Stepping into Bliss: Can Dance Heels Unlock the Secret to Happier Feet? Experts Weigh In on the Potential Uplift for Your Sole

I've eagerly anticipated reuniting with family and friends at weddings that were long postponed due to the pandemic. However, one aspect I'm not excited about is wearing high heels for the occasion.

These heels were made for dancing

Despite my appreciation for the aesthetics, I've always struggled with the pain associated with heels. Even when numerous user reviews assured that a particular heel was "so comfortable," I invariably found the shoes unbearable after a few hours.

During another online shopping venture in search of somewhat bearable yet aesthetically pleasing shoes, I stumbled upon two TikTok videos recommending a type of heel I had previously overlooked — the dance heel.

Dancers in ballroom, Latin, and heels (a dance style performed in high-heeled shoes, think Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies”) execute intricate and physically demanding routines while wearing heels, including stilettos. If dance heels can provide the comfort and support necessary for dancers to practice and perform, couldn't everyday heel wearers benefit from them as well?

After ordering a pair of ballroom dance shoes to wear at my next wedding, I reached out to a podiatrist and a professional dancer to gather their thoughts on this TikTok hack.

Left to right: Repetto Baya t-straps in silver; Repetto Terry pumps in black; Capezio Sara ballroom shoe in cinnamon

What is the reason behind the significant discomfort caused by traditional high heels?

The timeless elegance of high heels is adored by many, yet the very design elements that give them their distinctive shape can also be a source of discomfort.

Dr. Robert K. Lee, Chief of Podiatric Surgery at the UCLA Santa Monica Medical Center, explains, “In a traditional high heel, the foot will slant more aggressively, and that forces all your body weight to be focused on the balls of your feet. The higher the heel, the more of your weight is being focused in that area. The foot was not designed for all your weight to constantly be focused at the base of your toes.”

This constant pressure in the ball of the foot can lead to pain and overuse injuries, such as capsulitis (inflammation in the toe joints, often affecting the second toe) and metatarsalgia (inflammation in the ball of the foot).

Having experienced this pain personally, I was skeptical when people claimed heels were comfortable. Dr. Lee notes that the level of comfort may depend on the shape of one's foot. “For many, pain comes from compression on the sides [of the shoe]. Some women have feet that are narrower [in the front], and it’s easier for them to wear high heels. But some people are born with a foot that’s just not meant for heels, and they’re going to struggle much more.”

In what ways do dance heels distinguish themselves from conventional heels?

While the primary function of regular heels is aesthetic, dance heels are crafted to combine style with support and maneuverability for dancers. Notable brands for dance heels include Repetto, Capezio, Vamp, Aida Dance, Very Fine, Burju, and Vivaz.

According to Lee, dance heels may offer enhanced comfort due to added padding in the soles and the use of flexible materials around the foot. He pointed out that strappy heels lack support, making them less stable for dynamic movements, such as those performed by dancers. Stability is crucial to prevent tripping or falling during intricate routines.

Furthermore, dance shoe designers often address a significant flaw in regular heels by avoiding excessive weight on the balls of the feet. Lee noted, “Dancing heels allow you to bear more weight on the heel," making them more comfortable for wearers.

Left to right, all from Burju: Deloro strappy satin dance heels with crystals; Sierra silver vegan leather mesh lace-up ankle boot; Caressa black open-toe cage stiletto

However, there is a point of contention highlighted in the TikTok videos that Lee disagrees with: the purported benefits of increased flexibility around the balls of the feet. While this may be advantageous for dancers, Lee recommends seeking shoes with structure for optimal comfort.

“For the area where the balls of the feet are contacting the ground, generally the thicker it is, the more comfortable it is because it diverts more of that pressure away from the balls of the feet,” Lee explained.

Do dance heels provide greater comfort compared to regular heels?

Marie Rose Baramo, a seasoned professional dancer specializing in hip-hop, Latin, contemporary, street jazz, and heels, has a wealth of experience distinguishing between regular heels and dance heels.

In my early days of learning heels dancing, I wore regular heels because there wasn't a dedicated type for those classes, shared Baramo, who conducts her own heels dance class at New York City's Ailey Extension. If I teach my class in a regular heel, the pain in the ball of my foot is much worse than if I had a pair of Burju on.

Burju, founded by professional salsa and mamba dancer Burju Perez, is a preferred choice among dancers for its comfort and extensive range of styles.

Dancers share similarities with athletes, noted Lee. They aim to design their equipment — in this case, their shoes — to be as functional and efficient as possible for peak performance.

For Baramo, her specialized Burju shoes significantly contribute to achieving this goal.

I recently had a video shoot. We wore our shoes for about five hours. By the end of the day, I definitely felt it, but it wasn't nearly as bad as it would have been in regular heels, Baramo affirmed.Top of Form