Brief Guide: How to Choose the Perfect Tango Shoes

Choosing tango shoes is more than just a practical decision – it's a ritual, a covenant between the dancer and the tango rhythm. The right shoes will not only support your body, they will inspire your movements, encourage you to let yourself be carried away by the music and become one with your partner. 

In tango, everything starts with a step. And just like in life, one misstep can turn a love story into a lesson. 

So, let's imagine that you are in front of a window full of shiny shoes. How do you choose the perfect pair? 

1. Heel Height: How High Does Your Tango Dream Take You? 

Let's start with the heels, these "knights" that support your every step. Do you remember your first pair of heels? The excitement, the fear of falling, the timid attempt to step? It's exactly the same with tango - at first, everything seems intimidating. But with the right shoes, every step becomes safer. 

How do you choose the ideal height? 

• If you are a beginner:
  Smaller heels (5-7 cm) are your best ally. It gives you stability and helps you focus on your steps, not your balance. In addition, they will save your ankles from possible "dramas". Here is a sample collection of low heels tango shoes (6 cm) from our webshop. 
• If you have a few years of dancing behind you:
  Medium heels (8 cm) offer you a perfect mix between elegance and comfort. 
• If you feel like the queen of the ring:
  High heels (9-10 cm) are ideal for those experienced dancers who can turn any movement into a work of art. But remember: elegance does not mean suffering.  If the heel makes you uncomfortable, your grace will suffer. 

Joke in the ring: 
An early stage dancer bragged about buying a pair of 4-inch heels (10 cm).
At the end of the night, she said, "I learned a lot tonight...how to take off my shoes fast!" 

2. Sole: The grip you feel and the freedom you experience 

The story of tango is about connection – with your partner, with the music, but also with the floor. The sole of the shoe is the bridge that makes this connection possible. 

Choosing the sole according to the dance surface: 

• Smooth leather (Vero Cuoio Italiano): 
  Ideal for varnished wooden floors or other well-maintained surfaces. It offers a balance between slip and grip, but requires experience. For advanced dancers, this sole becomes almost magical – it allows you to "float". 
• Turned leather (Suede or Buffalina): 
  Great for slippery or older floors, giving you more control. It is the perfect choice for beginners, but also for times when the floor has "its own temperament". 

What to do if the floor is not cooperating? 

If the smooth leather sole feels too slippery, a simple trick is to apply a little hairspray to the sole before dancing.
As a seasoned dancer says, "Your shoes should slide, but not run away from you." 

On the contrary, if you feel that the floor is too sticky, use a little talcum powder on the soles to make them less slippery.

3. Your Body, Your Style, Your Story 

Tango is an expression of your personality. But your body—weight, height, posture—influences the choices you make when it comes to shoes. 

How to choose shoes according to your characteristics: 

• If you're shorter: 
  High heels can add a few extra inches and help you feel more "present" in the ring. 
• If you're taller: 
  Choose medium or low heels that give you comfort without drawing attention to your height. 
• If you are heavier: 
  Thick heels and a solid sole are essential. Think of your shoes as a foundation – the more stable it is, the more secure you'll be. You may also want to choose special shoes with large feet width fit or shoes with extra large feet fit and/or double footbed memory foam insole (such as Tangolera Model A32 collection). 

A Story from the Tango World 

In Buenos Aires at the beginning of the 20th century, the tango halls were full of stories. One of them talks about Maria, a dancer known for her high-heeled shoes, which she wore with an inimitable grace. 

One evening, her shoes broke in the middle of a milonga. Instead of stopping, Maria continued her barefoot dance and the audience burst into applause. 

Since then, in the tango world, it has been said that "the shoes do not make the dancer, but the dancer makes the shoes". 

Practical Tips for Choosing and Maintaining Shoes 

• Try on carefully: 
  Make sure the shoes fit snugly, but leave enough room for comfort. 
• Test them on the floor: 
  Try them on a surface similar to the one you usually dance on. 
• Sole care: 
  A special leather brush can extend the life of your shoes. 
• Spare shoes: 
  Any seasoned dancer knows that you should always have a spare pair. Life on the dance floor is full of surprises. 

Conclusion: The Shoes, Your Partners in Tango Steps 

Tango shoes are not just footwear – they are an extension of your dancing soul. They support your steps, help you express the music, and most importantly, allow you to enjoy every moment on the dance floor. 

Choose them carefully, love them and let them take you to the most beautiful tango stories. 

As they say in the milongueros world:

"Life is a journey, but tango is the dance that helps you live it." 

You can also explore other related info on this blog:
Brief Guide: How to Choose the Best Tango Outfit