Ultimate Dancewear & Accessories

(904) 766-0009
Contact Us Today!
  • Home
  • Products
  • Services
  • Gallery
  • Blog
  • Contact Us

5 Hacks to Extend the Li­fe of Dance Shoes

September 30, 2019 by Nekea S 30 Comments

Dance shoes are essential dance supplies for all dancers. An image of worn pair of pink ballet shoes with a whole in the right foot.

Whether your dancer is just beginning dance classes or a pre-professional dancer, quality dance shoes are an absolute necessity in order to progress as a dancer.

In this blog post, we are sharing five hacks to help you extend the life of your child’s dance shoes.

1. Get Your Dancer Professionally Fitted for Dance Shoes

Let’s get real. It’s 2019. Shopping online and having products delivered directly to your front door is very convenient and time efficient. We also know that shopping online for many products can also be more cost efficient.

However, there are some specialty products that you should always try to purchase in person. Dance shoes are specialty products that should be reserved for purchasing from a dance supply store. Dance shoes are sized differently from regular street shoes and often require conversions when fitting.

Professional dance supply consultants are trained to know how to properly fit the feet of all dancers. They have many techniques to help your dancer find the correct size dance shoes. 

A professional shoe fitter will know how to make sure your dancer has growing room in their dance shoes.

Although dance shoes are made to fit snugly, you never want your dancer’s shoes to fit too small or just right. It is good practice to purchase dance shoes (except for pointe shoes) with a little bit of growing room.

Being professionally fitted for dance shoes and having a little growing room in the fit of the dance shoes will help extend the length of time that your dancer wears the shoes.

Allow the professional shoe fitters at Ultimate Dancewear to assist you with this first hack. We perform free professional shoe fittings for every dancer for all styles of dance (e.g., ballet, pointe, tap, and ballroom).

2. Purchase Quality Dance Shoes

In addition to shopping online, we understand that it is very tempting to purchase dance shoes from discount department stores, such as Walmart or Target. However, the quality of dance shoes from Walmart or Target versus the quality of dance shoes from a dance supply store differs greatly. 

The majority of dance shoes found in discount department stores are made from bonded/blended leather. Bonded/blended leather is a very low grade leather whereby the leather is manufactured by binding small pieces of leather together with other non-leather material.

As a result, these low-grade leather dance shoes tend to feel as stiff as cardboard and are uncomfortable to the foot. This can cause soar, achy feet and technical failure for your dancer.

Now, imagine your dancer trying to dance with cardboard shoes. Would you agree that this would be very uncomfortable? 

Unlike the dance shoes that are found in a discount department store, the dance shoes found in dance supply stores are made from genuine leather. Dance shoes made from genuine leather creates a soft feel and a range of flexibility. 

One of the primary purposes of the use of dance shoes is to enhance dance movements. Therefore, you do not want your dancer’s shoes hindering their progress because the shoes are too hard and uncomfortable.

Your dancer will not endure as long in a low grade leather dance shoe as they would in a higher grade leather dance shoe. 

Feel free to visit us at Ultimate Dancewear to examine the difference in the quality of the dance shoes from the discount department stores and the dance shoes from our dance supply store.

If you want your dancer to have dance shoes that are going to last, invest in good quality dance shoes.  

3. A Mesh Bag is a Dance Shoe’s Best Friend

Dancing is a sport and a form of exercise. As a result, dance shoes are filled with pounds of sweat, dead skin cells, and bacteria. 

Over time, sweat, dead skin cells, and bacteria work to break down dance shoes. A mesh dance bag is used to slow down this process. 

Did you know that dance shoes have so much sweat in them that they can take up to 48 hours to dry completely? After every dance class, have your dancer remove their dance shoes from their enclosed dance bag and allow the dance shoes to dry in a mesh bag. 

A mesh bag contains small holes throughout the bag to allow air to circulate in and out so that the moisture will dissipate. The larger the holes in the mesh bag the greater the flow of air throughout the bag.   

You may be wondering why not just take the dance shoes out and allow them to air out without a mesh bag. Similar to a regular dance bag, a mesh bag also keeps dance items organized in one place.

