroom shoe, but if you’re after something you’ll be using for years, this model is definitely highly recommended.

The upper of the Stella is made with luxurious satin that is breathable and easily adapts to the foot for the best possible fit. The many straps ensure great support, and an adjustable buckle closure allow you to find the best fit (as well as to increase stability in the ankle area). The inner is lined with moisture wicking, antimicrobial and antifungal recycled materials, while the outsole is made with suede for the best performance on most dance floors.

This model is cushioned for performance, with the insole having memory properties for a fit that will become fully customized with wear. The heel is made with dual density materials, a stronger upper that provides stability and traction, and the bottom layer being more shock absorbing, keeping your knees and muscles protected. You will also receive a set of clear heel covers, as well as a storage bag with this model. The price is higher than other models listed, but the looks, performance and Swarovski crystal embellishments definitely justify it.

There’s no replacing a high-quality suede sole for latin dancing, if you’re willing to shell out for a formal dance shoe. Even though this sneaker will be relegated to the training floor, the suede shoe will completely free the dancer from knee and hip strain after hours in the studio.

The strong support and form-fitting style of these shoes will completely spoil you for the transfer into the more glamorous competition shoes on dance nights. With a short heel, the arch support will create an incredibly comfortable shoe that facilitates jumps and footwork across the dance floor. These shoes ring in as a little more expensive than some of the cheaper shoes on our list, in return for being specially designed for ballroom dance and the kind of movement that salsa will demand from you. High quality material and design both come together to raise the price point, though of the dance sneakers on our list, these are by far the cheapest, and best value for money.

This model is lined with moisture wicking textile which will prevent odors inside the shoe, and an Achilles notch protects the back of your heel from rubbing and blistering. In terms of shock absorption, you get a padded insole that won’t allow for fatigue and joint pain.

Both the forefoot and heel have a suede outsole that provides excellent traction, and the ¾ shank allows for the perfect amount of stability and flexibility. The heel is made with EVA foam, which is soft yet stable, while the price of this model is slightly lower than average, making it a great overall choice (especially for beginners).

The upper of the Footlight is made with PU leather, but on the inside it’s lined with moisture-wicking microfiber that won’t allow for bacterial and fungal overgrowth. The entire footbed is padded with foam, including the arch area, so you can expect a good amount of shock absorption, as well as comfort during long classes and rehearsals.

As for fit, the adjustable ankle strap ensures a secure fit, while an Achilles notch protects the back of the heel, and prevents slipping inside the shoe itself. The shoe is made with a leather outsole that will work well on all types of surfaces, and is quite durable, so you can rest assured you’ll get plenty of use out of it. As for the price point, it’s average compared to other models listed.

Someone looking to avoid the discomfort of high strappy heels during a salsa routine will find great comfort here. Despite looking like simple leather slip ons, these jazz shoes have a stable heel cup and a good amount of arch support so you can still pull off the footwork demands of your routine.

It can’t be said enough that the ability to slip on your shoes is important to salsa dance. Although this shoe throws off the trappings of a lot of other demanding or potentially uncomfortable ballroom shoe styles, it keeps the most important requirement; the slippy sole. Although this shoe varies it’s price so much by size it’s hard to compare it to other shoes on this list, it seems to lie as pretty average in comparison. This makes sense when considering it’s value - the lack of accessories or exciting additions means you’re paying well for a few very high quality aspects; good quality leather, dance-centered design, and strong foot support where you need it.

With a slightly padded leather insole, and a short 2” flared block heel, the Lucille pump boasts a very high comfort level, even for those reporting dancing repeatedly through an evening. The satin t-strap holding the shoe in place just tops off an already comfortable and secure shoe.

The Lucille Dress pump, with its high comfort levels, has been said to have excellent for use on the competitive scene and for home use, at weddings and other social events. Opting for the synthetic sole instead of a suede or leather version greatly increases the versatility of the shoe. These Ellie shoes pumps are highest rated for comfort and one of the cheapest on our list. The low cost puts it below some of the formal dance shoes compared here, so the value is weighed against the subdued style and the lack of proper suede soles.

Not only are the heels the right height for salsa, the subtle flare and relatively blocky bottom will provide greater stability without sacrificing the style. The first heeled sandals here with the suitable slippy sole that will provide the amount of slip versus grip a competition salsa dancer will need.

The balance between style and function in these shoes raise the price point a little, among the top three most expensive shoes in the list, especially once you only consider the shoes you could wear in competition. These shoes have also been reported to degrade quickly, so you may not get as many uses out of them as a more robust pair not designed specifically for dancing.

Naturalizer specialise in good looking, flashy shoes that will definitely draw an appreciative eye on the dance floor. The style is backed up with a comfortable leather insole and a slight platform to make the heel more manageable, so the flashiness doesn’t outweigh the function of the shoe.

Designed for all-night comfort in this heeled sandal, the cushioned insole will also provide the support and bounce needed for you in a busy salsa routine. It also allows for breaking in, moulding the shoe around your foot and dance needs the more you practice in them. Naturalizer brand name comes with a slightly higher price than the other heeled sandals featured here, but that name brings a comfort promise and a large customer base to lay your trust on.

Traditional strappy shoes will always look in-place on a salsa dance floor, and these shoes show a suitable amount of foot without sacrificing support, a buckled ankle strap and x-straps from the arch securing the shoe comfortably.

These are shoes designed to support not just dancers, but people wearing these shoes for hours on end without pause. The insoles are clearly well made and the cushioned style will give a dancer the support they need for a full night of competition dances. These shoes aren’t charging for dance-oriented design, putting them as among the cheaper members of the list. This is good on many fronts - the strap and heel style, and the heel height, are still well suited to latin despite not being designed for it. However, the shoe does have a synthetic non-slip sole that is going to be less comfortable for someone looking for serious salsa spin routines.