Tango Shoe Styles
When people who wear heels buy their first pair of tango shoes, the first style of shoe they buy is typically up to whatever is available at the local/festival shoe vendor in their size or guessing off a tango shoe website (typically in EU/ITA sizing). I was lucky and found a pretty perfect match right off the bat from G&G tango shoes locally in a T-strap black patent leather & leopard print model. I have since expanded to a few different styles of heels for tango and here is what I do and don't like about each, so they may help inform your shopping experiences!
T-Strap
This is one of my favorite styles due to how stable they feel for my feet. They don't pinch the balls of my feet, and the T-strap helps prevent my foot from slipping out of the box after 10 hours of dancing. The only thing I do not like is, since the T-strap and mechanism of tightening get pulled when I point my feet or strap my shoes too tight, they have quite a few points of high strain that can result in breakage. However, if you don't put them too tight and rotate, then they are super stable and comfortable for a long time. They are also different enough from other strap models that if you bring a pair of these and another model, then you won't put strain on your feet in the same way. After 32 hours of dancing at a festival/marathon, this can be a lifesaver.
Cross Strap
This is my current favorite style, and the brand that makes this particular style (Sur Tango Shoes) works the best for my feet. These are a wrap-around style that crosses over the top of your foot, connecting to the heel cage, and really locks your feet into the shoe against the arch of the shoe for maximum flexibility.
Ankle-Loop
This is the most common style of tango shoe where the strap wraps around the ankle and secures it there. They are also quite comfortable. I find that they are a bit more variable in fit for me, and if my foot catches on something, it can slip off my foot, hanging on only by the ankle. But they are generally quite comfortable and less fuss to get your shoes on, so you can get on the floor faster!
T-Strap + Ankle Loop
These shoes are an extremely popular and comfortable style right now and are the iconic model of the brand Regina Tango Shoes. For myself, they fit very well and make my feet feel really secure. They do put a little more pressure on the ball of my foot than I'd like, but otherwise, it feels great when I want to switch up my shoes during the week.
Wrap
This style is also relatively iconic to the Sur Tango Shoe brand and is a comfortable alternative to buckled straps! This makes them really comfortable for those who don't like buckles and who like adjustable straps customized to the foot support needed. They can be wrapped under the shoes, around the ankle, and more. Otherwise, they are very similar to the Ankle-Loop style.
My Favorite Shoes Brands Right Now
Regina Tango Shoes or the US distributor - Yuli-B
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