BATTLE OF THE DANCE SNEAKERS!
by Dance Makers, 18.9.2024
Our two most popular dance sneaker models right now are the Bloch - Omnia and the Fuego - Low-Top. Both models are globally popular among dancers, and for good reason! Perhaps you've been thinking about buying one of these pairs but aren’t sure which would meet your needs better. In this blog post, I’ll share my personal experiences with both sneakers, particularly from the perspective of different partner and social dance styles, and compare the models' differences and similarities.
First impressions of both models are very promising. Visually stylish and modern, they easily catch the eye on the store shelf. Both Omnia and Low-Top appeal to dancers because they look almost like "normal" shoes. Nothing about these models screams "dance shoes," and someone unfamiliar with dance sneakers might not even recognize them as such. The Omnia can be compared to a running shoe, while the Low-Top resembles popular contemporary sneakers like the Adidas Stan Smith. Upon first try, the Omnia feels lightweight, breathable, and extremely comfortable on the foot. "These shoes will definitely let me dance all night," I thought when I bought my first pair of Omnia. The Fuego Low-Top, on the other hand, is slightly heavier and sturdier. Fuego also has a visibly wider fit, which often suits wider, typically Scandinavian feet. The breathable mesh fabric of the Omnia is replaced in the Fuego by thicker synthetic leather, which gives the shoe a more polished and neat appearance. Of course, it's important to remember that appearance is often a secondary concern when it comes to dance shoes.
Both shoes feature a single-piece sole, which has become more common in dance sneakers in recent years. The Omnia’s sole is slightly more flexible and softer than the Low-top’s. However, the Low-top’s sole is very sturdy and stable. Both soles effectively absorb shock, which reduces foot fatigue while dancing. Sole grip is one of the most important characteristics of dance shoes. The sole needs to be slick enough for easy spins and movements, but with enough grip to avoid slipping. What makes all Fuego shoes special is their patented FlowTec™ outsole with two spin points. The Omnia does not have specific spin spots, but the sole is noticeably more slippery than regular sneakers. The Omnia’s toe and heel feature grip "stoppers," though I haven’t found them necessary in my own use. While I’ve not had issues with the Omnia’s grip, I have added Bloch spin stickers to increase the slipperiness for more demanding spins. The stickers adhere well and last a long time. The slipperiness of the sole is not a straightforward issue, as different dance styles require varying levels of slip and grip. There are also thousands of different dance floors, and no single shoe is perfect for every surface.
On a high-quality parquet floor, both shoes glide smoothly. At times, the Low-tops can even feel a bit too slippery if you need more grip. Especially for leaders in partner dances, Low-tops might feel too slick on parquet. The Omnia, however, excels on parquet. Both shoes perform well for one-foot spins and turns on parquet, but the Low-tops are significantly more slippery than the Omnia. Personally, I enjoy a good amount of slipperiness for easy spins, but too much can be a drawback in certain styles.
On a vinyl dance mat*, both shoes tend to glide less than on parquet. Vinyl flooring is often not ideal for social dance styles, though many dance schools still have it. On a vinyl surface, the difference in sole grip between Omnia and Low-top becomes more pronounced, especially in spin-heavy styles. For styles that don’t require much spinning, both shoes perform well on vinyl. However, for spins and movements that need good glide, the Fuego Low-Top is better suited to vinyl mats, as it still offers enough slipperiness for smooth dancing. On vinyl, the Omnia tends to grip too much, which can increase the risk of knee or overuse injuries.
Outdoor dance floors are typically rougher than indoor floors, meaning less glide overall for any shoe. Both Omnia and Low-top are well-suited for outdoor dance floors due to the material of their soles. However, the Omnia’s softer sole tends to wear down more quickly, especially on concrete or asphalt. On plywood or wooden outdoor floors, the Omnia performs excellently. Low-top’s harder sole material can withstand rougher outdoor use. In summer outdoor dances, you’ll often need to compromise on the slipperiness of your shoes. Ultimately, the atmosphere of outdoor dances often trumps practicality!
Choosing the right size for dance shoes can be tricky. I usually buy dance shoes about half a size smaller than my regular shoes because I prefer them to be snug and supportive. I recommend that customers, especially those debating between two sizes, opt for the smaller size in dance shoes. Another consideration when choosing size is how much the shoe will stretch with use. It’s important to think about how much the shoe may stretch over time. The Omnia, for example, stretches quite a bit, so I usually go for a noticeably smaller size to account for this. After a few uses, the shoe molds to my foot and feels perfect. Dance shoes often require a break-in period. I also had difficulty choosing the right size for Low-top. Fuego’s sizes run small, so I had to choose a larger size than usual. The laces help secure the shoe for a good fit. A general rule when selecting dance sneakers is that your toes should be able to lie straight, but there shouldn’t be much room between the toes and the front of the shoe. Choose a size that you wouldn’t typically wear in everyday shoes. A snug fit in the width won’t hurt, as the shoe will loosen after a few uses.
For many, sustainability is an important factor when purchasing shoes. All Fuego sneakers are vegan and PETA-approved, making them a comparatively responsible choice. While Omnia doesn’t visibly contain animal materials, there’s no clear information on its vegan status. For instance, the glue used in the shoes might contain animal byproducts. Neither brand is domestic, and the products are shipped to us mainly from Central Europe. Both models are manufactured in China. There is no detailed information available about the origins of the materials used.
Choose Omnia: if you want a lightweight, breathable, and soft dance shoe. The Omnia’s sole slipperiness can also be easily adjusted with spin stickers if you feel you need more glide. You’ll definitely get a comfortable dance shoe with the Omnia that will keep you dancing all night!
Choose Low-top: if you need extra glide in your dance shoes and a wider fit. Low-top’s sole absorbs shock effectively and provides excellent support. Low-top is also your choice if you want a shoe that works well as a casual sneaker or if you prioritize sustainability in your purchase!
Choosing between two excellent dance sneakers is hard! Both are well-suited to various dance styles, and neither can be crowned as superior. There are so many different dance styles and floors that no one shoe can be perfect for everything. The biggest differences between Omnia and Low-top are in the sole’s slipperiness, the shoe’s weight, and its appearance. By considering these factors, you’ll be able to choose the model that best suits your needs. And of course, the knowledgeable staff at Dance Makers is happy to help you in our store. Both models are available in our store and online. See you on the dance floor!
Summary:
*Tested in studio 3 at Dance Makers Dance Studios.
