5 Best Swing Dance Shoes for Women in 2022

Have you got a passion for swing dancing? Getting the right pair of shoes will elevate your performance rather than hindering your best to come out, which is crucial for swing dancing. There are so many factors to consider while finding the pair which perfectly suits you and all your wants, which is what makes the selection process head-spinning.

In a pair of swing dance shoes, comfort is of chief importance. After all, how can you manage to focus on the steps if your head remains occupied by the thoughts of relief you will get after removing the trap of the shoes.

But at the same time, some of you might also have a heart for a stylish and fancy pair to dance in, perhaps with heels, because of the elegance and confidence they wrap you in. And no, you don’t have to compromise on comfort and relaxation even if you seek style.

Below are shortlisted the 5 best swing shoes for you, according to the different preferences and tastes you might have to up your game in both style and performance.

5 Best Swing Shoes

1. Ollio Women’s Shoe Classic – Best Swing Dance Shoes

Ollio Women’s Classic Lace Up Oxfords are one of the best swing shoes out there if you are looking for both style and comfort. The material utilized in the making of the shoes is 100% synthetic, which makes them stain-resistant, waterproof, lightweight, and quick-drying. In case of some stain or dirt, a simple cloth wipe can do the job of cleaning them right up.

The sole of the shoe is a synthetic rubber, which offers incredible abrasion resistance, as well as resistance to aging and weather effects. In terms of comfort, the flexibility of the rubber sole provides a comfortable fit, and it also offers necessary cushioning and shock absorption when dancing on hard floors.

The shoes are particularly a perfect choice for those who want to dance with a bit of control and grip during their quick moves. The rubber sole promises that grip and control to the dancer, with the traction it provides, making the quick moves of the dancer well-controlled.

The 0.4” flat heel of the shoe makes it perfect for swing dancing, especially for beginners. The pretty style and reliability of the shoes make Ollio Women’s Classic Lace Up Oxfords one of the best swing shoes you can find worthy of buying. Plus, you get to choose from a range of colors to match almost any outfit. We have got things covered as well if you are searching for waterproofing work boots here.

2. Linodes Leather Lace Up – Best Jazz Shoe for Women and Men

Jazz shoes are generally a typical choice for any form of dancing, including swing dancing, and Linodes Lace-Up Jazz Shoes are one of the best of those. The material is 100% leather, meaning that the shoe is breathable and prevents any odor. Thus, it is excellently durable, water-resistant, and super secure.

The leather upper of the shoe makes it comfortable and flexible. As for the fit, the leather has this quality of molding itself according to the shape of the foot that is wearing it, and this makes the fit of this shoe incredibly supportive and comfortable. The shoe comes with a fabric lining, so consequently, with an increased lifespan.

The shoe has a split sole which benefits the dancer with more flexibility, particularly in the moves which involve pointing the foot. Split sole is especially recommended for more experienced dancers. It also enhances and shows off the arch easily. Do check out our post for the best products for waterproofing leather boots.

Moreover, the sole of the shoe has synthetic EVA sole patches on the heel and forefoot areas. EVA sole patches give the sole of the shoe rubber-like qualities while providing more softness, flexibility, and significant light-weightedness. It also bestows traction and superb cushioning/shock-absorption on the hard dance floors.

If you are searching for dance shoes that offer incredible comfort, even if you are an elderly woman/man with a passion for swing dancing, then your search ends at Linodes Lace-Up Jazz Shoes. The soft leather, inner textile lining, flat heel, and light EVA split sole design make the shoe comfortable, durable and flexible. These features make it one of the best swing shoes and just what you need to live your passion for swing dancing.

3. Jig Foo Women’s Pumps Dance Shoes – Best Shoes To Dance In

Jig Foo Pumps Dance Shoes are a perfect choice for you if you want your swing dance shoes to have both comfort and elegance of a heel. The cubic heel is relatively smaller in size; this offers both stability and elegance, particularly to those who are new to swing dancing but wish for the gracefulness of a pair of heels.

The material is nubuck leather, responsible for the beautiful velvety surface finish of the shoe. Also, it makes the shoe remarkably breathable, water-resistant, durable, and, needless to say, comfortable.

The suede sole of the shoe offers the ideal blend of grip and freedom of movement during the spinning moves of the swing dancer. Having this balance is crucial for a swing dancer since the spinning moves can cause an ankle twist if the shoes don’t provide this necessary balance. The softness and light weightedness of the suede sole make this shoe comfortable to wear.

The waterproof EVA insole of the shoe provides enhanced softness and supreme comfort to the foot. Also, the dancer can enjoy great flexibility along with the benefit of cushioning by the insole. There is a metal shank installed in the sole, which travels from the heel to the forefoot in order to protect the arch of the foot.

