I am interested in buying some new Latin shoes. I dance Int. Latin in competitions. I am thinking about getting the 1 inch heel instead of the typical 1 1/2 inch heel. Will the 1 inch heel hinder my latin technique?
I am tall, and feel much taller and somewhat unstable with the 1 1/2 inch heels. What are your favorite brand of latin shoes for competition and for enhancing your Latin technique?

I have a pair with a 1 1/2 heel. For me they are useless. I like you have no balance in them. I think the best way is to try the shoes , which would have to be on a carpet for obvious reasons. Like Ice Skates,if you can' t walk or run in them you most certainly will not be able to skate in them or dance if it is in shoes. I've never thought about it before. I wonder if a bootmaker could take a bit off the heel. I might look into that. Otherwise I will never wear them again. They weren't a cheap pair either.

1.5 inches is generally for more advanced dancers- ask your coach for their opinion on what is best for you.

For me being a male dancer wearing 1 1/2
heels feel high and unbalanced. I use a cuban heel with 1 inch heels. They feel fine and more balanced, but I wonder if I am losing some latin technique movement in my dancing by using a 1 inch cuban heel. Some shoe companies make a 1 inch cuban heel. How important is is for an advanced latin dancer to wear a 1 1/2 heel?

Well, the more advanced dancer already has strength in their ankles and feet to handle the higher heel. It puches the weight more forward and gives a better leg line.

That said, it is better to dance comfortably and look stable as opposed to wobbling around. Ask your coach, they know your dancing best.

What I was looking for was a 1 inch heel that has a rather large base for stability. What are some brand names of your favorite male shoes. Freed, Supadance, etc. Supadance has a model 8000 priced at $153 that has a larger heel and is 1 inch. Has anyone tried this shoe?

Do any of you Latin dancers wear Black Nubuck instead of black leather for competitions? The Supadance model 8000 comes in both textures. I have seen this latin shoe at shows, but have never danced in it. It looks like a good choice. Has anyone on this site used this shoe for competitive latin dancing?

Nubuck can be quite popular, but it's less durable than leather, at least if you tend to put any part of the upper in contact with the floor.