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Hip Hop Dance Shoes

Tulika Nair
If movies like Step Up series have caught your fancy making you want to groove to the hip hop tunes, knowing about the proper dance shoes may be a good idea then. Proper clothing gear is important for any dance form, and the same holds true for hip hop as well.
So Channing Tatum is your God, and hip-hop your religion. If you love street dancing, especially hip hop, in a way that you cannot describe, and every time you hear a hip hop song playing, your body automatically starts grooving to the music, then you are a true blue hip hop fanatic.
As it is with every dance form, hip hop too, looks cleaner and impressive, if the way the dancer moves has quality and grace in it. And, there are three things that determine this quality of movement - the dancer, the floor on which he is dancing, and the shoes he is wearing.
Somehow, these three factors play a huge role in ensuring that, when the dancer glides across the floor, his movement looks smooth and hardly laborious. Unlike other dances such as, Salsa, Ballet, Tap dance etc., which have strict specifications for shoes, there are no hard and fast rules in this dance form regarding the footwear.

Choosing the Best Pair of Shoes

As mentioned earlier, there are no strict rules where hip hop footwear is concerned. The only thing you need to be concerned about is comfort. If you are joining a dance class, you will be able to get on with shoes that have soft soles. If you are intending to wear sneakers, ensure that they are not the same as the ones you use on the street regularly.
The sneakers you wear to dance class should not affect the dance floor in any manner. These are probably the only rules when it comes to the footwear used for hip hop. Remember, there are no specifically labeled shoes for this form of dancing. So, just opt for a pair of sneakers that has a good quality and perfect fitting.
Furthermore, ensure that the shoes are flexible. This is important, as there is a lot of feet gliding movement in this dance form, and you do not want to be stuck with a pair of shoes that does not allow you to move across the floor with ease. One of the best options are running shoes that are very flexible with arch support.
Another variety of sneakers you can opt for, are basketball shoes, as they allow support for running and jumping. There are many stores that have the soft-soled shoes, and allow you to buy them online as well.
One of the most important things to keep in mind while choosing the footwear, is to ensure that it does not stick to the floor or squeak while dancing. Before getting into a rigorous dance routine, it is important to break the shoes in for a week or two. The more wear and tear they have been put through, the more comfort they will provide while dancing.
It is important that the shoes you choose fit tightly, as loose ones can cause injury. Also, ensure that you tie the shoelaces properly. Tie a double knot if necessary, and tuck the ends in, so that they do not come in the way while dancing.
Also, make sure that, even if you buy a cheaper variety, the shoes must be light weight, and do not strain your ankle joints in any manner.
While choosing hip hop shoes, the most important thing is comfort. If you are a street performer, there is no ascertaining what your dance floor is going to be, so pick a pair of shoes that provides complete support and comfort to your feet.