Current Pedorthics | January-February 2019 | Vol.51, Issue 1 | Page 50

Athletes or Artists? Women’s dance heels typically range from 1 to 3 inches in height. Men’s heel heights are up to 1.5 inches. Midsole shanks and firm heel counters are mandatory in ballroom with a shorter shank being preferred in conjunction with the Cuban heel for Latin dances such as the Rumba, Samba and Cha "We all understand the importance in fitting normal footwear correctly, however, fit is even more critical in pointe shoes due to the choices available and the extreme foot and ankle movements required in this discipline." 48 Pedorthic Footcare Association | www.pedorthics.org Cha. Surprisingly, width fittings are more common in dance shoes than in athletic footwear (New Balance excluded) and at least one company – Toe-to-Toe Inc., offers separate-size feet fittings, which is virtually unknown outside of orthopedic footwear. Many of the features on women’s dance shoes - viewed as aesthetic, have practical purposes. The ankle straps on ladies dance heels add stability and control to the shoe. Similarly, elasticized gore panels in the upper construction help to hug the foot for a more anatomical fitting. Cushioning is important in most dance shoe categories because many wooden dance floors are built directly on top of concrete, making landing and clogging a bruising experience. Many dance categories tend to emphasize the “feel of the @Shutterstock.com/DenisProduction.com to traditional African steps. In addition to wooden heels and metal taps, acrylic soles may also be used to maximize the resonance on wooden flooring. Another traditional family business is known for its specialty footwear in this category – Steven’s Stompers from Pennsylvania. American Country and Western style (square dancing) is traditionally performed in Western boots for both genders. Luckily, most “cowboy boots” have leather soles making them suitable for spinning and twirling on various flat surfaces.