It wasn’t long ago that finding good swing dance shoes felt like searching for a needle in a haystack. However, the dance scene has evolved, and now there’s a delightful abundance of choices for swing dancers seeking the perfect footwear. The market has blossomed with companies dedicated to crafting vintage-inspired shoes specifically for swing dancing, many founded and run by Lindy Hoppers themselves.
While numerous brands cater to women’s styles, it’s great to see options expanding for men too. Companies like Saint Savoy offer a range of men’s swing dance shoes, alongside their popular women’s lines. SAF Shoes, a Canadian company, is another excellent choice for men’s and unisex swing dance footwear.
For women specifically looking for recommendations and discussions, there’s a thriving online community dedicated to the topic. The Facebook group “👉 Swing Dance Shoes Hunt: “Women’s Sizes & Styles”” is a fantastic resource to explore different brands, styles, and get advice from fellow dancers.
When it comes to choosing between heels or flats for swing dancing, personal preference and dance intensity play key roles. While heels can add elegance and are suitable for styles like Balboa or dressier events, flat shoes often become the preferred choice for serious social dancing. If you’re planning a night of energetic Lindy Hop at a lively venue, flats will likely provide the comfort and stability you need to really get into your dancing.
These are my go-to flat dance shoes for high-energy dancing – comfortable enough to wear even beyond the dance floor:
Image of Saint Savoy shoes at a fashion show
Personally, Saint Savoy shoes and Balboa Zin are frequent choices for dance. For everyday wear when I’m not dancing, I often opt for Charlie Stone and Remix for their vintage aesthetic and comfort.
The following list categorizes shoe types based on their suitability for swing dance. This information, compiled in February 2020, provides a helpful overview of the landscape. For the most current recommendations, exploring online groups and communities dedicated to swing dance shoes is always a great idea.
Shoes Made For Swing Dancers, By Swing Dancers
These brands are specifically created with the needs of swing dancers in mind, often by dancers themselves, ensuring features that support the movements and demands of swing dancing.
Image of Saint Savoy West shoes being worn at an event
Shoes Popular with Swing Dancers but Not Specifically Made for Dancing
This category includes shoes from brands that aren’t exclusively for dance but have become popular within the swing dance community due to their style, comfort, or suitability for dancing.
General Dance Shoes, Not Specifically for Swing
These are broader dance shoes that can work for various dance styles, including swing, offering a wider range of options but may not have features specifically optimized for swing dance.
For more in-depth information, check out this excellent article on iLindy.com about Women’s Swing Dance Shoes.
As mentioned earlier, Saint Savoy is a brand I frequently recommend and wear. Their dedication to vintage style and dance-specific features makes them a standout choice.
With the vast selection of swing dance shoes available today, the challenge has shifted from scarcity to abundance. Now, the fun is in exploring the many fantastic options and finding the perfect shoes to enhance your swing dance experience. Happy shoe shopping and happy dancing!
Alt texts for images:
Image 1 alt: Saint Savoy Riviera High vintage style shoes modeled at the International Lindy Hop Championships fashion show, showcasing elegant footwear for swing dancers.
Image 2 alt: Elegant Saint Savoy West model swing dance shoes in use at a special event, demonstrating stylish and comfortable footwear for social dancing.
