I am 26, and my husband and I have just started taking lessons (standard and Latin). I need to buy a good pair of shoes, but I have issues:
1. I have plantar faciitis in both feet.
2. I have never, ever worn high heels (before I got p.f., I wore chunky platforms).
3. I don't know which options are best for me (heel style, material, straps, etc.).

I already know *where* to find shoes and that brand preference is very subjective, but can anyone help with some general guidelines for addressing my issues? I can't afford practice shoes/sneakers *and* nice shoes, so I'd prefer the latter with as much support as possible.

Help! (and Thanks!)

They make shoes in a variety of heel heights from one inch to three. I suppose if I were in your position I would try to find a lower heel, maybe 1 1/2 inches. Latin shoes have a metal plate running along the sole for extra support and its suprising how easy it is to dance in them. As far as standard shoes they come in low heel heights as well, but they tend to be tight on the foot to keep them in place, at least mine are. They do make straps to go on court shoes that help keep them in place, if you buy them comfortably loose.

I have foot problems, too, so I sympathize. I'd recommend keeping the heels as low as possible (my latin shoes are 2 in. and smooth 1 1/2 in.) You might also want to try the thicker kinds of heel for better support. Don't let vanity overrule comfort. Uncomfortable shoes will hamper your dancing and could cause further foot problems.

I also use gel inserts under the ball of my foot (where my foot problems are). The best kind I've found are made of clear gel with no covering. Some people may say that you shouldn't use inserts because you need to feel the floor when you dance. I find I can still feel it well enough with the thin, flexible gel inserts and the reduction in pain is worth it.

As far as material and styles are concerned, it depends on what you plan to do in the next six months to a year. If you will be competing, you'll probably want tan satin shoes (although it is often acceptable to dance "newcomer" at comps in black or other shoes). If you will only be taking lessons and social dancing, you can pretty much go with any material or style you like.

I found a good compromise for an attractive practice shoe at dancehappy.com. They carry Elegance shoes and have a very pretty shoe with a 1 1/2 heel. It's mostly mesh with a small open toe and it laces over the instep for a perfect fit. When I first started taking lessons, I used it for both latin and smooth and for social dancing. Got lots of compliments on them!