Hip-hop is not just music or dance; it is a whole subculture with its own rules and trends. That is why your outfit should be not only comfortable but also stylish. Footwear plays a key role in creating the right look. If you don’t know how to choose the best shoes for dancing hip hop, this short guide will help you get the perfect pair.
Key Factors to Consider
Usually, hip-hop artists perform in sneakers. You will definitely want to have a separate pair for dancing, as your everyday shoes may be too dusty and not flexible enough to perform on the dance floor or other venues. Since you need to buy an extra pair of sneakers, take it as seriously as possible. Here are the main factors to pay attention to when trying on and shopping to find the ideal footwear.
1. Size
Experts recommend getting shoes for any dance style in exactly the right size. Correctly measure the length of your foot and determine its completeness. Getting a slightly smaller or larger pair will cause great discomfort and may even injure your feet. Many sneakers are made of leather, which tends to stretch over time. Consider this factor. While you can put on an extra pair of socks when wearing casual shoes to keep your sneakers from dangling, it is unacceptable in dancing.
2. Breathability
Hip-hop is a very energetic activity. Choose shoes made of natural fabrics with holes for ventilation. If shoes are synthetic, they do not wick away sweat well and does not allow air to pass through. Because of it, you can be very hot and uncomfortable while moving. Over time, it can lead to the appearance of blisters and even fungal diseases.
3. Foot support
Footwear should protect the dancers from shocks and injury resulting from jumps and sharp turns. Therefore, footwear properties such as arch and ankle support should be considered with the utmost care. Many artists choose professional sports trainers, such as basketball ones, for their training and performances. They provide excellent arch support, absorb shock and vibration, and fix the ankle in place to protect it from twisting.
4. Outsole
Since hip-hop performances can take place indoors and outdoors, so you should be prepared to dance on any surface. When choosing sneakers, pay attention to their soles. They should be flexible enough so that you can perform any movement. Modern trainer outsoles are made of the following materials:
- Carbon rubber (tough, sturdy, and most common);
- Blown rubber (soft, lightweight, but slightly less durable);
- EVA foam (more flexible than the previous two but less durable).
In specialized stores, you can find sneakers with split soles. This sole is divided into 2 parts in the heel and toe areas, and the absence of a midpart provides maximum flexibility for the foot.
5. Weight
Beginning dancers do not often pay attention to the weight of sneakers. However, this factor can make your dancing difficult if you choose too heavy shoes. You will get tired faster, and at the end of the lesson, you will not be able to perform movements at full. That is why experienced artists choose professional sports shoes. Basketball footwear is very lightweight because basketball players need to jump high, which can also play into your hands.
Don’t Forget About Design and Style
Of course, your safety and comfort should come first when choosing dance shoes. But hip-hop is such a direction in which fashion is essential. By the way, some dance schools have specific requirements for the design and color of sneakers so that all their dancers look different from others. In hip-hop battles, it is vital. And classy shoes just get more attention.
