First of all, the sole material is different. This is also the biggest feature that distinguishes Latin shoes from other shoes. The soles of Latin shoes are generally fur, soft and comfortable, with a certain thickness. Soft soles have several necessities:
1. In a special dance studio, fur leather soles can generate necessary friction with the floor, which can not only prevent slip, but also prevent astringency.
As for this friction, the dancers can control it themselves. According to mechanics, the friction force f = μ f. μ is the friction coefficient, which depends on the sole material and floor material. F is pressure, that is, the pressure exerted by the dancer's sole on the floor, which requires the dancer to clearly grasp the movement of his center of gravity and the grip of his toes on the floor.
As the saying goes, "Latin dance is the art of the floor."
2. Soft soles help dancers break their instep.
"Broken instep" is a common action in all kinds of dances. You can even call it normal. Collapsed instep and instep to calf bone are on the same plane. Some people can't straighten their instep due to long-term lack of exercise or other factors, which can be improved by "pressing the instep".
The easiest way is to sit with your instep facing down, paying special attention to your toes and ankles. Your calves should be in the same plane on the vertical plane, that is, your feet should not be splayed inside or outside. Then slowly press the heavy object downward, and press it every day until the instep can completely touch the ground.
Secondly, the fabrics are different. The fabrics of Latin shoes are generally satin, leather, cowhide and sheepskin, and satin and sheepskin are generally selected. Because this kind of fabric is soft.
Satin is very shiny, especially in the light. Cowhide and sheepskin have better elasticity and workmanship, but the color range of leather is small, not shiny enough, and it is also suspected of fake leather.
Third, the heels of Latin shoes. Generally speaking, the heel height is 55mm, 65mm, 75mm (inch height) and 85mm (inch full height). Beginners can choose the appropriate height according to their ankle control ability.
If you especially want to improve your skills, it is suggested that you can choose high-top shoes, which can play an exercise role in your usual practice. Children's Latin dance shoes are generally 3. 5 meters is too high for children's physical development. Secondly, the choice of heel thickness. For beginners, thick heels will be more comfortable and stable than thin heels. But stilettos are slimmer and more beautiful (personally).
Fourth, the choice of size. Some people will choose a pair of Latin shoes that are comfortable and fit. This is not right. Latin shoes must be one yard smaller than usual, and some people even want two yards. As mentioned above, Latin dance is a floor art. You should choose your Latin shoes carefully. Size determines whether your shoes can "keep up".
"Heel" means that your feet can exert force directly on the floor through shoes, and secondly, it reduces some unnecessary "air obstacles" in action. There are several reasons for choosing a small size:
1, when the instep collapses, the soles of the feet contract, and then the shoes will become too big.
2. Toes can't control the floor.
3. Shoes will be stretched.
Fifth, show your toes. This is the most basic. Latin shoes are different from modern shoes because of the characteristics of Latin dance. Modern shoes are mostly Baotou shoes. Latin shoes must be open-toed shoes! At least I haven't seen Baotou's Latin shoes so far.
Therefore, when choosing Latin shoes, you should choose soft-soled shoes that can stretch the instep, and the height should suit you. After wearing it, your toes will exceed your toes (it is convenient for your big toes to pull the floor). Generally, you should choose dark skin color to show your feet. Also, note that when you don't wear it, the heel is tilted inward, not vertical.
The wrong way to choose Latin dance shoes;
When many people choose dancing shoes, they will choose a pair of dancing shoes that are elastic and comfortable to wear on their feet. Usually when shopping, I will buy a few yards to wear. This is one of the misunderstandings in choosing Latin dance shoes.
Reason one:
Professional Latin dance shoes belong to soft-soled shoes. In the process of dancing, we need to wear the instep. When we wear the instep, our feet will shrink inward, so we feel that our shoes will become bigger. On the contrary, choose a smaller size shoes, and you will feel comfortable without wearing the instep.
Reason two:
Everyone's feet are different, and dancing shoes need to keep up very well (this is jargon, which means that heels and feet need to cooperate when dancing). So we need to buy shoes in a smaller size. We felt a little uncomfortable when we put it on the first two times, but when we put it on the third time, the shoes would be very tight and just fit.
The correct way to buy shoes:
Don't buy hard-soled shoes, be sure to buy soft-soled shoes that can be worn without instep; When buying shoes, you should choose dancing shoes that are one yard smaller than those you usually wear when shopping; When you wear it on your feet, your toes must exceed your toes (it is more convenient to pull the floor with your big toe)
Wrong view:
When many beginners choose dancing shoes, they will choose a pair of shoes with low heels and thick heels, which are the choice of many people because they stand stably and are not easy to hurt their feet. This is also wrong!
Reason one:
Because Latin dance needs to focus on the soles of the feet, the soles of the feet and the heels when moving, especially when moving forward, it needs to focus entirely on the heels and then push people forward as quickly as possible.
Girls' calf strength is not as good as boys', so girls should choose a pair of 2.5-3 inch shoes, which will make it easier and more labor-saving when moving forward.
Reason two:
2 1/2-3 inch shoes can make girls stand on the broken palm completely, which is very helpful for the vertical axis of Latin dance.
Reason three:
Latin dance requires dancers to focus more on the inside. If you choose a pair of shoes with thick soles and short heels, you can stand steady even if your center of gravity is wrong. Over time, your center must be wrong. So choosing a pair of 2.5-3 inch shoes is correct.
The most easily overlooked place:
I think the angle of heel is a problem that many people don't care about, but it is a very important choice!
When the heel is not worn, it inclines inward rather than vertically. When people step on it, their heels will move vertically backwards. If it is upright when not in use, the heel will be put back and unstable after stepping on it.