Tango Shoes

Men's shoes

Classic men's brogue shoes are fine when you are beginning but after the beginners course, and when you know you are hooked on the dance, it is a good investment to get a proper pair of dance shoes. The well known companies are Freed and Rumfp, or La Coleccion Recoleta offered by The Dance Matrix, and they have a wide selection to choose from. Leather soled shoes are wonderful and slippery but on a slippery floor they can be a bit of a liability. Some people find that felt soled shoes are not so slippy but are wonderful and comfy - and lighter too, and as a result prefer these shoes to the leather shoes seen in various dance videos. Of course if you intend to dance outdoors on stone then it is best to use leather soled shoes. As for heel height those Cuban heels look wonderful but the extra height and reduced contact area on the floor can be a disadvantage. Best for the shorter leader.

Women's shoes

As with men’s shoes, the main requirement when you are beginning is a comfortable shoe with a smooth sole that will allow you to pivot. Again, once you feel ready to invest in a pair of dance shoes there are a number of manufacturers and suppliers to choose from, including Freed, Darcos, Heavenly Dance Shoes and Comme il Faut (from Dance Matrix – see above). To begin with most people find that a low heel and closed (but not pointed) toe are best, and ideally a strap over the ankle or arch of the foot for security.