The tango shoes: an essential accessory

The tango shoes: an essential accessory


The tango shoes are not a habit, but the tool so that we can explore the sensations of our body balance, posture, connection.

§ The tango shoes should fit perfectly

In order not to cause injury and / or blisters, the shoe should be soft and of measure, both as width as that of the plant length, and must be of natural material (leather, suede, paint) and / or breathable (such as cloth, satin, denim, corduroy).

Generally, tango shoes are handmade and is therefore advisable, especially at first, to try several models and brands to find the footwear that better it suits to the natural shape of the foot.

For male dancers, it’s advisable to pay particular attention to adequate width of the plant, as well as choose models with a few centimeters of heel (3cm - 5cm).

For the female dancers you should choose a model with soft padded inner sole and pay attention to the comfort of the ankle straps (if necessary ask to drill the strap to suit your personal needs), as well as not to overdo the height of the heel (best between 4cm - 9cm).

§ Aesthetics is not everything

The tango shoes can be an initial investment of no small importance. All dancers know, however, that a good pair of shoes can make life much easier and comfortable.

The ideal shoe and easier maintenance is with soft skin and smooth.

Only acquiring safety on the track, you will learn to be aware of your needs and you can opt, later, for more 'delicious' models, which still and always ensure the comfort of the foot.

For male dancers shoes are closed and can be leather lace-ups or sports.

For female dancers, there are many different open and closed models.

The closed shoe offers more protection to the fingers, especially during the initial approach to the tango lessons, when you will have to 'take steps'.

The majority opts for the more eye-catching sandals with straps of every shape, but not without precautions.

The advantage of open shoe is that the sole of the foot is not forced into the shoe and is freer to 'feel the floor'. On the other hand it is necessary to make sure that the straps do not hinder circulation or that any seams create hassles.

§ Sole: vs. Buffalo Leather Vs. hard rubber

The choice of the shoe to carry will necessarily be affected by the type of floor on which you will dance.

To start, the leather sole is the one that guarantees the less experienced best fluency of movements. In particular, it facilitates the execution of the pivot on any floor condition (tiles, exterior, linoleum and parquet).

Absolutely to avoid the rubber-soled shoes, because they not allow you to pivot on the foot in the laps without letting some ligament. Normal “daily” shoes are not suitable for dancing Tango.

Soled suede buffalo requires preparation (must be scraped off) and is recommended for smooth floors (marble, parquet).

Finally, the sole made of hard rubber is used on particularly slippery floors, such as marble, hard wood floors and ceramic.

If your shoes do not have a soft cushion already built internally, we still recommend you to insert one (there are also gel or silicone) at the forefoot, being careful that it fits perfectly to the sole and does not move.

There are also shoes with interchangeable leather sole and buffalo, as well as 'cruelty-free' shoes for vegans in alternative materials to leather.

§ Some quality tests when you buy tango shoes

To avoid disappointment when you are ready for prime time in a milonga fitting the new purchase, you should try on shoes in the afternoon or in the evening or when you have your feet are already tired. The specialized vendors will advise you well to avoid unpleasant (and painful) surprises. Make sure they are not too tight.

When buying the shoes, do not be attracted only by aesthetics, but take time to ponder your choice, considering all the options.

Try the shoe for a few minutes, walking and by moving.

1. Make sure that the shoe fits well your feet, making sure that the foot does not slip in any way in the shoe.

2. Make sure the straps, seams and edges of the shoe are not tight too. If necessary, drill the strap according to your needs.

3. Check that the model structure is well balanced and that your weight is so well distributed. Try to stay balanced on each foot individually and make sure you feel safe and well stable on forefoot and heel.

4. Even try to walk backwards.

5. Do some pivot on each foot to test the convenience.

§ Where to buy tango shoes

The tango shoes are sold in specialty shops, retailers, festivals and tango events at many schools and online stores.

§ Maintenance and Cleaning

The shoes should be carried in a cloth bag, in order to protect them. While in many countries the dancers change their shoes at the milonga, in Argentina it is normal to see the milongueros arrive already with the shoes for dancing.

It is good to keep our shoes always clean and soft. You can use a mild skin cream or delicate transparencies. For the chamois is good to brush them gently. Be careful to choose cleaning products that do not stain or make it sticky shoes.

To keep in shape, there are wooden shoe tree silhouettes (cedar the most valuable), plastic (lighter) or the pressed paper (absorbs the moisture of the foot). If the tip of the closed shoe present unsightly folds, a trick is to insert inside the shoe pressing a wet cotton wool piece, letting it dry naturally (perhaps with the shoe trees inserted).

Good walk with your new dance shoes!