When it comes to dance shoes for Salsa, there are quite a few options available. It all depends on your purpose of getting these dance shoes, as they vary in comfort and durability. Here's a quick summary of the type of shoes available:

Chinese Dance Shoes

If you're not sure about investing in dance sneakers but need something you can dance in, you can purchase Chinese dance shoes for S$4. The smooth base allows for pivoting and you can throw them in the wash (they'll shrink by one size for sure). Do note that there is absolutely no arch support, so avoid wearing them for long hours. These shoes come in two types of soles, so make sure you get the ones with felt-based soles (light gray in color) as they're much smoother to spin on. Do not get the ones with plastic-based soles (yellow in color).

Dance sneakers are great for class, and whenever you intend to spend long hours dancing. They're comfortable, have good shock-absorption and come in all kinds of snazzy designs. Dance sneakers are often characterized by split soles - instead of a single piece, the sole is divided into the front section, from toe to ball of foot, and the back section, which is under the heel. There is no sole under the middle section of the foot, which is where your arch is. The two most popular brands for dance sneakers are Capezio and Bloch.

When buying dance sneakers, be sure to choose a design that is suitable for the width of your feet. Certain Capezio designs are great for slim feet, while most Bloch designs are great for wider feet. Whatever your size, make sure that the shoe fits around your entire foot snugly. Don't get a shoe that's too big. It will make you feel clumsy and end up tripping you.

If cost is not an issue and you're in a hurry to get your shoes, you can buy your dance sneakers from any of the stores below. Do note that the prices will be much steeper than if you buy over the Internet (definitely over S$100), and the range of designs and sizes will be rather limited.

If time is not an issue and you want to get the lowest  price possible, the best place to shop is online. You can save up to 60% at times. The only disadvantage is you can't try the shoes for size and fit. So if you're looking to buy shoes online, you can either try your fellow salseroes' shoes (assuming they are wearing the design you want and are willing to let you put your foot in it), or create an outline of your foot and post it to the merchant. DO NOT FAX your outline, as the received fax is likely to show an image smaller than your actual size. To reduce shipping costs, try to accumulate a few orders before you make the purchase. You can also try the delivery service,  vPOST.

Jazz shoes are great for practising and dancing in. They're thin and soft, so your feet feel light and this allows for more precise and quicker footwork. In addition, jazz shoes allow you to get a very good feel of the floor. It's akin to wearing socks with traction. Most jazz shoes have leather uppers, with some designs mixing neoprene and other materials. The soles can be full or split-sole, using suede or EVA.

Jazz shoes are relatively cheaper than dance sneakers, and definitely don't feel as bulky. However, they also don't last as long. So if wish to stretch the lifespan of your jazz shoes, keep it for the classroom only.

On the whole, jazz shoes are excellent for dancers keen on improving their footwork and spins, and looking to advance their dance skills.

You can purchase jazz shoes from the stores listed below, are over the Internet. Make sure you know your size if you intend to purchase them online. Jazz shoes should fit your feet snugly.

The best place to get dance heels is at Leapin' Lizards. They can customize everything, including the heel height, type of material, amount and location of padding on the base, design of the shoe, accessories, etc. It takes about 3 weeks to make a pair, although they do offer an express service at an additional charge. Once the base of the shoe is made, you will be asked to pop by for a fitting. With your foot in place, they will adjust the other parts of the shoe to ensure an ultra-snug fit. After that, it only takes a week before your shoes are ready for collection. The price of your dance heels will vary according to the material you choose and your accessories. In general, you can expect to pay around S$80 to over S$100 for a pair.

There are also ready-made dance heels available, that range from S$30 to over S$100. The S$30 shoes can be found at OG Orchard Point, while the higher end models can be found at any store that sells dance shoes for ballroom dancing.

For more tips on buying dance heels, click here.