Jig Foo Pumps Dance Shoes are an ideal selection for you in case you are wishing for an elegant yet comfortable pair to enhance your swing dance. The ankle buckle strap keeps the fitting in check. The 2.5mm thick OX suede sole makes the pair wear-resistant.

4. Cobb Hill COLLECTION Women’s Aubrey – Leather Sole Shoes For Dancing

These sandals from Rockport Cobb Hill Collection are another great choice for the dancers desiring a pretty and graceful yet comfortable pair of heels for swing dancing. Manufactured from 100% leather, these sandals are breathable, water-resistant, and durable.

These sandals have a rubber sole hence, gives a comfortable fit with minimal to no breaking in period. The sole is strong, water-resistant, with excellent durability. It also provides shock absorption resulting in painless long-duration dance sessions with no worries about the sole wearing off.

Moreover, the sandals have an interior cushion pod, right in the middle of the footbed, which gives a pillow-like step in the sandal and, consequently, immediate and long-lasting comfort, another plus for long-hour dance sessions.

The sandals come with an EVA foam footbed to further boost comfort. The soft textile lining makes the interior of these sandals soft and breathable, offering an extremely comfortable fit. The steel shank embedded in the sandal doubles the protection of your feet and maintains the shape of the sandal.

The TR (Thermoplastic Rubber) outsole of the sandal is extremely durable and slip-resistant and gives incredible grip. The technique used for sewing/stitching of the sandal is Strobel Construction which makes the forefoot flexible and minimizes the weight of the sandal, enhancing relaxation and comfort.

These Rockport Cobb Hill sandals offer incredible durability, an elegant look with their 1.5” cubic heel, and supreme comfort and protection. Furthermore, the short heel, approx 0.5 inches platform, and other aforementioned features implemented in the design also contribute to its longevity. Want to know how to care for white shoes, check it out here.

5. Capezio Women’s Jr. Footlight T-Strap Dance Shoe – Best Shoes For Dancers

This gorgeous pair of heels has to be your go-to choice if you wish for beauty and comfort in your swing dance shoes. Made of 100% PU (Polyurethane), Capezio Jr. Footlight T-Strap Dance Shoe is lightweight, water-resistant, long-lasting, abrasion-resistant, has a soft texture, and provides comfort.

The sole is of leather; hence, it provides a natural and comfortable fit plus durability and breathability. The leather sole is scored, which makes up for the lack of traction of the leather and makes the sole less slippery.

The upper of the sandal is of Nappa PU leather, rendering it much more durable than just leather and also more water-resistant. It is also softer and gives a luxurious feel and look. Behind its higher durability and water resistance is the additional smooth coating, which also makes it easier to clean.

The interior of the sandal has a microfibre lining, which is the best quality synthetic shoe lining. It makes the sandal breathable, sweat-absorbent, and highly durable. The insole is foam padded, providing cushioning and making the wear comfortable. The Achilles notch prevents the heel from digging in when pointed.

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These Capezio Jr. Footlight T-Strap sandals are worth investing in for those of you wanting to look elegant while swing dancing with a comfortable and supportive pair of heels. The 2.25” strongly attached heel is supportive and looks beautiful; it goes through severe stress testing. The T strap design gives it a classic touch. The beauty and comfort of these sandals make them one of the best swing shoes.

Buying Guide

Investing in the right pair of shoes for swing dancing is necessary. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced dancer, it doesn’t matter. The process of selecting the best swing dance shoes for yourself can be overwhelming. To make the right choice, which you will not regret later, you should know what to look for while buying your swing dance shoes. Here is a buying guide for you, so you can be decisive and aware of what to consider and look for while buying your swing dance shoes.

Comfort

A comfortable feel comes before all other choices while buying the perfect swing dance shoes for yourself. Look for a shoe that you feel comfortable while wearing to avoid pained and fatigued feet and legs after long dance sessions.

The best swing dance shoes are those that come with shock absorption properties, soft and cushioned footbed. A padded insole will offer you comfort through its cushioning and shock absorption. It will absorb sudden shocks after quick and fast moves and will keep your feet relaxed and untired after long performance sessions.

Type of Sole

Swing dance shoes generally come in two types of soles, rubber soles, and leather suede soles. There is no strict rule to make the choice of the right sole; a perfect sole is conditional, depending on certain factors like the style of swing dancing and dance floor.

Rubber soles offer a firm grip on the dance floor surface since they are sticky. Rubber soles are best suited particularly for swing dancing styles which are sporty and require traction, like Lindy Hop and street dances. Rubber soles keep you secure during the quick moves while dancing since they have a grip on the floor. But at the same time, rubber soles can make fast-spinning movements difficult because of their grip.

Leather suede soles provide less grip and are ideal for dancing styles which have smoother moves like Balboa. Leather and suede soles will make the sliding, gliding, and twisting moves of the feet so much easier. Therefore, they are generally preferred by swing dancers. Although, the lack of grip can be a problem on some surfaces.

