Shoe Styles
When people who wear heels buy their first pair of tango shoes, the first style of shoe they buy is typically up to whatever is available at the local/festival shoe vendor in their size or guessing off a tango shoe website (typically in EU/ITA sizing). I was lucky and found a pretty perfect match right off the bat from G&G tango shoes locally in a T-strap black patent leather & leopard print model. I have since expanded to a few different styles of heels for tango, and here is what I do and don't like about each, so they may help inform your shopping experiences!
T-Strap
This is one of my favorite styles due to how stable they feel for my feet. They don't pinch the balls of my feet, and the T-strap helps prevent my foot from slipping out of the box while flexing and articulating. One thing to note is that T-straps have a few points of high strain that can result in breakage with over tightening and high use. However, if you don't put them too tightly and stretch them, then they are very stable and comfortable. They are also different enough from other styles that if you bring a different style pair, you won't put strain on your feet in the same way. After 32 hours of dancing at a festival/marathon, this can be a lifesaver.
Slipper Style
Very secure style, covering one or both sides of the foot, sometimes if not balanced well for your foot can put you off balance and strain but otherwise puts the least strain on material and the highest security! One of my favorites for stability and fun to play with fun prints.
Cross Strap
This is my current favorite style, and one brand that makes this particular style (Sur Tango Shoes) works the best for my feet. These are a wrap-around style that crosses over the mid-top of your foot, connecting to the heel cage, and really locks your feet into the shoe against the arch of the shoe for maximum flexibility.
Ankle-Loop
This is the most common style of tango shoe, where the strap wraps and secures around the ankle. They are also quite comfortable. I find that they are a bit more variable in fit for me, and if my foot catches on something, it can slip off my foot, leaving them hanging on only by the ankle. But they are generally quite comfortable and less fussy to get your shoes on, so you can get on the floor faster!
T-Strap + Ankle Loop
These shoes are an extremely popular and comfortable style right now and are the iconic model of the brand, Regina Tango Shoes. I find them slightly wide on my foot and the straps secure around my foot in places that provide me the most security however they do work well for many people and are excellent quality.
Wrap
This style is also relatively iconic to the Sur Tango Shoe brand and is a comfortable alternative to buckled straps. This makes them really comfortable for those who don't like buckles and who like adjustable straps customized to the foot support needed. They can be wrapped under the shoes, around the ankle, and more. Otherwise, they are very similar to the Ankle-Loop style.
My Favorite Shoe Brands Right Now
Strictly4dancers - has different shoe companies, I like Tangolera and ships from England
