Hello everyone! I currently dance in 2.5 inch heels but I have been struggling so I was thinking about purchasing 2 inch heels. I don't know if I would use the 2.5 inch heels once I start using the 2 inch heels. Should I continue to try to use 2.5 inch heels or should I spend the money to buy 2 inch heels?

It never hurts to have than one pair of dance shoes (I have at least 10)! If you are struggling with 2.5 inch heels, I would try 2" heels. The thing is to get use to them and train your body and leg muscles to dance comfortably in heels. It should be no problem to switch to 2.5 once you get use to the lower heel. The foot and leg look nicer in a higher heel. I have never gone below 2.5 in my latin shoes but did go down to a 2" heel in my standard shoes. I have noticed many pros wear a 2" standard shoe. Depending on much dancing you do, you might want to wear one for class and another for parties or special events.
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Often you can find the same shoe in a lower height if the style works for you. They will feel a bit different but you'll adjust. If you're very new to dancing, it can be difficult dancing in that high a heel. You can use them again once you feel more comfortable.

I have about 7 pair. Unfortunately, due to a foot problem (Morton's Neuroma)I had to start using a jazz/practice shoe as the foot recovers. I also now have "pretty" shoes in a 1" heel.I switch off between them. I'd much prefer to go back to my 1.5" shoes, but they still put too much pressure on the painful area.

Last time we had an NDCA coach come in he took my instructor to task about making me practice in 2.5" heels. I needed to move down to the 1.3" heels. He said 3 weeks before a comp I should start to work back into my 2.5" heels.

Also I've noticed a LOT of ladies on the Pro/Am comp floor are moving into 1.3" There is no rule against it. I have 2 sets of dance shoes that I take to a comp just in case my ankles start to give me trouble.

A lady who sells dance shoes told me that women who are on there feet dancing for hours each day are using a man's Latin shoe as a practise shoe for both styles of dancing.

When my foot problems were really bad a few months ago I didn't want to stop dancing, but knew I had to have a lower heel and a wider toe base. It's almost impossible to find a 1" heel in something remotely attractive in a woman's line. An open-toe also fits me best, but unless I go with custom-made, I won't find that anywhere. I did look at men's shoes, but they run wider so I wasn't sure how to order. I think there's definitely a love-hate relationship with women's dance shoes!

Guest - They do make ladies "practice shoes" that are similar to men's Latin heel. Again you will be in a 2" heel. Very Fine Dance Shoes has some nicer looking variations on the ladies "practice shoe."

If I didn't have my Bloch Split Sole Dance Sneakers, I wouldn't be dancing anymore. I do have practice shoes, but these really protect my foot. I'll use my practice shoes or low-heeled "pretty" shoes until they start to hurt, then switch to the sneakers. But I can keep dancing.