When you're swing dancing or doing the Lindy Hop, your shoes matter just as much as your moves. These fun, energetic styles need footwear that's not only good-looking but also practical. Many dancers love vintage-style shoes with leather soles—and it’s easy to see why. Let’s look at what makes them such a great choice and how they can improve your dancing.
Why Vintage-Style Shoes Are So Popular
Vintage shoes bring back the charm and elegance of the swing era, when dancing was a big part of social life. Whether it’s a T-strap heel, two-tone Oxford, or Mary Jane, these styles reflect the classic looks of the 1920s to 1940s.
Memery shoes may not be made just for dancing, but they have features that help you stay comfortable even after hours on your feet. For swing dancers, they not only look great with vintage outfits, but also help you feel more in the spirit of the era. Whether you’re wearing a twirly skirt or high-waisted pants, these shoes complete the look.
One great example is the Grace shoe—a two-tone Derby style that was popular in the '30s and '40s.
Why Leather Soles Are Great for Dancing
Memery shoes often have leather soles, which are perfect for dancing. Here’s why:
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Smooth Movement: Leather lets you glide and spin easily—unlike rubber, which can stick to the floor and cause injuries.
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Long-Lasting: Leather holds up well with regular use, especially if you take care of it properly.
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Better Control: You can feel the floor better, which helps with balance and footwork.
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Breathable: Leather lets your feet breathe, which is a big plus during long dance sessions.
Our Eleanor Derbys are one of many styles with leather soles, inspired by true vintage designs.
Some of our other shoes, like winter boots and wedge sandals, have rubber soles instead. While they’re stylish, many dancers prefer our leather-soled shoes for better movement on the dance floor.
To check the sole type, read the product description—or just ask our customer service team, we'll be happy to help you.
Choosing the Right Dance Shoes
Here are a few things to keep in mind when picking swing dance shoes:
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Comfortable Fit: They should feel snug but not too tight. Leather softens over time to match your foot shape.
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Heel Height: A small or medium heel offers a nice balance between style and ease of movement. Some people prefer flats—it’s all about what feels best for you.
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Arch Support: Good support helps prevent sore feet. A stable heel is a bonus.
Our Ida evening sandals are a top pick—they have a low heel, closed toe, ankle strap, and leather sole, all in a classic vintage look.
Why Dancers Love Memery Shoes
Dancers love Memery shoes not just for swing and Lindy Hop, but also for styles like Balboa, Salsa, and Tango. Our designs are based on real shoes from the 1920s–40s, so they look and feel authentic.
They’re ideal if you want shoes that reflect the swing era and are made with care. Details like vintage stitching, accurate shapes, and color combos help create the perfect dance shoe—stylish, comfortable, and durable.
Even though they’re not made just for dancing, they’ve become a go-to for many swing dancers. Leather soles make spins and slides easier, and the shoes provide the support needed for fast, energetic steps. For example, our Marlene evening sandals are great for adding elegance on the dance floor.
How to Care for Leather Soles
To keep your shoes in good shape:
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Brush the Soles: Use a stiff brush to keep the soles smooth and clean.
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Treat the Leather: Use a little leather conditioner to keep them soft and protect from moisture.
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Keep Them Dry: Don’t wear them in heavy rain—leather can get damaged or slippery.
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Store Properly: Keep them in a cool, dry place. Shoe trees can help keep their shape.
For full details, check out our care guide: How to clean leather shoes and boots
The Perfect Vintage-Inspired Dance Shoes
Memery’s leather-soled vintage shoes are more than stylish—they’re practical and comfortable for swing dancing. If you love swing music and dance, these shoes will help you look the part and move with ease.
Ready to dance? Explore our collection of leather-soled shoes made for swing and beyond in our vintage dance shoes category. Or explore the history of a classic shoes, used for lindy hop: The saddle shoe in our article Are Saddle Shoes Back in Style? A Timeless Two-Tone Trend