YES

1. Warm up boots.

Of course you're eager to get started on your dance training, but before you jump into the physical stuff, consider slipping on a pair of your warm-up boots. 

Why?

Well, let's say a) you’re not quite in the mood for some intense conditioning work , b) you just want to play with your choreography before the real work starts, c) you want to keep those feet warm between lessons — these babies will keep your feet and ankles toasty warm so you can get your artistic groove on without freezing your toes off. Also, the soles are thick and anti-slip so you can spin without slipping or hurting your feet.

Socks, even if wearing a double pair.. — it’s not the best substitute, because it still hurts and burns your feet when turning, and when you go through choreography on a slippery floor, you tense the muscles more than you actually warming them up.

On competition day adrenaline might be pumping through your veins, and you might feel warm, but that doesn't mean your feet are ready to take on the world. Warm-up boots will get your muscles ready to rumble and keep them in tip-top shape between rounds.

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2. Dance sliders.

Second fav, — because what is not covered by warm up boots is covered by dance sliders with hard or foam sole.

You can teach or warm up in them in the summer, when you are competing or training in the facilities without air conditioner, — unlike it was in previous cases, your feet would still stay warm on the surface, but you would need to move them from time to time just to keep the muscles toned. 

Why Sliders are better than normal flats?

First of all, the soles are juuust right – not too soft, not too hard, not too thin. Second of all, you can’t teach in normal flats, because they are not made to be used on the floor. If you're lucky enough to have a home gym or a gym where uncovered shoes are allowed, dance sliders are a game-changer. No more tying and untying sneakers just to do some weight exercises – you can slip out of your sliders, train your toe-point while doing med ball or many other core exercises, and get back to your other tasks in a jiffy. Dance sliders definitely deserve a spot in our bags.

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3. Laceless sneakers with foam soil.

Picture this: first dance training is finished, you're ready to hit the gym, but swollen after practice feet are already crying out in protest at the mere thought of lacing up uncomfortable shoes. Why put yourself through that torture or cancel the entire workout because of it? Laceless sneakers with foam soles would be your ultimate solution. Not only will your feet stay happy during your gym session, you'll also be fully prepared for your evening dance practice. As a dancer, you want to be able to activate and stretch your feet any time anywhere -- regular indoor training shoes are not having that option, your feet would mostly stay straight, yet foam sneakers will give you the ROM you need to bust a move.

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4. Running shoes.

If a dancer is planning on hitting the great outdoors for some running action, one better gears up with a slick and snug running shoes with an additional bounce. Not only will it safeguard you against accidental foot twists, it will protect your knees. A high-quality pair is quite expensive, but it will last.. Roughly, you are safe for at least 600km - give or take a few depending on your weight, trail conditions and, even the weather. Btw, here you prefer laces.

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5. Jazz shoes.

On a daily basis they are better than normal teaching shoes, because they are universal. Jazz shoes are the way to go for all you agile teachers out there, who are constantly jumping from choreography discussions to nailing down the principles of movement. And, oh boy, do you have to show footwork and those little details that make a world of difference. But wait, there's more! You can use these shoes for all your other classes too — ballet, modern, belly, acrobatic rock'n'roll (yes, that's a thing for a dancer too), hip-hop, all types of aerobics, stretching and yoga. Talk about versatile! It's a one-size-fits-all kinda deal.

NO

1. Point shoes.

Point shoes for a Latin dancer are as practical as a swimsuit in winter. They belong on the feet of professional ballerinas who have spent years of their lives working up to that point (pun intended).
So, let me break this down for you - if you think you're going to slip on a pair of point shoes and instantly transform into Misty Copeland, you've got another thing coming. In fact, you'll probably end up looking more like Bambi on ice.

The last thing you want is to wreck your worn-out feet, spend a ton of money on some fancy shoes, and end up with less-than-stellar dancing technique. Because, when you put points on unprepared body, instead of inner muscles, most work will fall onto your quads, your knees would be unsupported, your ankles would not be used in a right way and etc., — do this often and your muscles will remember all those wrongs, and that will be immediately mirrored in your dancing.
So, unless you're just looking to test the waters and try them on for some fun, stick to the right type of shoes for your dance style and use proper exercises to improve your arch.

Your feet will thank you!

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2. Everyday high-heels.

Here's an idea — let's leave the stilettos until we're ready to retire and embrace the loafers of comfort.

If you are serious about your training, you must understand — additional burden and pain would negatively affect your abilities on trainings. Of course, if you absolutely can't part with your pumps, limit your torture time and smoothly transition to your comfy kicks. Also, better to have a bit of platform and a smaller heel, than a straight 15cm killer — these should come with a warning label that says, "may cause extreme pain” and when you're walking down the street it sounds like a horse is following you.

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3. Always pick stripes.

Mmm, not much to say here. Just that it’s not worth the risk of losing balance and face-planting in front of everyone.

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4. Flip Flops (& Crocs…).

Just no. It’s about comfort, yes, but when your fashion style fails, it’s very uncomfortable. Unless you’re at the beach or in the swimming pool (Crocs? Not even there), these are a recipe for disaster plus, that slapping sound is just annoying. (Crocs… Sorry, Mario Batali, even orange can’t save them).

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5. Pointy-toe flats.

Hey Stilettos, nice try!

Although they may look cute, and have no heel,  but these shoes are straight-up hostile to your toes. Their pointiness is a subtle reminder that fashion sometimes demands blood sacrifice. Pass.

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Alright, let's cut to the chase.

When it comes to choosing your go-to shoe for dancing like nobody's watching, you gotta keep a few things in mind.

>First and foremost, it's gotta be a breeze to slip on and off so you can get to twirling pronto.

>Remember to protect those precious feet of yours - safety first.

>Your shoes also need to be flexible and allow for some serious range of movement — nobody wants shoes that feel like bricks.

>Don’t forget about versatility — your kicks should be ready to tackle whatever moves come your way throughout the day.

>Let's be real, fashion is still a priority — no need to sacrifice style for comfort. Nowadays we can have both!

So there you have it.

Happy training!