Tips for caring for Dance Shoes

As a dancer you know you must take extra care of your body, but did you know that caring for dance shoes is just as important? Dance shoes can be expensive and you want your shoes to last as long as possible. Dance shoes do require care that your regular street shoes don’t. By taking care of your dance shoes, you will help them last longer and you’ll spend less time shopping for new shoes.

Here are some general tips we’ve found to help you care for you dance shoes:

1. Ideally, you should consider buying at two pairs of each type of dance shoe you use. This allows you to alternate wearing the pairs, especially if you dance every day. Your shoes will last longer if you let them dry out and rest every other day. The moisture from sweat will break down the materials of the shoe.

2. Be sure to store your shoes in a separate bag after class or a performance. Don’t throw them in your dance bag, because they can lose their shape. If you have side pockets in your dance bag, especially ones with holes, store the shoes there. That will give the shoes exposure to air which will help them dry quicker after each use, and that will help them last longer.

3. When you’re not using them, store your shoes in a cool, dry place. You can find special pouches filled with materials like cedar chip sachets or cedar daisy wheels to put into dance shoes. These can quickly absorb sweat, reduce odors and help your shoes keep their shape longer.

4. Wear your shoes in the studio only. There are a number of reasons for this ~ Dance shoes are not built for streetwear and wearing them outside will shorten their lifespan. Many dance studios also forbid dancers from wearing street shoes in the studio as part of a health concern; many dance forms require to be practiced in bare feet. Barefoot dancers can get infections from outside germs brought in from dance shoes worn outside. Dirt brought to the studio floor from outside can also ruin the look of new shoes.

5. Don’t let anyone else wear your shoes. In addition to the health risks such as contracting athlete’s foot, your shoes may get stretched out of shape.

6. When you buy a pair specifically for performances, practice a few times to get accustomed to the new shoes and to break them in. Never perform in a new pair of shoes.

7 You can buy special covers for pointe shoes to use in class to keep the satin clean and looking brand new.

These are just a few pointers we’ve found, there are some you might use. If you have a tip you’d like to share, please call, fax or e-mail it to us, we’d love to hear it and will share it with others too! We can all learn from one another!

(Originally part of our "Studio of the Month" flyer series - September 2011)