Whether you dance purely for fun or competition, you should always invest in quality ballroom dance shoes. But more than the name determines how long the ballroom dance shoes will last. From usage to storage, care, and cleaning, we’ll discuss everything that affects the longevity of your favourite pair.
How Long do Ballroom Dancing Shoes Last?
It's difficult to estimate precisely how long your ballroom dance shoes should last. Numerous factors can affect longevity, including usage, quality, storage, cleaning, and whether you wear them only for practice and competition or outside. However, if we had to offer a timespan, we would say that your ballroom dance shoes should last anywhere from five months to a year (if used frequently).
Some shoes can last much longer, others much less. It all depends on the quality and how you use them.
You might have to spend a little more to get the highest quality, but it could save you money in the long term. Buying one pair that stays the course is far more economical than repeatedly buying cheaper pairs that wear out within just a few months.
Your usage also influences longevity. There is a significant difference between recreational use andprofessional use. Someone who only dances recreationally once a week can get away with a cheaper pair, but a professional who practises every day for 6-9 hours, 5-6 days a week, will require a sturdier shoe. Take this into consideration when purchasing your first pair.
That said, professional dancers’ shoes may last longer if they know how to use and care for them. The truth is, even the highest quality shoe will degrade quickly if you aren't using them correctly. Even failure to use the proper technique can weaken the materials quickly or put too much strain on your heel. It’s why it’s essential to ensure you are always practising proper form.
It's also important to recognise that you need a specific kind of dance shoe when practising ballroom styles. You can't throw any old comfortable trainer on and hope for the best. Even if you're only dancing for fun, you want a shoe appropriate to the dance style. What you wear will directly impact your performance, and using the wrong shoe could result in injury.
With how much wear and tear dancers’ shoes see, many professional dancers own two or three pairs, especially if they dance multiple times per week. Backup pairs allow you to switch out which shoes you wear so that you can give the others a break sometimes.
How Do You Take Care of Ballroom Dancing Shoes?
Proper shoe care can extend the longevity of your ballroom dancing shoes. With maintenance, there are three things to know: storage, brushing, and cleaning.
How Do You Store Your Dance Shoes?
Where you put your dance shoes when they aren't on your feet can be just as important as how you use them on the floor. Follow our top storage tips to keep your ballroom dance shoes looking their best.
- Keep Them Cool and Dry. Though it might not be pleasant to think about, dance is a sport, which means you will sweat during performances. This sweat can sometimes take up to forty-eight hours to dry. In that time, bacteria will build and ultimately damage your shoes. When storing them, you need to make sure that they are dry. They also should be kept in a cool location, asbacteria thrive in warmer environments. By keeping them cool and dry, you can increase the lifespan of your shoes.
- Use a Mesh Bag for Travel. Whether you are dancing recreationally or professionally, you'll still need to travel between venues now and again. The best way to do this is with a mesh bag. The tiny holes across the fabric's surface allow for greater air circulation. Mesh keeps your shoes cool throughout the journey, which is important for all the reasons we listed above. Don't shove them into the bottom of your rucksack — treat them with respect!
- Never Wear Them Outdoors. While this doesn't technically relate to storage, it does relate to where you are putting your shoes, and it's crucial. You should never wear your dance shoes outdoors or in day-to-day life. They aren't built for that. Dance shoes have a particular purpose, and that's dance. Exposing them to the elements will ruin them far quicker than wear and tear from the dance floor. If you're not dancing in them, keep them in a mesh bag or the original shoe box.
How Do Your Brush Ballroom Shoes?
If you want your ballroom shoes to last the course, you need to stick to a brushing routine. Brushing keeps them looking clean and smooth for longer. There are often specially designed brushes for this purpose, especially if your ballroom dance shoes are made from suede.
When you begin brushing, you should always start at the toes and work your way back towards the heel. It's a great way to keep them clean without having to use potentially harmful chemicals (more on this below). The key is to ensure you are using the right brush for your specific shoes. Some feature metal brushes, which will prove too harsh for certain shoes. Always read the small print before brushing to avoid unwanted damage!
How Do You Clean Ballroom Shoes?
Bearing in mind what we have said about sweat and bacteria accumulation in your dance shoes, you're probably desperate to wash them. We understand, but this isn't always the best course of action. Dance shoes can be surprisingly delicate, and using the wrong cleaning materials can cause irreparable damage. Depending on what the shoe is made from, there are different techniques for cleaning.
- Leather: A warm, damp cloth is all you need to keep these shoes looking right. Add some polish for an extra shine. Polish will nourish the material and prevent the leather from cracking over time.
- Suede: Again, a warm, damp cloth is all you need. Use a toothbrush to get rid of any stubborn dirt for the finer details. Remember to be gentle with this material.
- Satin: You need to be a little more careful with such a delicate material. Mixing 50/50 white spirit with water and rubbing very gently with a soft cloth is usually all that's required to clean up your satin.
When Should I Replace Ballroom Shoes?
There are multiple answers to this question, and truthfully only you know for sure when the time has come, but we can give you some pointers. Usually, we would recommend replacing your dance shoes when you start to notice one of the following:
- Discomfort or ill-fitting: your shoes start to feel too tight or loose.
- Disrepair: if the material of your shoe is visibly damaged, it's time to invest in a new pair
- Worsened Performance: if you feel you aren't able to dance as well as you used to, your old shoes may be to blame! Replace them and see if you improve again
It may surprise you just how significantly your shoes affect you on the dance floor. If any of the above feels true for you, it's time to think about getting a new pair.
Final Thoughts
Even the highest quality shoes won’t last forever. Frequent replacements are an unavoidable part of dancing, and while it may seem costly, it is a worthwhile investment. Follow our advice, however, and you should keep your favourite shoes in tip-top condition for much longer!
Ready to pick up a pair of high-quality ballroom dance shoes or replace a worn-out pair? Shop Supadance today, the UK's leading shoemaker for ballroom and Latin dancers.