Extending the Life of Your Dance Shoes

Imagine this scenario: your little one just started dance class for the very first time.  You purchased the cutest leotard, the dance bag that speaks to her personality, and the tiniest little tap and ballet shoes.  She’s ready for class!  Flash forward two months later.  Your little one is complaining that her shoes are too tight, and you don’t understand the problem – did her feet really grow that much in such a short time?

There are a number of factors that could decrease the life of your little one’s dance shoes.  We have identified the most commonly reported reasons and some solutions that could help you stretch the life of the shoes (and your wallet).

Shoes are tight on my beginner dance student after just a few months of class.

Let’s face it – children’s feet grow pretty quickly.  But if you haven’t noticed much growth in their everyday shoes and the dance shoes are tight, chances are the shoes were too small at the time of purchase.   When fitting dance shoes for your dancer, make sure the sizing is at least one half size larger than their regular shoe size.  The best rule of thumb is to ensure you can pinch the front of the shoe with your index and middle fingers on top.  Ballet shoes can fit tighter by pulling the front elastic, and tap shoes can be outfitted with a heel grip, available at any local drug store.

My pre-teen and teenage dancer is complaining of tight shoes. 

Shoes are sized larger on small dancers because their feet will grow throughout the year; however, teenagers have probably grown into their permanent shoe size, which changes the sizing process.  Jazz and ballet shoes should fit snug around the entire foot with one finger of pinch room at the front of the shoe.  These shoes stretch slightly, molding to the shape and size of their feet, so it is important not to have too much additional room in the shoe.  This will hinder their progression and make the line of their leg from hip to toe appear shorter.

I just bought these shoes and they are falling apart!  Did we purchase bad shoes?

There are many different brands of dance shoes, and not all are made the same.  Price sometimes plays a part in the quality of the shoes, but more often than not, it is how the shoes are cared for by the dancer that preserves their appearance.  First, dance shoes should not be worn outside.  Walking on concrete, grass, and the general moisture of the outdoors will change the shape and fit of the shoe.  When worn in class after walking outside, they will wear down much faster than shoes only worn in the classroom.  Make sure your dancer has a pair of shoes to change into when leaving class.  Also, make sure your dancer has a dance bag to store her shoes.  A dryer sheet placed inside the dance bag can eliminate odors and moisture when the shoes are not in use.  Keeping the shoes away from any external elements will ensure they last as long as possible.

My dancer wants to wear her shoes at home to practice. 

It is great for any teacher to hear that a student is practicing at home, but the more often the shoes are worn directly corresponds to how often you will need to purchase new ones.  There are a number of different exercises that will help your dancer improve their technique without needing to wear dance shoes at home.  Also, the safety of your child is in question when they are practicing skills at home, outside of an environment made for dancing and while under the supervision of their instructor.  Ask your child’s instructor what can be done at home to improve the skills your dancer wants to master.  For example, pirouettes require balance, core control, and alignment.  These can all be practiced without actually turning and without the use of shoes.  If your little one loves tap and wants to wear her shoes because she likes the way they sound, purchase an inexpensive or used pair for her to wear at home.  Explain that the shoes required for class can only be used at the dance studio, but she is allowed to use this pair you have purchased for her use at home.

It is important for your dancer to know that dance shoes are an important tool for any dancer and should be treated well.  As they grow up and begin to take more classes, they will begin to treat the shoes with respect and you will be purchasing fewer pairs throughout the dance year.