Am about to start ballroom dancing and wanted to get a good pair of ballroom shoes. What's the best kind of material to get? Both for the sole as well as the shoe itself. I hear lycra is pretty good. Does it depend on the type of dances I'll be doing?

I'm not sure about shoes for men, but for the ladies, either a leather or suede (leather with soft surface) sole will do. As to anything *above* the sole, get something that is flexible, supportive and will easily form to your feet. Leather will be best (at least, IMHO) here as well.

Good luck with the shoe-quest!

"Carpe diem, quam minimum credula postero." - Horace

Hi, again.

It seems leather is the general consensus. Let me ask another question: to people who've used lycra shoes (the dance shoes vendor in Edmonton sells them), can you compare them to leather or other material type shoes?

If you only want a single pair, I would recommend a general purpose men's black leather ballroom dance shoes which will come with suede soles. The suede soles give you some grip without sticking to the floor. Watch out for synthetic leather uppers, they are not very durable.

These shoes aren't suited for wearing on the street or dancing in clubs where the floors are dirty or wet from spilled drinks. I know a few people who use dance sneakers (Jazz sneakers) for for this type of dancing (country, swing or latin).

Blair