Five Tips to Find the Perfect Tango Shoes

Our guest blogger Elena from Yuyo Brujo Tango Shoes explains what you should be looking for when searching for the perfect tango shoe - and it’s not just that it matches your tango dress. ;-)

No matter where you are in your tango journey, finding the perfect fit tango shoe can be an arduous task. So let’s focus on the key things to look out for when choosing your dance shoes.

Follow these 5 tips to find your match made in shoe heaven.

1/ Heel Height

We know, higher heels look the part but if it’s your first pair of tango shoes, and you are not used to wearing heels, then a low heel is the best option for you. You will develop your balance gradually and be able to spend more time on your dancing.

If you’re very comfortable in heels (we’re talking wearing heels to work every day kind of confidence) then you should feel right at home starting in a medium heel.

2/ Your Size

When choosing your shoes, go for the same size as your street shoes. The urban myth says that you have to go one size down in Argentine tango shoes and this is not quite right. It depends on the brand. Generally speaking European brands size the same as your street shoes whilst some Argentinian brands size larger.

When purchasing tango shoes, you don’t want a lot of room between the end of your toes and the end of the shoe. If your toes are quite close to the edge this is ok.

Most brands have a chart with the size and the length of their shoes. Always measure your feet and compare against the chart. If still in doubt, don’t hesitate to ask ☺

3/ Open Heel vs Closed Heel

A closed heel means that the back of your feet are supported and strapped into the back of the shoe. This is great for first timers as it helps with balance and makes you feel more secure.

But even if it’s your first pair of tango shoes, don’t discount the closed heel’s more glamorous sister, the open heel. If you have narrow feet and need to size down, an open back heel can give you the few more millimetres your foot needs to manoeuvre.

4/ Snug, Will They Stretch?

As a rule of thumb, snug shoes will stretch and mould to your feet; shoes that dent, cut into your skin or hurt the first time you try them on will only give you pain.

Shoes that are “roomy” and comfortably a bit loose straight away will probably start slipping off on your first dance, so snug is your friend.

5/ Comforts Vs Looks

Especially for your first pair of shoes, look for a pair that is versatile and will look after your foot. Perhaps you like a pair of red or silver shoes, but the size or shape doesn’t quite suit. In this case, let the brain take over the heart and go with a pair of shoes that is comfortable, not just pretty. 

Because nobody wants pretty shoes sitting in the closet. We always give advice thinking on comfort and function first because at the end of the day you just want to dance all night.

Yuyo Brujo has a range of comfortable and unique tango shoes that you can browse online. They are based in London and ship to Europe, Asia and the US. What’s more, they are passionate about helping you find THE pair of shoes. Their friendly experts can help you with any questions you may have before making up your mind.