Moonwalking is not a child’s play. And it’s definitely not possible with any kind of shoe. You need to get the right shoe to pull off this iconic dance move by MJ.
So, the question is, what are the best shoes for moonwalking?
Well, any shoe with low traction is good for moonwalking. But you also need lightweight shoes for proper movement in dancing. So loafers, sneakers, walking shoes, dress shoes, and converse are great for moonwalking. Besides, wearing silky dress socks will help you get your first fluid move easily.
Our piece covers a wide discussion of the best shoes for moonwalking. Let’s jump into the article to learn more about it.
Do You Need Special Shoes for Moonwalking?
No, not per se. Moonwalking does not require any specific footwear. Your skills and practice will show your work, not the specialty of some kind of shoes. Any shoe with a bit of friction will do your job.
But do not use any high friction shoes. They might interfere with your efforts to moonwalk. You won’t be able to perform the moonwalk smoothly if you wear shoes with traction.
You require footwear with gliding soles so you can walk over surfaces. Tennis shoes won’t do the trick. Smooth-soled, low-resistance loafers are better. Wearing silky dress socks when you first start will help you glide more easily and become used to the fluid movements.
It should appear as though your feet are moving backward across the surface.
Best Shoes for Moonwalking
One of Michael Jackson’s dancing moves that will endure for all time is the moonwalk. We can all agree that no one perfected the Moonwalk quite like Michael Jackson did, regardless of the controversy surrounding whether or not the pop icon developed the dance routine.
The pop star’s shot had a big impact on the Moonwalk’s charm. MJ donned a special pair of shoes in the music video for “Smooth Criminal” that required retractable pegs to be hooked into a slot in the heels.
Michael had the design patented because it was so unique in order to stop copycats from copying the manoeuvre.
Well, maybe you won’t quite find the top-class moonwalk shoes like MJ’s but here is a list of the best options you can find in the market.
| Best Moonwalking shoe | Features |
| Skechers Unisex-Adult Classic Fit-Delson-Camden Sneaker | Air Cooled Memory FoamRubber sole100% Textile and Synthetic. |
| New Balance Men’s 577 V1 Lace-up Walking Shoe | 100% Leather.Abzorb cushioning.Medicare reimbursement. |
| Bruno Marc Men’s Oxford Dress Shoes | 100% Vegan LeatherClassic lace-up construction.Lightly padded latex footbed.Flexible and comfortable. |
| Adidas Originals Women’s Stan Smith Sneaker | 100% Leather and synthetic.Synthetic lining.Lace closure, soft feel.OrthoLite sock liner.Rubber cupsole. |
Now let’s see what kind of shoes you can use for moonwalking.
1. Sneakers
Sneakers are widely used fashion and active shoes that provide low traction. And that’s a perfect quality for a moonwalking shoe. Also, sneakers are very lightweight and they fit like a glove.
But some sneakers provide anti-slip soles which will not be great for moonwalking. Check them before you buy a sneaker for moonwalking practice.
Click here to check out some sneakers.
2. Walking Shoes
If you are looking for moonwalking shoes that provide support, stability, and breathability, then walking shoes are the best option for you. Walking shoes are basically made to provide comfort and they fit well. And breaking into them is not hard at all.
Also, their low traction quality screams their worthy candidacy as moonwalking shoes. To take a look at some amazing walking shoes, click here.
3. Dress Shoes
Dress shoes are the best option for moonwalking because they provide zero traction. Dress shoes are made of leather and provide durability with the touch of elegance.
So, if you want to go for the whole MJ look for your moonwalking, dress shoes will make your appearance chicer.
So, if you want to look at a fantastic collection of dress shoes, click this link.
4. Converse
Converse is a fashion staple in today’s world, and we don’t see anything else replacing this wardrobe essential anytime sooner. The converse is lightweight, comes in a great fit, and provides very low traction.
All these check all the boxes for a perfect moonwalking shoe, and you can choose them for your iconic MJ move.
Click here to see a huge collection of converse.
How Can I Make My Shoes Moonwalk Slippery?
It’s not easy to find a perfect shoe for moonwalking. Because either you will get shoes that are too slippery or not slippery enough. Usually, you will find the latter one. But if you do so, we can help you with that.
We can demonstrate some techniques you can use to add traction to your shoes. Let’s read below to find out about them.
Using Sandpaper and Oil
- First, sand the shoe’s sole by starting at the top or bottom and moving in small circles. Make sure to work slowly and evenly sand the whole sole. Because more tread provides more grip, the objective is to lower tread depth.
- Once you finish the first pair of shoes, finish them with cooking oil, such as olive oil. The sole of each shoe should be thoroughly oil-rubbed using a paper towel. Remove any extra liquid, then let it air dry.
Using Nail File
- Even while using a nail file to smooth out the tread on two pairs of shoes might seem daunting, it is an option if you don’t have any sandpaper.
- If you need to lower the traction merely in a few points on the bottom of your shoe, nail files are also useful for tiny areas.
