heels guide: what shoes to wear to class & where to buy them
Hi Dancers,
You asked, we answered! Here is a list of places (both online and local to the Vancouver + Victoria area) that we recommend you check out when looking for a pair of heels for dance class. We even have some discount codes for you too!
A reminder that while wearing heels is recommended for our courses, it is not mandatory. We want you to be comfortable and feel good first! You can totally learn the style without the shoes.
Another reminder that our level names (Kitten Heels, Lace-Ups, Pumps and Stilettos) do not refer to the actual shoe you are meant to wear to class, they’re just cheeky names! You can wear any style or height of heel that you feel comfortable in to class, regardless of level.
When searching for a dance heel we recommend that you look for:
Ankle support - Something that wraps around the ankle to ensure your shoe doesn’t slip off while you are dancing. We do not recommend dancing in an open style Pump, unless you are advanced in your technique and do not have any previous ankle injuries.
Reasonable height - We suggest you stay within the range of 2.5 - 3.5 inches in most cases, to support proper muscle engagement, posture and balance. Most people start in a lower heel, and gradually move higher as they go. If you are fairly comfortable walking in a heel, we recommend a 3 inch to start. We don’t recommend anything higher than 4” (and that’s pretty high) as it compromises your ability to articulate the foot & balance.
Non-marking sole - Most dance shoe brands sell suede which are great options for all of our studio floors. If you are wearing heels from a non-dance brand, please avoid black rubber soles (and sides!) and be aware “street soles” may cause marking. If you notice marks on the floor, please do your best to clean them up (scuffing with a clean running shoe works well) before leaving the studio, as they’re easier to remove when fresh.
NO platforms - Platforms can be dangerous as they add height and remove the ability to feel the floor through your feet, which is helpful when doing turns and quick weight changes
NO wedges - These shoes are also dangerous because of the limited flexibility that your foot has in the shoe
WANT A SHOE THAT HAS IT ALL?!
The Glow Getter - Unleash your inner glow and elevate your performance with the ultimate Heels dance boot. “The Glow Getter” by Luminesque Dance is an open-toe zip-up and lace-up dance heel bootie featuring our revolutionary half-moon heel, offering a block heel's stability with the sleek stiletto silhouette.
Designed by dancers for dancers, this meticulously crafted Heels dance shoe integrates our decades of professional Heels experience and the feedback of thousands of Heels dancers from beginner to professional levels. Just a few of our innovations include:
Zippers on the inside sole to avoid catching on tights during floorwork.
A flexible tongue to protect your bridge from the laces in flexed positions.
A perfectly balanced shank to properly distribute your weight, extra long laces to ensure calf size inclusivity.
Best of all - the unmatched support and style of the half-moon heel. While our professional recommendation is the suede bottom for versatile grip and 8.5 cm height for best balance, you can make our design your own by customizing the height and sole.
The Glow Getter is made of vegan leather material.
Use the code BMLUMINESQUE to get 10% off. If you love them, please leave us a 5-star review!
SHOP LOCAL:
VANCOUVER
The Dance Shop (1089 W Broadway, Vancouver)
Duck Feet Dance (1079 Marine Dr, North Vancouver)
VICTORIA
Stretch Dancewear (3531 Uptown Blvd #107) *call ahead, low stock
Toes ‘N’ Taps (1733 Cook St, Victoria)
SHOP ONLINE:
Bouge Moi - BIPOC + women owned! Durable, comfortable, affordably-priced options including our custom-designed collabs. Use code BMLUMINESQUE to get 10% off any pair. We donate all of the 10% kickback they give us to dance scholarships!
Burju - BIPOC + women owned! Dancer favourite for their premium materials, customization, and diverse sizing. Use the link in this guide AND code LUMIFAM to get 10% off. We donate their 10% kickback to dance scholarships, too!
Heel Appeal BIPOC owned, women owned + Canadian owned! The trifecta of #supportlocal awesomeness. Use code LUMINESQUE10 for 10% off.
TT Dancewear - Online retailer with more affordable options. Use code LUMIFAM for 15% off.
Stretch Dancewear in Victoria carries a few styles. You can mention that you dance with Luminesque and receive 10% off.
Capezio - Not a brand partner, but definitely tried + true. We recommend their ballroom or character shoes short + sturdy heels
Dancewear Centre - We recommend their character and musical theatre shoes for those who prefer a short but sturdy heel.
Light In The Box - Cheaper prices + large variety to choose from.
Dance Vegan - Heels that don’t use any animal products!
