What's in a heel?
I know what kind of shoe I want, but it comes in a variety of different heel styles and heights. How do I choose?
Choosing the Right Heel Style and Height is a mixture of asethetics and functionality. For increased stability, go for a shorter heel, or one with a wider heel tip (the part of the heel that touches the floor). Each brand of shoes has different names for their heels, but here are some common characteristics:
- a 'flare' or 'flared' heel (like a flared leg on a pair of pants) narrows in the middle, and widens at the floor
- a 'Spanish' heel is stouter heel, with a generous base at the floor
- a 'slim' heel is like a 'flared' heel, except it continues to narrow to the floor
- a 'block' heel is essentially what it sounds like - a solid block, and is only found in the shortest heights
- a 'contour' heel is similar to a 'slim' heel, but with an aesthetically pleasing contour from the back of your heel to the floor
Most women's dance shoes have a 2" or 2.5" heel. If you know you don't like a very high heel, opt for something a little lower. If you're petite, or there is a great height difference between you and your dance partner, go for a higher heel - but only if you can dance in the shoes!
Document Actions
- Send this
- Print this
- Bookmarks
- Share on Facebook
- Share on Twitter
