
Which shoes for historical dance?
That’s it, you’ve done it! You’ve made up your mind and signed up for a historical dance class. Congratulations, welcome to our big family.
But all of a sudden you’re filled with doubts: what footwear am I going to be to wear? What type of shoe will be best for me?
It’s only the first class, so you’re not sure you’ll continue. So there’s no question of investing huge sums in reproductions of historic models.
At the same time, it would be a shame not to be able to take the steps because of a shoe that slips too much, or not enough…
Today, I’m giving you all my advice on choosing the right pair of footwear for your wardrobe. The ones that will make you look like a pro. The one that will allow you to progress unhindered.
Choosing the right shoes for a dance class is crucial. There are three imperatives:
- Comfort : don’t bother with new, or ill-fitting shoes;
- Security : even if it is historical, don’t risk slipping or falling;
- Movement : the shoes should assure a good mobility, espacially of the ankle.
Here are a few ideas to help you.

Shoes that suit you
If you always walk around in trainers, don’t expect to dance in pumps at your first dance class. You need to feel comfortable in your shoes.
Avoid brand new footwear : they can cause chafing and blisters. Even if you invest in real dance shoes, it’s better to wear them for a few hours at home before dancing.
Ankle mobility is essential in dance, for jumping, running, pointing the toes, etc. So avoid high shoes: boots and ankle boots reduce the mobility of your joints. Instead, choose low shoes that let your ankles move freely.
I’d advise you to choose soft soles if you’re doing Renaissance or Regency/First Empire dances. For other periods, choose rigid soles, which offer better support for the arch of the foot.
Safety first!
So we’re looking for shoes that won’t slip too much or too little. The rubber soles of regular footwear often stick to the ground too much.
One solution would be a pair of shoes with slightly worn soles, which will slide better.
I absolutely advise against shoes that don’t fit your feet properly, such as flip-flops, mules and other sandals.
It’s important that your shoes are securely fastened, to avoid falls and sprains: it would be a shame if you were injured on your first lesson! Similarly, unless you’re a high-heeled pro, avoid stilettos or very high heels – for the same reasons.

How can you tell if your shoes are securely fastened in less than a minute?
Put on your shoes and stand up. Standing on one leg, raise your free foot (not particularly high, it just needs to be off the ground) and point your foot. In other words, push your toes forward so that your foot and leg are aligned. If at this point the heel of the shoe is still stuck to your heel, you’re all set!
Can’t stand flats? No problem! Choose shoes with a wide heel, so that you remain stable and can easily keep your balance.
Lace-up sandals are all the rage, but I wouldn’t recommend them for dancing. After all, as you walk, the laces tend to tighten around your calves and ankles, which can impede (or even cut off) blood circulation.
So what type of shoes should you choose?
- Oxfords, derbies
- Flat or low-heeled closed shoes, ideally with a strap at the front
- Moccasins
- Closed-toe trainers, canvas shoes (like Keds), ballet flats (as long as they fit well)
- Gymnastic or classical/jazz dance slipper
Investing in dance shoes for historical dancing
The ideal pair of dance shoes will inevitably vary according to the era of the dances you practise. The best thing to do is to talk about it with your dance teacher or the person in charge of costumes at your association.
As far as I’m concerned, I offer my dancers a basic solution, “suitable” for all periods, as well as a more sophisticated solution, with a pair of shoes for each repertoire, which obviously has a cost.

Multi-era
For gentlemen (or those who wear men’s suits), I recommend a pair of classic oxford shoes, which you’ll wear only when dancing. They’re a good, affordable and safe alternative, even if they’re not very historic.
You can also invest in ballroom dancing shoes. These aren’t historic either, but they give you a good glide.
For ladies (or those wearing women’s costumes), I recommend a pair of character dancing shoes. This model isn’t typical of any era (it’s vaguely reminiscent of the 1920s-1930s), but it has the advantage of being versatile and safe.
Designed specifically for dancing, they provide good support for your ankle and arch. If you have a light-coloured dress, this model is also available in white or flesh colour. I’m wearing the Katz Dancewear “Showtime” model, with a 2.5cm heel. There are several other brands, such as Sansha, Capezio and Bloch.
Not comfortable in heels? Dance shoes are designed to give maximum stability, even on high, thin heels. And there are also flat models.
Era-specific
American Duchess offers high-quality historical reproductions of historical shoes, from Renaissance to 1940s. It obviously comes with a price, but the quality is exceptional. Beware! Custom duties may (will) apply.
Ferey médiéval makes historical shoes from 9th to 17th century. The company attends many medieval events in France and Belgium, allowing to skip the delivery fee.
L’atelier du Chat Botté makes amongst other thing shoes and boots reproductions from Renaissance to WWI.
For a lower budget and for evocation, the Vintage dancer website will also be useful for the Victorian period up to the 1970s. The site contains sponsored links to commercial sites, and lots of advice on how to evoke an era with contemporary clothes.
(speaking of sponsored links, the ones you see on my blog are not).
Alternatively, you can of course take inspiration from period models and look for similar shoes on the market. You can even make your own!
Interested in the history of shoe? Have a look at the excellent Shoe Timeline of the Victoria & Albert Museum.

Do you have a good deal to share on shoes? Leave me a note in the comments section!

