Shoes

Suede-soled shoes are best for dancing, because on almost any floor, for almost any dance, the suede gives just about the right amount of slip-vs-grip. Suede-soled shoes are the universal norm for ballroom and swing dancers.

CHEAP OPTIONS:

Jazz Shoe - Buy local (see below) or online (i.e., https://www.amazon.com/Capezio-Womens-Jazz-Oxford-Black/dp/B0016JHCIM/)
Bowling shoes with felt, suede or leather soles
Have a comfortable pair of shoes resoled with “dance suede” at a local shoe repair shop (approx $50)
Resole a pair of shoes yourself by ordering suede sheets with the adhesive already applied and simply trim to your own shoe (approx $20):
https://www.soles2dance.com/
or https://www.amazon.com/s?k=stick-on+soles+for+dance+shoes&crid=105ETDJ2M7LI
DanceSocks – go over existing shoes; can buy ones for smooth floors or carpets

REALLY CHEAP OPTIONS:

Cut up a pair of old socks to pull up over the front half of a regular shoe (your own DanceSocks)
Put blue masking tape on the bottom of any comfortable shoe. Good for 1-time use. Easy to remove.
Put gaffer tape or duct tape on the bottom of any comfortable shoe. Lasts longer than masking tape. Duct tape might be harder to remove without leaving residue.

LOCAL DANCEWEAR AND SHOE STORES:

The Leotard

2432 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Portland, OR 97212

Phone: (503) 284-9244