I am a male amateur dancer. It appears there are what I will describe as 'Latin' shoes having a slightly higher heel or 'Smooth' shoes having a slightly lower heal. Is one heel style a more 'universal' fit for a person wanting to have a single pair of shoes attending public group classes (Smooths or Rhythm dances) and open ballroom dances ?
Like to hear opinions from a variety of dancers. Thanks in advance, The Over-Thinker.

Flat heels are essential for proper rise and fall in Foxtrot, Waltzes, Quickstep , etc. imo

For a first pair of shoes, Leads should get Standard/Smooth, and Follows should get Latin.

For leads, a latin heel *will* eventually make a difference in your ability to engage and emphasize your hip, but you will struggle to even learn proper technique if you try do Standard/Smooth dances with a Latin heel.

For follows, my information, admittedly second hand, is that the effect is less pronounced. You will, however, eventually benefit from Standard/Smooth shoes, particularly in Foxtrot, where heels are dragged quite a bit.