Dr. Rick's Health Tip of the Month

June 2001

Five Keys to a Good Latin Dance Shoe

By Rick Allen, DC

There are five factors that I consider keys to a good Latin dance shoe:

1. Shank– A solid steel shank will be good arch support. Test the shank by pressing into the arch of the shoe. The shank should not collapse.
2. Counter– The counter should be solid and built straight on the heel.
3. Laces– Men's Latin dance shoes often have five eyelets, which should be sufficient.
4. Heel– Men's Latin dance shoes have higher heels than ballroom dance shoes, typically 1- to 2-inches.
5. Fit– The counter should be snug, the longitudinal and metatarsal arches should feel supportive, and there should be room for toe movement. The shoe may be snug at first. Ask your salesperson how much the shoes will stretch.

See the previous months' tips for a review of ladies and men's ballroom dance shoes. You can read the complete articles on my web site:

Dr. Rick Allen is a chiropractor, massage therapist and dance student in Portland, Oregon. Dr. Rick welcomes your questions and suggestions for future articles. However, he cannot make specific diagnoses or treatment recommendations unless you visit him in person. He can be reached by phone: 503-257-1324, mail: 221 NE 78th Avenue, Portland, OR 97213, e-mail or World Wide Web: www.CascadeWellnessClinic.com

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