A pair of a Very Fine Perseus men's ballroom dance shoes

When I bought my first pair of dance shoes, I used my street size. They stretched so much that they’re now larger than my normal size. It’s been two years since I bought those shoes, but I’m reminded of those shoes when looking at the Very Fine Perseus shoes. This review covers the Perseus, a shoe for Ballroom and Smooth styles. In this review, you’ll learn about its features and how it holds up on the floor.

What Very Fine Says About the Perseus

  • Soft Leather Lining: The inside is lined with soft leather for comfort.
  • Suede Sole: A suede outer sole provides the right amount of slide and grip.
  • Heel Foam: High-density foam in the hell helps absorb shock from the floor.
  • Arch Support: A built-in shank provides arch support.
  • Leather Upper: The leather stretches to fit your foot.

What Dancers Say

Comfort (3/5)

Dancers report the leather lining feels soft right away. The foam in the heel helps during long nights of dancing. It lacks the memory foam insole found in other models. While the shoe is stiff at first, the break-in period is short.

Support (3/5)

The 1-inch heel and shank provide a steady base for ballroom and smooth styles of dance. This helps with heel leads and turns. Some report the top of the shoe feels loose after a few months. However, it stays secure enough for most beginner tasks.

Sizing (3/5)

These shoes fit most feet but the toe box is wide. Dancers report the material stretches soon after you buy them. You may struggle to pull the laces tight enough for a snug fit. Because they stretch so much, you have more room to size down your shoe.

Pro Tip: After the leather stretches, you can keep the shoe tight by wearing thick socks.

Longevity (2/5)

The materials on this model tend to wear down quickly. Reports show the finish can flake or crack after some use. Sometimes the suede sole peels away from the shoe. The good news is you can glue the sole back down to save them.

Style (3/5)

The Perseus has a plain, classic look. It’s a black lace-up shoe that fits any dance studio. It won’t stand out, but it looks clean on the floor. The style works well for both ballroom and smooth dance styles.

Final Verdict

The Perseus is a good start for new social dancers. It offers a classic look and a soft feel. The main trade-offs are the quick stretching and low material life. It’s a middle-of-the-road shoe for dancers looking for a practice shoe. However, these shoes may not be a good fit the professional or avid social dancer.

The right shoe of a Very Fine Perseus men's ballroom dance shoes

Want to try this shoe out? Pick up the Very Fine Perseus here. Even if you’re not ready to purchase this shoe, add it to your cart so you can come back to it later.

Affiliate Disclosure: Dancewear Labs uses affiliate links. When you make a purchasing using one of our links, we earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.