The surface of the dance floor is an important factor to keep in mind while selecting the sole. Rubber soles are ideal for rough and outdoor surfaces because they are tough and provide traction and for even slippery surfaces which require extra grip.

Leather and suede soles are best for indoor surfaces. Leather soles are ideal for wooden surface dance floors. Leather soles are slippery, while wooden surfaces provide grip and friction, creating an ideal combination. Wearing leather soles on slippery surfaces can be risky since leather soles are slippery.

Fitting and Style

The right fit is another mandatory factor to look for while buying the right shoes for swing shoes. A tight pair of shoes will be painful and can give you blisters, and if they are loose, they will keep slipping off your feet while you dance.

Leather shoes can prove to be a wise choice in that matter. They may feel a little tight at first, but due to leather’s malleability, they will mold themselves around your feet, like a natural contour, after a few wears, and will fit like socks.

Other than that, dance shoes with a strap and buckle can also be a good option. You can adjust the fitting with the buckle strap. Dance shoes also come with laces; they are also adjustable hence, a good choice. Plus, a strap and laces will also offer additional support to your ankle.

As for the style, straps give a stylish look to the shoes, whether it’s a buckle strap by the ankle, T bar strap, or criss-cross straps. They give an elegant look and provide extra support as well. Elastic straps particularly can provide a perfect fit.

A swing dance shoe with a closed-toe forefoot is also a stylish choice. Plus, they also keep your toes protected since there are high chances of stepping on the toes in swing dancing.

Heels or Flat

Swing dance shoes come both with or without heels, although the choice between the two is purely a matter of personal liking. Obviously, flats are a safer option, mostly within the comfort zone of most swing dancers since they are secure, provide stability, and are considered to be most comfortable. With all these obvious advantages flats are a particularly good option for beginners.

Although, heels are certainly a more attractive choice if you wish to up the style game in your performance. Swing dance shoes do come with cubic heels from short to medium height, large diameter to ensure stability, balance, and comfort. If you want, you can opt for one such pair of heels.

But, make sure that the shoes with heels also have good quality straps to support your feet, or the chances are high that the heels will keep coming off your feet. For outdoor dance floors, heels may not be an ideal choice, and flats are a better option in that scenario.

Lightweight

Swing dancing is all about feathery spinning and sliding moves. For your swing dance moves to be effortless, your feet should feel light so you can move with ease and flow. To achieve that flowy movement, your swing dance shoes should be lightweight so your feet don’t feel burdened.

Like excessive cushioning in a swing, dance shoes can make it heavier, which in turn can burden your feet and inhibit the flow in your movements, and can make them look stressful rather than effortless. It will also make your feet tired. So, try to find lightweight cushioning in your swing dance shoes.

Support and Stability

Support and stability play a vital part in your swing dance performance as they prevent pained or sprained ankle or knee. So, the shoes you buy should support your feet and keep them stable throughout your dance performance.

Straps with buckles and laces offer good support and keep your feet stabilized by keeping them in place since they are adjustable. Cushioned and softly padded insoles also provide good support to your foot. An embedded steel shank in the bottom of the shoe also provides good support.

FAQs

What are the best shoes for swing dancing?

Avoid high and spikey heels. Choose a flat sole or a medium heel with a thick diameter. The leather sole is an ideal choice, avoid rubber soles unless absolutely necessary as they are difficult to spin on.

Can I wear dance shoes on the street?

It’s not a good idea to wear dance shoes outside. Most dance shoes have leather soles made for smooth, even surfaces, and they will wear out on rough surfaces. So, you should keep them for dancing only.

Are other dance forms shoes good for swing dancing?

Some dance forms shoes, like Jazz, can also be used for swing dancing. Some dance shoes with metal in the bottom, like tap dance shoes, may not work for swing dancing.

Conclusion

Choosing the right pair of shoes for swing dance can be bewildering but, not when you have all the necessary knowledge about them before you go to buy them. If you are decisive, well informed, and aware of your wants and needs, the selection of the perfect pair of shoes for yourself turns much easier.

This list of the 5 best swing shoes is made, keeping into consideration different preferences and likings that different swing dancers might have. Our top 3 recommendations are

• Ollio Women’s Shoe for comfort, style, and reliability.
• Linodes Leather Lace Up Unisex Jazz Shoe for excellent quality and durability.
• Cobb Hill COLLECTION Women’s Aubrey for its elegance, comfort, and water resistance.

So, you don’t have to bother and double mind yourself by surfing through different websites and guides. Especially if you are a beginner looking for all the necessary knowledge and a perfectly suited swing shoe for yourself, then this article will be extremely helpful for you.

Whether all you desire is comfort, or wish for style along with relaxation, or a gorgeous pair of heels exuding grace, you will find your go-to choice among these 5 shortlisted best swing shoes.