As we know, dance shoes can be expensive. In order to get the most wear out of them, it is important you take care of them. Each pair of shoes in unique and it is important they receive the proper care to provide maximum support, protection and performance. Below I will explain how to repair, wear and clean your dance shoes the correct way to ensure they last you as long as possible.
Wear:
- The most important thing is to NEVER wear your dance shoes outside. Not only does it put harsh wear on the shoes, it also tracks dirt and debris into the dance room and dance floor. It is important we keep the dance floor clean and sanitary.
- Being gentle when putting on your footwear and taking it off is very important. The life span of many shoes, such as footundeez, can be extended by doing this.
- Wearing the proper clothing with your dance shoes can make a big difference. Wearing tights with your ballet, jazz and tap shoes can cut down on the growth of bacteria from sweating.
- NEVER dance in broken shoes. Whether they are your tap shoes or pointe shoes, it can cause serious consequence like rolled ankles or even hair line fractures.
Storage:
- Be sure to store dance shoes in a cool and dry place. Leaving them unable to breathe will cause odor and decay.
- Keep your dance shoes away from water. Since they are mainly made of leather, water can damage them greatly. Same goes for your satin pointe shoes, water can shrink and cause the box to deform. Any moisture left if your dance shoes is never good.
- When at home, keep your shoes in your bag up and away from any family pet or siblings that may get into them and or lose them.
Repair:
- Before fixing shoes at home, be sure to seek out the correct materials. It may take some research but it will be worth it in the long run. For example you can use wood glue to repair a stripped tap shoe screw or a heel comes lose. Most other super glues and other adhesives will eventually crack and not hold. Your satin on your pointe shoes is freying? Ad a little bit of Frey Check to the edges of your ribbons or the platform of your shoe.
Cleaning:
- Leather Shoes: You can clean dirt off leather shoes with Melamine foam, which can be found at Home Depot.
- Canvas Shoes: You can wash canvas shoes in the washing machine, however, DO NOT put them in the dryer. It can cause them to shrink.
- Suede Shoes: A shoe brush on suede-bottom shoes will keep the texture and clean them efficiently.
- Pointe Shoes: You can clean stains on the satin with a small amount of baking soda and water to make a paste. Gently apply it with a soft cloth or toothbrush to the stain. Let it sit over night and gently wipe away the dried baking soda. It is important to NEVER get them wet, it can drastically cut the life span short. If they do get damp place them in front of a fan to help dry them. Be careful not to rub the satin with a rough abrasive cloth, it can ruin the finish of the Satin.