As a dancer, there is one thing you need to do right when it comes to your dancewear. You can get by in a less-than-perfect skirt or shorts, but if your sneakers don’t fit you and you’re not comfortable, they’ll remind you of that fact with every step you take. Make no mistake, your choice of dance shoes is going to be important. So how can you be sure that you will pick the right pair?

There are several criteria that you will want to weigh when considering which dance shoes to wear. You’ll want to make sure you consider each of these before making your purchase. Taking time out at this stage will make a difference once you start dancing in your new shoes. This is not something you want to go wrong with.

Color

You may not have given much thought to the appearance of your dance shoes, but this can actually be very important. Clearly, color won’t help you dance better or make your shoes more comfortable, but the color and appearance of the shoes can be important.

Your dance class will likely have some kind of dress code that you are expected to follow. Your dance class or teacher will most likely expect you to wear shoes that conform to this dress code. Maybe you can see why this is important: imagine that you show up in your new hot pink dance shoes and your dance teacher refuses to allow you to participate in class. Suddenly all other criteria vanish as if they were insignificant. If you have any questions, check with your dance class for information on the dress code. Assuming your class allows you to wear tennis first, you will probably find that black is the preferred color, but it is important to make sure before spending any money.

Comfort

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to tell you that your dance shoes should be comfortable. Be on the lookout for misplaced glances that can lead to foot irritation. Cheap dance shoes can fall prey to poor design, and what may seem like a harmless annoyance when you first wear them will turn into something really annoying and potentially painful over time.

Weight

If you are going to dance for an extended period of time, more than an hour for example, then you will want to pay attention to the weight of the sneakers you choose. Dancing for an extended period of time in heavy shoes will be like carrying weights on your feet. Given enough time, this extra weight can really take its toll. Lighter is better – that’s the simple truth

Flexibility

You’ll want dance shoes that move in every way your feet do, so you’ll want a flexible yet supportive sole. Many dance shoes have innovated a two-sole design, where the heel and forefoot have a small sole, which do not meet in the middle. This has the effect of reducing weight and increasing flexibility. Not all dance shoes have this, and there are many quality dance shoes that do not, so it is important to at least consider single sole shoes as well.