BUDAPEST TANGO MEMO

From handcrafted models to carefully selected brands,

Kálmán Horváth shares how the right shoes can transform your dance, your posture, and even your relationship with your partner.

In this short interview, he takes us behind the scenes of tango footwear and explains why choosing the right pair is far more than just a matter of style.

What is your background?

I have quite a diverse background. After high school, I worked as a police officer for eight years. During that time, I started learning tango, and I’ve now been dancing for 19 years.

After leaving the police force, I worked in various fields before eventually founding my own company that specializes in designing and distributing tango shoes.When I first saw a tango show, it had a huge impact on me. I was completely mesmerized — I knew immediately that it would change my life.

Do you remember what that show was about?

Yes, it was in December 2005 in Budapest. The show was part of a tango festival

organized by László Budaï. It featured amazing international dancers and took place

in a theater. I had bought two tickets — one for me and one for my ex-girlfriend. We were curious and excited to discover what Argentine tango was all about. After the show, I knew I wanted to learn the dance. I was drawn to the connection between the two partners, the emotions, the overall atmosphere, and the rich culture behind it.

What did you do to achieve this goal?

It probably took me about nine months to explore the world of tango: I listened to the

music, watched performance videos, and tried to understand the meaning and

essence of the dance.

How did you choose your first lesson?

In the beginning, I chose classes based on what fit my schedule and location.

Most people find a teacher who meets their initial expectations as beginners. But I

believe that if you want to grow in your own direction, you must try different

experiences and learn from various instructors. That’s how you discover your own

style.

It takes time — often years — and continuous learning is essential not only to

improve but also to maintain your level. It demands time, money, and energy.

At first, tango may seem like a low-cost activity, but eventually, you realize that it is

quite an investment. However, the results come with dedication.

Today you’re leading your own tango shoe company. Can you tell us more

about it?

When I started dancing tango 19 years ago, there were no tango shoe brands in

Europe. Most of the European brands only started around 15 years ago.

Back then, the only way to get tango shoes was from Argentina. If someone traveled

there, they would bring back 10 to 15 pairs and sell them to other dancers.

Of course, that wasn’t always enough to meet the demand, so it was difficult for

dancers to find the right shoes. Since I had a connection with a shoemaker in Hungary, we started designing some models and eventually created a brand. We invested in marketing and began selling the shoes at festivals.

However, we eventually parted ways due to different business goals, and I founded a

new company, which still exists today. Over time, other brands noticed my work and invited me to represent them as a reseller. That allowed me to expand my range and better meet the needs of both male and female dancers.

What about the other brands you distribute?

I currently represent 12 brands, all of which specialize in dance shoes. Specifically for

tango, I work with six of these brands. I chose them because I personally tested the quality and received excellent feedback from dancers.

My own brand focuses on custom handmade shoes for men, produced in Hungary.

In addition to footwear, we’ve also expanded into clothing, offering shirts, trousers,

and jackets.

As for custom handmade women’s shoes, they are more technically complex to

produce and would have required a level of investment I wasn’t ready to make.

Instead, I partner with Italian manufacturers who offer high-quality women's shoes.

Their products are beautiful, and I can deliver them quickly.

When it comes to tango shoes—especially for female dancers—the priority is always

comfort and stability. During a dance, you need to feel secure in every movement.

Do you see new trends in tango shoes?

Yes, there are a few emerging trends.

For example, many women’s shoes are now open at the back—something that

wasn’t common 20 years ago. The front is often more open as well.

In terms of color, while classic shades like black, brown, and red remain popular,

metallic colors like silver and gold are increasingly in demand. These shades are

easier to match with dresses or pants. Ultimately, everyone wants to stand out. That’s why a wide variety of colors, textures, and materials are now part of tango shoe design.

Men’s shoes, on the other hand, tend to remain more traditional. Black is the

standard—easy to match with any outfit.

Unfortunately, most men aren’t bold enough to try something different or match their

shoes to their clothing.

Through my clothing collection, I’m trying to encourage men to be more adventurous

with their style.

Any advice for beginners looking to buy tango shoes?

Stability is the most important factor, especially for women.

The choice of heel height depends on the dancer’s experience with high heels—there

are no strict rules.

Of course, high heels can make you feel more confident and elegant, but you should

choose your shoes based on your needs, comfort level, and goals.

For example, practice shoes—designed to be worn for up to six hours—are not part

of my product line. I am specialized in shoes for milongas (social tango events).

Shoes carry a message: they can reflect respect for your partner, for the music, or for

the event itself.

While practice shoes may be acceptable at an afternoon tango marathon, they’re

usually not worn during evening milongas. It’s more of a tradition than a rule, and

everyone is free to follow it or not.

There are also new alternatives, like low boots that both men and women can wear.

These are becoming a trend, especially among the younger generation.