Also, please note that your dance bag should be a breathable bag and not a plastic bag. A plastic or non-breathable dance bag will create a damp environment and will work to shorten the lifespan of your dance shoes. 

4. Clean Dance Shoes Properly & Never Place Dance Shoes in the Dryer

Dance shoe manufacturers generally advise to refrain from washing dance shoes. We also advise against washing dance shoes.

Although dance shoes, especially canvas dance shoes, can get pretty dirty, it is important to remember that your child’s dance shoes are canvases that showcase all of their hard work. 

If you want to wash your dancer’s shoes, we recommend that you only wash the shoes right before a dance performance. Do not wash their dance shoes for dance class.   

Wash canvas (cloth) dance shoes in the washing machine in cold water with a mild detergent. Then allow the shoes to air dry until they have completely dried. Do not place canvas dance shoes in the dryer!

Please be mindful that canvas shoes will shrink slightly (like denim jeans), but will stretch to your dancers’ feet after they start to wear them again. 

Use your handy-dandy soap and water or leather shoe cleaner to wash leather dance shoes. Do not place leather shoes in the washing machine or in the dryer! 

Properly cleaning your dancer’s shoes only when necessary and avoiding placing them in the dryer will help prolong their lifespan.

5. Never Wear Dance Shoes Outdoors

It is important to understand that dance shoes are not regular street shoes. The soles of dance shoes are created with the intent to be used on wooden or padded floors.

Although dance shoes are created to be durable shoes, dance shoes are not materialized to withstand the rough exterior textures of concrete or gravel.

Do not allow your dancer to wear their dance shoes to and from dance class. Wearing dance shoes outdoors will diminish the longevity of the dance shoes. Always have your dancer wear their regular street shoes to and from dance class. 

Dancers are to place their dance shoes on once they are inside of the dance studio or theatre. 

Wearing dance shoes outdoors will also damage dance shoes by creating rips, tears, and holes in the shoes. 

Extend the life span of dance shoes and prevent the frustration of dance shoes being unnecessarily ruined by simply not allowing your dancer to wear the dance shoes outdoors.  

Bonus Hack: Know When It’s Time to Get New Dance Shoes

We understand that you are not looking forward to having to purchase new dance shoes every year. However, it is important to remember that dance shoes are still shoes.  

Although dance shoes are created to withstand even the most enthusiastic dancer, it is important to remember that not even the strongest shoe is meant to last forever. 

Just like your dancer’s feet outgrows their school shoes every year, your dancer will also outgrow their dance shoes every year (and sometimes more than once within one year).   

Growing feet = need for new shoes.   

In Conclusion,

If you want to extend the life span of your child’s dance shoes, you must intentionally work to implement the hacks that we have shared with you.

It is also important to understand that these hacks are only a starting point to help you begin practicing how to properly care for dance shoes in ways that will allow for longer use.

Follow us on Instagram to specifically learn how to extend the life of your dancer’s pointe shoes.

Above all, it is vital to understand that dance shoes are not meant to last forever. Once you fully grasp this reality, you will have a much easier time following the steps to prolonging the life span of dance shoes and you will also be ready to purchase new dance shoes when it is time.

We want to hear from you! Which hack(s) do you plan to implement or what hack(s) are you already implementing? Or maybe you have a hack to share that we did not list. Comment below.

Filed Under: dance tips

Comments

  1. Delorise says

    October 10, 2019 at 3:22 pm

    The hacks I plan to implement are getting my dancer professionally fitted for her dance shoes, using a mesh bag and making sure the dancer never wears her dance shoes outdoors. At times we can rush and forget her mesh bag but now I make sure we take the time to double check and make sure she has everything.

    Reply
    • Nekea S says

      October 10, 2019 at 5:05 pm

      Yes, Delorise. There is nothing more upsetting than arriving at dance class or a dance performance to find out you have missing shoes. Double and triple checking is always a lifesaver!

      Reply
  2. Traci Armstrong says

    October 10, 2019 at 3:47 pm

    Love all the hacks! We will be getting mesh bags and never wearing them outside.

    Reply
    • Nekea S says

      October 10, 2019 at 5:44 pm

      Traci, a mesh bag will give dance shoes so much life.

