Free shipping over €99*

READY. SET.DANCE.

International Dance Shoes  |  SKU: BL15PCFW0002LEO024

Heather Split-Sole Practice Shoes • Ballroom & Latin Dance Shoes

Regular price €145,00 EUR

Flexible split-sole Ballroom and Latin practice shoes with gel cushioning, arch support, suede soles and a stable low heel.

  • Ultra Flexible

  • Lace-Up

  • Lightweight

Color: Leopard
Size

Average Fit Rating

Size & Fit Advice

All shoes are displayed in UK sizes. The size printed on the shoe or box may differ due to the manufacturer's international sizing system.

Fit: Snug - we recommend starting approximately ½ UK size above your usual street-shoe size.

Heather should feel comfortably close around the foot, with the heel securely positioned and the toes lying naturally. The lace-up front allows useful adjustment through the upper and instep.

If the shoe still feels noticeably tight across the width after sizing correctly for length, consider another width or style rather than continuing to increase the shoe length simply to gain more space.

Materials & Construction

Upper: Soft Lycra / fabric
Sole: Suede split sole
Heel: 1.5" Cuban heel
Cushioning: Gel-padded insole
Support: Integrated arch-support unit
Fastening: Lace-up
Construction: Made in England

Care information

Gently wipe the upper with a soft, slightly damp cloth and allow the shoes to air dry naturally away from direct heat.

Keep suede soles clean and dry. A specialist dance-shoe brush can be used carefully when required to refresh the suede nap and maintain the preferred floor response.

Store in a breathable shoe bag and allow the shoes to air fully between longer practice or teaching sessions.

Best For: Ballroom Practice • Latin Practice • Teaching • Coaching • Long Training Sessions • Lower-Heel Preference

Description

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 Dancers
Heather 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 Note
We 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.

Reviews (0)

About International Dance Shoes Brand

About International Dance Shoes – Handmade Ballroom & Latin Dance Shoes

International Dance Shoes (IDS) is one of the world's leading manufacturers of ballroom and Latin dance shoes, trusted by social dancers, teachers and World Championship competitors alike. Handmade in England using premium materials and traditional craftsmanship, every pair is designed to deliver exceptional comfort, stability and performance on the dance floor.

Renowned for their elegant styling, precise fit and innovative cushioning, International Dance Shoes offer outstanding support for ballroom, Latin, salsa and social dancing. From practice shoes to competition footwear, each design combines lightweight flexibility with lasting durability, helping dancers perform confidently through every lesson, rehearsal and performance. With decades of expertise, IDS continues to set the standard for premium British-made dance shoes.

Delivery & Returns

 

All orders are sent via GLS. A signature will be required upon receipt of your order. If there is no-one available to accept the package a calling card will be left behind for you so you can re-arrange delivery.

Free EU Standard Delivery on orders over 99€

Please visit our delivery page for further delivery information and our returns page for returns information.

Customer service can be contacted via email : orders@danceworld.ie

By phone - Ireland: 01 497 6129, UK and Rest of World: 00 353 1 497 6129