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Shoes
Dance shoes for salsa
Of the many choices for footwear for salsa, there are three categories (or two if you're a man) which we have described below in order to help you work out which ones are for you. You'll see people wearing every different type of salsa shoes at classes on Thursdays so don't be afraid to ask where they're from or what they're like. We've also provided details at the bottom of the page for local dance shoe shops in Hull and links along the right hand side to internet shoe retailers.
Jazz shoes
These are the cheapest (£12—£25) and great for spinning. They give your feet absolutely no protection from rogue stilettos, so are a bit risky for social dancing, and provide no arch-support, so women are sometimes discouraged from using them. If you do buy a pair, you'll probably prefer the "split sole" type with suede soles.
Dance trainers
These are dearer (£40—£55) but can give great toe protection and arch-support, and usually last longer than jazz shoes. They're great for long days of workshops when your feet appreciate all the cushioning. The ones with rubber soles are rubbish for spinning, but there are other sole materials (suede and textile) that should be a lot better (for details ask Darryl).
Nic has a pair of men's 
from SalsaTribe.
They come recommended by some top dancers, are swappable between split-sole/solid-sole, are great
for spinning, protect your feet, and only cost £32! They can be bought online from SalsaTribe and they'll probably also be available to try/buy at the next Salsology event.
Dance heels
These look like high heeled sandals. They come in various styles but we would recommend looking for the most comfortable shoes you can find with low heels and suede soles. They are the most expensive type of women's salsa shoes (£50—£120) but also the most popular and can be a good investment if looked after. Having the right pair will help your posture and movement, usually giving good arch-support (which helps with spinning) but rarely giving toe protection.
A lot of women get them custom made to get the right fit (see Heavenly Dance Shoes and Bespoke Dance Shoes) which is advisable if you have feet of an unusual size or fitting or want the luxury of picking the colours etc. However if your feet are a 'normal' size and shape you should be able to buy lovely off-the-peg shoes from local shops (see below) or online (see links on right). It can be difficult to find heels of a sensible height (eg 2½") however this is particularly worthwhile if you don't normally wear heels - if shoes aren't totally comfortable to walk in they're not going to be nice to dance in, you need to be able to forget that you're wearing them.
Local dance shoe shops
Some local salsa folk have recommended the below shops in Hull for purchasing salsa shoes. We have heard tales of low prices and they certainly have some satisfied customers.
Fairytales, 631 Holderness Rd, HU8 9AL (01482 790611)
(opposite Morrisons)
Miss Dance, 311 Holderness Road, Hull (01482 219229)
(vicinity of Big W)
Also keep in mind that at congresses and at big social nights (like Salsology) there are often shoe stalls where you can try things on and stare enviously at all the lovely dance shoes.