      Reply
  3. Dena Howard says

    October 10, 2019 at 6:19 pm

    All good tips. I use a little tulle bag ( like a favor bag from the party section) and use some scented beads (like you add to the washer) to help keep the dance bag and shoes smelling a little better. Many times Sam’s Club has a free sample. There are so many shoes in the bag! at least a couple pair of ballet, pointe, tap, couple pair of jazz, tap, character and pedinis, half shoes and paws. That is one stinky bag.

    Reply
    • Nekea S says

      October 10, 2019 at 7:10 pm

      OMG, Yes! We didn’t touch on the smell of dance shoes. This is a great tip. Thanks for sharing, Dena!

      Reply
  4. Sonya Smith says

    October 10, 2019 at 7:04 pm

    Having a dancer on a pre professional track is a little costly. My dancer is fitted a couple times a year at Ultimate Dancewear by a professional consultant. She does not wear her dance shoes outside of the studio or theatre. The one hack that we learned from this article is to remove dance shoes and place them in a mesh bag and allow them to dry outside of the dance bag. I will encourage her to utilize the mesh bag to preserve her shoes. Thanks for sharing these tips.

    Reply
    • Nekea S says

      October 10, 2019 at 7:21 pm

      Sonya, we greatly appreciate your continued support and business! Being professionally fitted is so essential to finding the perfect dance shoes that will last. And, a mesh bag is such a blessing to dance shoes. Let them air out!

      Reply
  5. Gerrica Thaxton says

    October 11, 2019 at 12:26 am

    We will definitely be getting some mesh bags for dance shoes. I also didn’t know you shouldn’t put the shoes in the dryer, so we will be using this tip as well

    Reply
    • Nekea S says

      October 11, 2019 at 12:48 am

      Great! Mesh bags are an essential item for all dance shoes. Yes, please always avoid placing dance shoes in the dryer. Air dry the shoes. I promise you and the shoes will be happy, Gerrica.

      Reply
  6. Chintai M White says

    October 11, 2019 at 3:00 am

    My two hacks:I always get my twirlers shoes sized,and I always clean their shoes properly,and don’t put them in the dryer…let them air dry…

    Reply
    • Nekea S says

      October 11, 2019 at 4:52 pm

      Yes, Chintai! You are on the right track. Keep saving your coins.

      Reply
  7. Lindsey says

    October 11, 2019 at 6:11 pm

    The hacks I plan to implement would have to be the mesh bag and properly washing their shoes. Normally I just buy a new pair for recitals because I wasn’t sure how to properly clean them! The mesh bag idea is genius! My girls get a workout during dance so their shoes normally need to dry out. It drives me nuts seeing girls walk out of the dance studio in their tap and ballet shoes. My girls know that is a huge no no haha

    Reply
    • Nekea S says

      October 15, 2019 at 1:02 am

      Lol, yes! Seeing a dancer walking outdoors in dance shoes always makes me cringe and frown :/ A mesh bag is truly a dance shoe best friend. You will also be pleased with not having to smell the funk from dance shoes when your allow them to air dry properly.

      Reply
  8. Samiha Franklin says

    October 11, 2019 at 6:22 pm

    My hack : Hand me downs are ok! So far I’ve been able to pass down gently used tap shoes from my oldest daughter to my youngest. I also save gently used shoes for resale.

    Reply
    • Nekea S says

      October 15, 2019 at 12:26 am

      Yes, yes, yes, Samiha! We always encourage parents to pass their dance shoes down or to resale them if they have the opportunity, especially if they have toddler dancers. Unfortunately, our younger dancers are not going to last a very long time in their dance shoes because they are constantly growing. So, when you can, seize the opportunity to reuse or sell.

      Reply
  9. Nikki Daniel says

    October 11, 2019 at 6:22 pm

    The hacks I plan to use is never letting wear her dance shoes outside of the studio, and purchase a mesh bag for her dance shoes. I will start letting her shoes air dry instead of leaving them inside of her dance bag.

    Reply
    • Nekea S says

      October 15, 2019 at 12:18 am

      Nikki, not allowing Megan to wear her dance shoes outdoors is so important! Yes, air out her dance shoes in a mesh bag. Her shoes will be so thankful and dry lol.

