Many times, even people who have been dancing for a while in L.A. do not know where to go to find good salsa dance shoes. Below we have posted a list of the most well-known stores in Los Angeles. We only picked stores that have been known to be around for many years; there may be new stores that are selling dance shoes right now, but we will not post them unless they remain in business for a long time, as dance shoe stores or retailers come and go all the time and we don't want to update this article 10 times in the next year or so. ;-) 

The stores we have picked are not paying for any advertising or for us to say that they are good stores to go to. We simply want to share the wealth and let you know where to go when you want to get a good dance shoe. Consider your location in the city and the quality and selection that you will find. Make the right decision on the store that fits you best.

Our insight and commentaries on the stores comes from direct personal experience with all of the local stores (yeap, we've shopped at all of them...not one store carries all that you want or need for your dancing). So, here are our picks:

Número Uno:

WorldTone Dance - Known for being the official provider and shoe designers for dance television shows like "Dancing with the Stars" and "So You Think You Can Dance," this store is very reputable and carries a great selection. They classify their shoes by dance style, type, and need. They have different price ranges and their staff is really helpful and knowledgeable about what they are selling and who they are selling it to. They will not sell you on the most expensive shoe, but the right shoe for you. The store also has two separate small dance floors with mirrors, so you can try out those steps you've learned and see how the shoes feel and look.

Their website address is http://www.worldtonedance.com/ and they are located in west Los Angeles, on Westwood Blvd. Call them at 310-234-9100 if you have any further questions. 

Número Dos:

Champion Dance Shoes - This store is located between Los Angeles and Burbank, on the heavily transited street of Barham Blvd, and parking is limited for it. Their selection is not as big as WorldTone, but they do sell good quality shoes and we have often found shoes here that were just what we were looking for. Some of the staff is not too knowledgeable about dance and only works there, but they are nice and helpful. If you are looking for ranges in prices for your selection of shoes, this store usually has more expensive shoes than it does cheaper ones. We placed them at number two simply because their selection is quality, and that's to be valued more than just a large selection. Try them out if they're near your area! 

Their website address is http://www.championdanceshoes.com/ Give them a call at (323) 874-8704 if you have any further questions. 

Número Tres:

George's Dance Shoes - This store has a history with the L.A. Salsa Scene and shoes from its store have seen performance stages and dance floors all over the world. They were always known for "custom-made dance shoes" and for high quality, resistance, durability, but they have not been too well-known for the looks of their shoes, although they do have some nice looking shoes. Under new ownership, they seem committed to maintaining the quality that the shoes were known for, and also wants to add the spice that great looking shoes give to dancers. The store is small and the selection is not so large, but people who frequent the store usually go to it for their "custom-made options". They will literally build you a shoe that will match your foot. If you cannot find shoes that fit you or make your feet look pretty, George can make shoes that will fit you well and you will like. You will be able to pick your colors, leather materials, heel size, etc! 

Their website address is http://www.georgesdanceshoes.com/ and you can reach them at (818) 955-7704 if you have any further questions. 

Número Cuatro:

Elegance Dance Shoes - This store has, by far, the largest selection of dance shoes available for both, men and women, and they have very nice looking styles as well. They are at number four, however, because they are not know for their quality or durability, and the shoes do not last too long. But if you rather have a good looking shoe or want to pick from a wide selection of dance shoe styles, colors, and designs, you may want to check out Elegance. There are plenty of people who only go here for their great selection of shoes, so that is a plus for them. 

Their website address is http://www.eleganceshoe.com/ and you can reach them at (818) 788-3216 if you have any further questions. 

Número Cinco:

Very Fine Dancesport Shoes - Although we have mixed feelings about listing this store because of quality reasons, we feel it's important to let you know that they are, by far, the most affordable shoes on the market. The shoes will last you for the most part, but they will also get loose and in some rare cases may tear or break. But the tearing and breaking can actually happen to any shoe in the market; sometimes that kind of stuff just happens. You can find shoes here starting at $50 or less at this store and they have a lot of distributors, as well as their own stores, so there may be one close to you. Their selection is also very good and a lot of girls wear them out for salsa dancing. So, if you feel like buying 3-4 $50 dance shoes or taking advantage of their usual 2 for 1 specials, give them a try.

Their website address is http://www.veryfineshoes.com/ and you can contact them at (888) 558-8688 if you have any further questions. 

If you have a recommendation of a store that we missed and has a business trajectory of many years, and is well known, please send us an email in our contact page! We'll update the article for that, if we can see that the store is actually one worth listing. 

Our goal is helping dancers have the information they want in order to sustain their salsa dancing newly found love! :)