*** Check this Facebook group for new or used tango shoes in the Bay area. ***
Why get tango shoes or practice shoes? Safety! One of the fundamental movements in tango is the pivot. Without the proper shoes, one can find pivoting close to impossible, and worse, might cause knee or ankle pain. Getting a good pair of shoes that you can comfortably pivot is important for your safety and progress on your tango journey; your first pair of tango shoes is an important milestone in a tanguero/tanguera’s tango career!
How much do tango shoes cost? New pairs for women will run about $250 when bought in the US.
How are tango shoes supposed to fit? In comparison to normal street shoes or other high heels, you want them to run a little tight (almost to the point of being too tight) as most shoes are constructed with leather and will stretch significantly over time (although there are some exceptions). Tango shoes run in European sizes.
We strongly recommend that you try shoes on in person before buying, especially for your first pair. Many in-person vendors of tango shoes are tangueros/tangueras themselves, and will provide advice on sizing and fit across the brands they stock. Purchasing your first pair online is generally not recommended since fit can vary greatly even for shoes of the same size.
Are there brands which specifically for tango shoes? Yes! Some popular brands: Comme il Faut, Madame Pivot, Regina, and Tangolera.
Where can I try on tango shoes? Many metro areas have a locally-based vendor who imports shoes for tangueros and tangueras to try on! Feel free to ask club members for vendors' contact info. Sellers will also often bring their inventories to tango festivals, though they also sometimes bring them to smaller events, e.g. when they're teaching a workshop or class series.
Do you have any suggestions for practice shoes? Ballet flats are a good choice for practice shoes if you would like to wait a bit for your tango shoes. Ballet flats can be ordered online, or bought at dancewear stores across the Bay Area. There are 2 things to keep in mind when buying ballet flats:
Material: Leather vs. canvas. Leather is known to stretch a lot easier and can be a little more expensive, but some prefer the look and feel of leather to canvas.
Sole: Split Sole vs. Full Sole. Split soles are known to a bit more flexible for getting high on point. However, this is typically a matter of personal preference.