      Reply
  10. Takera Fincher says

    October 11, 2019 at 6:39 pm

    i will be implementing the mesh bag and buying quality shoes. My daughter is new to dance so this was very informative. Thank you

    Reply
    • Nekea S says

      October 15, 2019 at 12:10 am

      Yes, Takera! Starting your daughter off on the right foot (literally) is so beneficial to her dance career. Thank you for taking the time to read the blog. My hope is that I am able to provide my dance family with as much education to help them have a successful dance season.

      Reply
  11. Jon and Carol C. says

    October 11, 2019 at 6:45 pm

    Great article!! We recently had my little dancer’s feet measured and professionally fit for her dance shoes for this year. I think this one change has dramatically changed how she feels and dances! So that’s the first hack I used and I plan to get a mesh bag for her shoes instead of letting them fester in her zipped up dance bag!

    Reply
    • Nekea S says

      October 14, 2019 at 11:58 pm

      Thank you, Jon and Carol! Being professionally fitted is definitely life changing for a dancer. I am so happy to read that having a mesh bag has been a main take-a-way for everyone. Regardless of how advance a dancer is, having a mesh bag will always be an essential item to help dance shoes last longer.

      Reply
  12. Fratina Emanuel says

    October 11, 2019 at 7:40 pm

    Thanks so much for these 5 hacks to extend the life of our dance shoes. We enjoy coming in periodically to get fitted for new quality dance shoes. You all know what’s best for my dancers’ feet. The only time they ever complain about their dance shoes is when it’s time for a new size! I will purchase a mesh bag so the dance shoes can breathe. While our dance shoes are not worn outside, I didn’t realize they need a bit of fresh air. . Mesh bags, here we come!!

    Reply
    • Nekea S says

      October 14, 2019 at 11:46 pm

      And, we love when you, Romeo, and Harmony come in to see us. 🙂 Yes, many people do not understand the critical need for allowing your dance shoes to dry completely. There is literally pounds of sweat in dance shoes. Can you imagine how much life dance shoes would have if they lived inside of a mesh bag?

      Reply
  13. Barbara S. says

    October 11, 2019 at 9:36 pm

    Well written article. The tips I plan to implement are, to always buy quality shoes. Too, store then in a mesh bag. Keep up the good work!

    Reply
    • Nekea S says

      October 14, 2019 at 11:41 pm

      Thank you, Barbara. Having quality dance shoes is so important! No matter how tempting it may be to purchases dance shoes from Walmart or Target just say NO! Your dancer’s feet will be so thankful.

      Reply
  14. Carol Owens says

    October 11, 2019 at 9:43 pm

    I have taught my granddaughter to care for her shoes even though she is 4. When we get home from dance there is a special mesh bag for her shoes.

    Reply
    • Nekea S says

      October 14, 2019 at 11:37 pm

      This is awesome, Ms. Carol. Our babies are never to young to start learning about how to properly care for their items.

      Reply
  15. Mike Sanders says

    April 8, 2020 at 3:01 pm

    I like what you said about not washing dance shoes so that you don’t’ damage them. My daughter has been telling me about how she wants to learn how to tap dance soon. I’ll share this information with her so that she can look into her options for professionals who can help her with this.
    http://twirlytoes.com

    Reply
    • Nekea S says

      April 25, 2020 at 3:45 am

      Hello Mike! I hope that your daughter has been able to take advantage of the free dance classes that are being offered online by professional dance companies, such as Dance Theatre is Harlem and Debbie Allen Dance Company. We hope that you and your family continue to stay safe and healthy! 💜

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

(904) 766-0009

Hello! I’m Nekea
As a former pre-professional dancer and now a dance supply consultant, I work with all dance parents to provide dance tips and advice to assist in your dancer’s progression.

Newsletter

Want our next blog post delivered directly to your inbox?

 

Recent Posts

  • 10 Helpful Tips for a Successful Dance Audition
  • 5 Hacks to Extend the Li­fe of Dance Shoes
  • Top 4 Reasons Why Stage Makeup is Important for Dance Performances

PAYMENTS WE ACCEPT: Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express

Copyright © 2021 · Ultimate Dancewear & Accessories · · Powered by ThriveHive