Things to Consider When Purchasing a New Pair of Dance Shoes

• Your toes should come to the edge of the shoe
  and your heel should rest firmly into the back
  

• The shoes should include some padding to absorb
  the pressure of the foot constantly pressing on the floor.
  

• The shoes should include something to secure them
  tightly on your feet like straps or laces.  The best support
  in women's sandals are shoes that include a strap
  underneath the arch of the foot.
  

• In woman's sandals, the width of the shoe's straps should
  be about 1/4" or wider to prevent breakage of the strap
  and to lessen the strap cutting into the foot.  Also, tension
  straps are desirable because they don't require a hole in the
  strap and it allows you to adjust for tightness differently on
  each foot.
  

• All dance shoes will stretch over time.  If a shoe feels
  slightly tight at first, it's better than a shoe that is too loose.
  Ultimately, a dance shoe should mold to your foot.

• The type of heel should be considered.  For women's shoes, 
  the heel should be a little thicker for better support and
  balance.  Men should consider which style of dancing they 
  will do most often.  Smooth dancers will probably prefer
  a flat (1/2") heel, while a rhythm or latin dancer will probably
  prefer a cuban (1 1/2" - 2") heel which will force them more 
  onto the balls of their feet.
  

• The outside texture of the shoe should also be considered.
  Brocade designs, nubuck, velvet, and suede wear quickly
  and shorten the life of the shoe since the appearance
  becomes undesirable.
  

• Special consideration should be taken with patent leather shoes.
  It's usually a good idea to put petroleum jelly on the inside of
  each heel to prevent sticking as the feet pass one another.  No
  matter what style of shoes you buy, be aware that patent leather
  will almost always crack or crease just behind the toes.