NEWSThe Best Ballroom Dance Shoes to Wear in The City
May 28 2025, Published 1:02 a.m. ET
San Francisco has an amazing ballroom dance scene, even though many people think they can only find it in Los Angeles. Why travel nearly 400 miles from home when San Fran boasts dozens of ballrooms suiting every need? Practice. Performance. Socialization. Competition. Whatever your heart desires, the city delivers. With so many options, finding a worthwhile ballroom can be challenging. Below, find a list of the city’s most amazing ballrooms beloved by locals and visitors alike.
But, wait, there’s more!
Ballroom dancers should always step on the dance floor wearing the right shoes. When you’ve finished this post, you’ll know which ballroom shoes to put on your feet before heading to the popular spots on this list and ensure you do so wearing the right ballroom shoes.
Not all dance shoes are created equally. Stepping on the dance floor in the wrong shoes diminishes your movements and confidence, and may lead to discomfort, pain, or injuries. Avoid possible headaches when you learn what to look for in dance shoes.
Best Ballrooms in San Francisco
Where can you dance the night away?Locals appreciate the following ballrooms a little more than the rest. They’ll exceed your expectations like so many others.
Fairmont
Fairmont is one of the most prestigious hotels in San Francisco, and yes, its ballroom matches the elegance. When you want an upscale evening of dancing, head down to this hotel on Mason Street.
Fairmont hosts small, intimate events, competitions, and social events of every ballroom style. Tango? Cha-Cha? Waltz? You got it! This hotel’s ballroom offers some of the best ambiance in town.
Put on your costume, pair it with your favorite dance shoes, and head down to Fairmont for an unforgettable evening. All shoe styles go, although leather soles seem to be a fairly popular style beloved for their flexibility and support.
The Regency Ballroom
Another upscale luxury dance facility,The Regency Ballroom, sits on Van Ness Avenue in a historic building built in 1909. From the ambiance felt the second you open the door to its elegant decor, The Regency Ballroom has everything dancers need for excitement: a beautiful balcony, hardwood floors, and meticulous decor.
Don’t forget your feet. Experts recommend classic suede-soled ballroom shoes. A pair of suede soles gives dancers more control over their glides, yet maintains support and comfort even when worn for hours per dance session. A suede sole delivers support when it is needed.
Julia Morgan Ballroom
Locals frequent the Julia Morgan Ballroom in San Francisco’s Financial District. The convenient location on California Street makes this ballroom perfect for corporate events, but it is welcoming for any formal event or intimate reception.
The dark lighting gives a romantic ambiance, making this spot great for couples looking to express themselves through dance. Put on your favorite dance shoes and live it up with your lover at Julia Morgan Ballroom.
As for the best style of dance shoes to wear at this ballroom, experts recommend a hybrid pair.Hybrid shoes are unique and give dancers an opportunity to do more on the dance floor.
Featuring split soles and suede traction, dancers have amazing freedom and flexibility to move their feet to the beat.
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Golden Gate Smooth Dancers
Located in South San Francisco, Golden Gate Smooth Dancers hosts regular dance events for ballroom dancers performing tango, foxtrot, waltz, cha-cha, and more. Dancers are always welcome here, regardless of their ballroom genre.
San Francisco has tons of elegant ballrooms worth checking out, although we’ve listed the best of the best in our list above. It doesn’t matter if you want to head out for an evening with friends, attend a social event, or compete against other great dancers; you’ll find a place accommodating your needs. Check out the listed spots first!
How to Choose Ballroom Dancing Shoes
Now that you know the ballrooms in San Francisco most beloved by locals, it’s time to learn how to pick out shoes. Ballroom dance shoes are not created equally and shouldn’t be purchased without first considering if they are suited to your needs.
Take your ballroom dance to the next level when you step on the floor in the right shoes!
Consider the information below when shopping.
- Dance Style: The ballroom includes many dance styles, which impact the best shoes a dancer should wear. Thankfully, shoes are available to accommodate them all. Options include short heels, high heels, strap closures, suede soles, and leather soles.
- Sole Material: Ballroom dance shoes feature unique soles made from either suede or leather. The two materials provide enhanced grip and extra flexibility over cheaply made rubber soles, helping to elevate performance and increase safety.The sole materials are supportive and comfortable and offer additional benefits to help dancers elevate their performances.Which sole material do you prefer?
- Shoe Material: Dance shoes feature suede or leather soles but can be made from many materials, including leather, synthetic fabric, and stain. Leather maintains durability but molds to the foot over time. It is the most common type of ballroom shoe worn in San Francisco.
- Comfort/Fit: Dancers need shoes that meticulously support their feet. Shoes should fit snugly, but not so snugly that foot restriction could occur. Proper-fitting shoes give dancers added freedom on the dance floor and added support for the feet, ankles, and legs.
- Experience: Inexperienced, new dancers often prefer a more supportive shoe for added stability while they acclimate to the dance floor. Experienced dancers typically prefer flexible shoes, enabling enhanced articulation and flow. Consider your experience level and comfort when picking shoes.
Investing in a good pair of dance shoes is an investment for a great dancing journey. Use the information above to find shoes that enhance performance and confidence, provide comfort, and put your safety first.
Step out in style in the right dance shoes, no matter which San Francisco ballroom you prefer. With the information above, you can find a great place to dance with your favorite partner and buy shoes designed for your needs.