- To avoid going overboard, you can try moving the nail file slowly and deliberately, much like you would with sandpaper.
Using Sandy Surface
- You can run briefly on a hard surface with a layer of sand or coarse material if you do not need your grip to be reduced significantly.
- This may be beneficial if you specifically wear the sole down to your wear pattern.
Using Gaffer Tape
- Use gaffer tape or another cloth-based solid tape for a less permanent fix.
- Place the tape in strategic locations, such as the entire sole’s heel, ball, and toe. Trim away any extra to prevent yourself from becoming injured.
- Gaffer tape is less permanent, but after using your shoes for a while, it could still be challenging to remove (or it might leave a sticky residue).
Using Suede Sole Kit
- You can use a suede sheet with adhesive backing you will find included with the kit. You can apply it straight to your sole or trim it to fit whatever shoe style you choose.
- Some hip-hop shoes feature suede only on some areas, such as the ball, to allow for spinning or the choice of traction at certain locations but not at others. If you want less traction in a particular region, you can trim the adhesive suede in a suede sole kit.
Which Type of Shoes Is Best for Dancing?
When you are dancing, your feet move a lot. You must wear special shoes when dancing to prevent any injury to your feet. We know it’s difficult to find a dance shoe, so we put together a list to ease your pain.
Let’s take a look at this table.
| Best Dancing Shoes | Features |
| Athletic Propulsion Labs Women’s Techloom Phantom Running Shoe | Rubber soleFabric: Fused knitFlat profileRounded toe |
| Ryka Women’s Vida RZX | 100% Synthetic.Rubber sole.Anatomical precise-return footbed.Re-zorb high impact cushion.ultra flex forefoot. |
| Under Armour Men’s Charged Assert 8 Running Shoe | Leather soleLightweight mesh upper.Durable leather overlays.EVA sock liner. |
| Bloch Women’s Boost DRT Suede and Mesh Split Sole Dance Shoe | Rubber sole.100% Leather and Textile.Lightweight midsole.DRT cushioned heel. |
| Bloch Women’s Omnia Shoe | Rubber sole.100% Fabric or Textile.Shock absorbing lightweight outsole.Double knitted toe bumper.A padded internal heel counter. |
But there are some different types of shoes too for dancing. Let’s read below to find out more types of dancing shoes.
1. Ballet Shoes
Most traditional dancers have a pair of ballet shoes in their wardrobe. They are offered in a variety of hues, materials, and designs. A classically trained dancer requires ballet classes.
They are required to have a pair of either satin ballet shoes with a ribbon for your young ballerina. On the other hand, more experienced dancers require traditional canvas ballet shoes.
When it comes to dancing, ballet shoes are the most popular kind. The simple, adaptable aesthetic is ageless. So much so that “Ballet flats” are shoes that don’t include dance but have the name and a similar appearance.
Ballet shoes are not an exception to the rule that classical influences maintain their classical style.
2. Pointe Shoes
The typical fantasy of a ballerina is to put on their first set of pointe shoes and move fluidly around the floor. Since pointe shoes are worn while standing on your toes, they are sometimes called “toe shoes.”
These sturdy, boxed shoes give the impression that you are barely on your toes, yet the toe pads provide your toes, which are working hard with a cushioned feeling. Before switching to pointe shoes, pre-pointe shoes need to be trained appropriately.
3. Pirouette Shoes
Pirouette shoes, often known as poetic shoes, are made of leather or canvas. These straightforward but practical shoes are best suited for competitive dance, especially when there are numerous twists.
These shoes are designed specifically for turning. Pirouette shoes often contain an ankle strap around the ankle to keep the toes in the cushioned pocket and protect the ball of the foot from shielding your dancers’ exposed feet.
4. Jazz Shoes
Although jazz schools typically use them, jazz shoes can also be used in musical theatre and even lyrical dance. They come in white, beige, or black and can be slipped on or laced with a small heel.
Jazz shoes and character shoes both contribute to the ensemble. Before performing, you must thoroughly break them in to prevent blisters. You should put on thick socks under your jazz shoes to allow the fabric to stretch during the initial courses.
FAQ’s:
- Are Basketball Shoes Good for Dancing?
Yes, you can. But your dance skills may be restricted by the grip or scuff marks that basketball sneakers’ soles may leave on the floor. You can find other lightweight shoes that won’t restrict your dance moves.
- Are suede soles slippery?
Yes. Because of their suede soles, you can effortlessly glide on the dance floor while wearing Latin and Ballroom dancing shoes. But when dance shoes are too slick, it is not good. In that case, you might need to purchase a new one with the appropriate level of traction.
Take Away
If MJ is your idol, moonwalking should be your ultimate dancing move. However, it’s no walk in the park. But, shoes can help you achieve the action. But what are the best shoes for moonwalking?
A lightweight shoe with low traction is best for moonwalking. So, go for loafers, sneakers, walking shoes, dress shoes, and converse, and start practicing your favorite MJ dance move.
