Designed for the hours spent practising rather than performing, the International Dance Shoes Heather Split-Sole Practice Shoe combines exceptional flexibility with cushioning, support and a stable low heel. A favourite for Ballroom and Latin training, teaching and coaching, it offers a comfortable alternative to finer performance heels without losing the responsiveness dancers need through the foot. IDS Heather Practice Shoe Personality Flexible • Cushioned • Responsive • Hard-Working Heather has the relaxed confidence of a true practice shoe - comfortable enough for long studio sessions while still feeling distinctly made for dance. Choose Black for a classic professional workhorse, Beige for a softer, understated finish, or Leopard when you want your practice shoes to have a little more personality. International Dance Shoes Heather Split-Sole Practice Shoes – Design & Performance Heather's defining feature is its ultra-flexible split-sole construction, designed to give Ballroom and Latin dancers greater freedom through the foot during practice and teaching. The divided sole allows the midfoot to move naturally, creating a responsive feel through detailed footwork, turns and changes of direction. Comfort is equally important in a shoe designed for hours of wear. Gel padding through the insole helps cushion the foot during extended sessions, while built-in arch support provides additional comfort beneath the foot without taking away the flexibility that gives Heather its distinctive feel. The soft upper and lace-up front wrap comfortably around the foot while allowing the fit to be adjusted through the instep. The low 1.5" Cuban heel provides a broad, stable base, particularly useful for teaching, long practice sessions and dancers who prefer more security than they may feel in a finer or higher Ballroom heel. Sole material also extends over the back of the heel, creating a smoother surface for heel drags while helping protect this high-wear area. IDS Heather Technical Profile Construction Split-Sole Practice Shoe Upper Soft Lycra / Fabric Sole Suede Split Sole Heel Height 1.5" / Approx. 3.8 cm Heel Style Low Cuban Heel Fastening Adjustable Lace-Up Cushioning Gel-Padded Insole Arch Support Built-In Arch Support Fit Feel Close • Adjustable • Flexible Best Suited To Ballroom • Latin • Teaching • Practice The Dance World Technical Profile provides a quick overview of each practice shoe's construction, fit characteristics and intended use, making it easy to compare different models at a glance. IDS Heather Practice Shoe DNA Our Dance World Shoe DNA highlights the five characteristics that define how the IDS Heather feels underfoot, helping dancers compare its balance of comfort, stability and movement with other Ballroom and Latin practice shoes. Comfort ●●●●● Gel cushioning designed for long hours of dancing Stability ●●●●○ Low Cuban heel creates a confident practice base Flexibility ●●●●● Split sole moves naturally through the foot Floor Control ●●●●● Suede sole responds beautifully through turns and footwork Support ●●●●○ Arch support adds security without restricting movement The Dance World Shoe DNA compares the defining characteristics of Ballroom and Latin practice shoes. A higher score does not necessarily mean a better shoe - it shows the balance of comfort, stability, flexibility, floor control and support so dancers can choose the feel that best suits their training. Dance World Expert Tip Heather really comes into its own when you're spending hours rather than minutes on the dance floor. For Ballroom and Latin dancers who normally perform in finer or higher heels, it offers a comfortable training alternative while still allowing the foot to articulate and respond naturally. It's also an excellent option for dancers who feel more confident practising in a lower heel. The broad Cuban heel provides additional stability, while the lace-up front lets you fine-tune the security around the foot, particularly useful during longer classes, private lessons and teaching days. Dance World Fit Advice - IDS Heather Adult & Professional DancersHeather should feel comfortably secure around the foot, with the heel held neatly in place and the toes able to lie naturally. The lace-up front allows useful adjustment through the upper, making it easier to fine-tune the fit for long practice sessions, teaching and Ballroom or Latin training. Heather Fit NoteWe recommend starting approximately half a UK size above your usual street-shoe size. The shoe should feel close and controlled without pressure through the toes. If half a size up still feels noticeably tight across the width of the foot, consider a different width or shoe style rather than continuing to increase the length simply to gain additional width. Dance shoe sizing is a starting point rather than a guarantee of fit. Foot shape, width and preferred practice fit can all affect the size that feels best.