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:
- 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.
- Counter– The counter should be solid and built straight on the heel.
- Laces– Men's Latin dance shoes often have five eyelets, which should be sufficient.
- Heel– Men's Latin dance shoes have higher heels than ballroom dance shoes, typically 1- to 2-inches.
- 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 who splits his time between Portland, Oregon and Trout Lake Washington. 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 at 503-257-1324 in Portland, 509-395-0024 in Trout Lake, or toll free at 1-888-247-3248, email or on the World Wide Web: www.CascadeWellnessClinic.com
DISCLAIMER: The information included in this website is meant to encourage thinking concerning choices of care for and insight pertaining to possible causes of various problems. It is not a prescription for or diagnosis of any disease or condition. Suggestions are based on the assumption by the writer that a thorough examination was done previously and the reader is under care by a healthcare professional. This information is not a substitute for a live doctor.
© Dr. Rick Allen
Cascade Wellness Clinic