If you’re getting into dancing, it’s important to have the right footwear. Check out this guide to learn more about the best shoes for dancing hip hop.
The roots of hip hop may be in the west Bronx, New York.
DJ Kool Herc had started using two turntables to switch between two copies of the same record, extending the drum break. At his sister’s birthday party on July 27, 1973, his innovation took the place by storm. But it was six years before the term ‘hip hop’ was actually coined.
If you’re getting into dancing, it’s important to have the right footwear.
Check out this guide to learn more about the best shoes for dancing hip hop.
What Do You Need to Look For?
You need shoes that will minimize the potential for injury, support your feet when dancing, and be comfortable. Not all sneakers do this.
The casual, street nature of hip hop and hip hop dance tends to suggest that you can dance in whatever you happen to be wearing. It seems spontaneous but the truth is far from that. The best hip hop dancers practice their moves to the degree that it looks spontaneous and their choice of shoes is just as considered.
Choosing the best shoes takes thought, research, and even testing.
Here are some crucial factors to consider.
Support
Hip hop dancing involves lots of hopping, twisting, stamping, and squatting. This can put pressure on your ankles, knees, and hips. The muscles and ligaments in your legs get a pounding, too.
Support for your arches and ankles is helpful. Givenchy’s sneakers include ankle-supporting sneakers in their range. Padded ankle support is useful, but if that’s not an option, then at least securely fasten the laces.
Breathability
The heat and sweat generated during vigorous hip hop dancing can affect your feet. If sweat builds up in your shoes, it can cause friction, blisters, and further damage to your feet.
Natural materials or a breathable construction will allow heat to escape and moisture to evaporate. Cooler feet are happy feet.
Grip
Sneakers with grippy soles mean you can leap, stop, and turn with confidence. Staying on your feet is important whatever the dancing surface.
Some sneakers have soles with spin points that make twisting and spinning easier. These can assist slides, too. It’s important to get the balance between grip and slide right.
Shock Absorption
Part of the function of shoes in hip hop dance is to cushion the impact of violent moves. This shock absorption protects the feet as well as making the shoes comfortable.
Practicing hip hop moves can take hours of tiring practice. Keeping your feet stress-free will extend the time you can practice. Look for cushioning in the footbeds and EVA midsoles for added shock absorption.
Look and Feel
There’s no denying that a big part of hip hop is the style. How you look is important as well as how you dance.
The best shoes for dancing hip hop help you dance and look good, too. The stars of hip hop music often set trends but there’s room for genuine street influence. Start with retro, old school, and historical influences and add some of your personality too.
Good Luck Finding the Best Shoes for Dancing Hip Hop
Do your research and testing.
Once you’ve found the sneakers for you, dance in them until they bed in. When they feel like part of you, they’ll be your best shoes for dancing hip hop.
Keep browsing our site for more on hip hop music and dance.
