It's about that time again to be thinking about purcheasing new shoes. Here's my question to other ladies: Should I try 3" heels or stick with a 2.75 inch? Does it make a huge differance in the heel hieght? I tried walking in them once and was a bit uncomfortable in it but dancing in heels is different then walking I've found.
Thanks in advance for all the advice!

Are the heels for smooth or rhythm? The heel should be a little bit lower in smooth and it depends on your comfort level and balance...toe releases are sooooo hard if your heel is too high.

For the rhythm...I use the same trick I use when buying a pair of Tango shoes. (In bare feet) Stand up, get into proper dance frame and then stand on your toes (keep your frame). The highest point at which you can still easily maintain your balance is your base, subtract 1/4 of an inch and that is how high your heel should be. You need someone with the ability to use a measuring tape to help you

I learned that from a shoe maker in Argentina and it has been a really great way to get comfortable shoes.

I don't know...I'm not a professional but it really works well for me.

Belleofyourball is right a lot of it depends on your comfort level and balance. It can also depend on the shoe as well. I sell dance shoes and I had a lady trying on shoes the other day. She had always worn 2.5” heel as she had tried 3” before and she could not walk in them. She tried 3” heels in Amys After 5 brand (the brand I sell) and she was able to walk and dance in them. (she was so pleased with them that she ended up buying 2 pairs of shoes in the 3“ heel height) Amys After 5 is a fairly new brand but I find them to be more comfortable and made of better materials then even the top brands. (which is why I wear them) And they are 1/2 the price of the top brands! (About $70) Plus my balance improved when I started wearing them and they don‘t wear out as fast as other brands. So if you want more support and balance from your shoe I defiantly recommend trying this brand. You can get them at amysafter5.com.

Belleofyourball gives excellent guidelines. Many of us learn through experience. Variations of the style of shoe heel itself, via the manufacturers makes a difference, not just in the heel height. It boils down to - what are you comfortable in? Can you test out a "cheaper" version of what you think you want to dance in? It is not worth it if your knees and feet are screaming at you by the end of the time your done dancing in your shoes. Also, some people have found that heel protectors - while they extend the life of your actual shoe heel pad - can sometimes change your dance frame - even through the protector can measure only 1/4 inch difference. Lastly, some ladies I know have worked up to 3 inch heels. For the most part many of them dance in 2.5 to 2.75 high quality shoes. Ultimately, it's all in what you want and how comfortable you are. Asking around is a great start.

Words of advice. Ladies stand your dance shoes on a flat surface. If they tip outwards you are using the outside edges. This is not good. You would need a new pair of shoes every couple of weeks. Either that or change your ways.

I am dancing for 13 years, an I've changed a lot of shoes from different brands and different models.

Now, I have Ray Rose with 3,5 inches, and I feel comfortable.

Ii s also depend in which style you are competing. I compete in Inter. latin and standard. But there is also a big difference between American and International style. American is more, I can say, softer in your knees.

When you are wearing heels, you are already on your toes, and trust me, if you can't walk in higher heels, don't buy it.

I would say it is a personal preference. I have two pair of 3" but, I use them for when I am dancing for less than 2 hours. They aren't going to help with balance.

2-2 1/2" are probably your best bet. I am getting some for competing. I would go with a 1 1/2" heel for practices over 2 1/2 hours. The better the quality, the more comfortable you will be. Stephanie's professional line is very good quality and not bad prices. Check it out! I hope this helps you in your search.

This is false! In international, especially, your shoes will most likely wobble. The reason is because of PROPER weight change while dancing.