Introducing Shoes
Stereotypically, Tango shoes are usually leather soled. The "why" of this varies - tradition, speed of pivoting, ability to dance on a variety of surfaces, ability to be used as street shoes. As a result, they're stiffer than latin shoes (but I find them more flexible, after wearing them for a while, than court shoes).
Comme Il Faut shoe.
Styles run the gamut. There are traditional ones which look very retro, with wingtip patterns and closed toes. There are latin-y looking ones with strappy vamps. There are sandal-style ones. Heel cages vary--cut back, pointed, strappy, blah blah blah. Arches are usually fully or partially exposed. Open toe or peep toe styles are popular. Toes should not be hanging over the edge at all--they should be pretty well protected.
Darcos Tango shoe.
Heels tend to be pretty high - 3" to 4" is pretty standard--and are often stiletto or pencil heels. Lower, cuban heels are also around, but they're less common IME. This is functional, in that AT is often danced with the weight pretty forward (anywhere from centered somewhere between instep and ball, to outright leaning on partner), and having the heel does help to keep that weight forward.
I find my tango shoes to be way way way more comfy than my ballroom sandals (social style), or my court shoes. Infinitely more comfy than my court shoes. They're super lightweight and made for walking.
NeoTango shoe.
Oh, and they're sexy. Either retro black/red or black/white, or any of the more flashy colors...a lot of emphasis is placed on footwork in AT, and sexy shoes show that off. and, after a while, people tend to become assimilated and start liking sexy shoes even when they've previously displayed absolutely no girlie tendencies whatsoever...
For more information:
- Peaches