It’s a small detail invisible to spectators. But if you look closely, you might see transparent plastic on dancers’ shoes.
Heel protectors are coverings, usually made from soft, high-quality plastic or suede. They offer several benefits for dance shoes, techniques, and studios, which is why many dancers use them. In competitions, they are often compulsory.
Read on to learn what dance shoe heel protectors are and how to choose the right set for your shoes.
What Is the Purpose of Heel Protectors for Dance Shoes?
Not to be confused with heel protectors, which offer cushioning within the shoes to prevent rubs and blisters, dance shoe heel protectors benefit your shoes, performance, and competition space.
Protect Dance Shoes
Heel protectors do just what they say on the tin: protect the heel tips of your dance shoes.
Certain dance styles feature heel turns that take a toll on the back and tip of the heel of your dance shoes. Plastic covers increase the heel and shoe lifespan, protecting the heel tips.
Increase Friction and Help Performance
Covering the heel tip increases friction and gives greater stability to the dancer, increasing their grip on the floor. They are particularly helpful in Latin dances, where the dancer’s foot moves quickly with lots of direction changes.
Precision in how your foot interacts with the floor is essential for good technique and protection from injury.
Ankle injuries are a job hazard for amateur and professional dancers, and they are one of the most common injuries seen by physios and specialist dance injury clinics.
Keeping your foot as stable as possible on the dance floor reduces the likelihood of slip and trip injuries.
Protect the Wooden Floor
Some coaches recommend that dancers don’t wear transparent protectors for the Latin dances, but you may need to if you practise in a gym. Specific organisations have rules to protect their wooden floors.
Plastic options look after the dance floor and the dancer’s shoes. Depending on where you train and compete, they may be a prerequisite of the venue so that the floor isn’t damaged.
Installing and caring for a dance floor is an expensive and complex process. If you have wooden floors in your home, you’ll appreciate the damage high heels or even just the feet of your furniture can do to the surface.
What to Consider When Choosing Heel Protectors
Style
There are several different styles on offer which reflect the varied designs of dance shoes. The standard styles are usually contour, flare, slim, ultra-slim and stiletto. There are also options for Cuban or Spanish shoes.
Flare tips are designed so that the heel tip and heel run in a straight line. This design comes off more easily without damaging the shoe.
Some shoe manufacturers will recommend specific styles for their shoes. Bearing in mind the different shoe styles and sizing, ensure your protectors fit your dance shoe.
Material
Heel protectors can be plastic or suede. The right choice will depend upon how much friction and security you want on the floor. Dancers will often select different types of protectors for specific dances.
Plastic protectors are the most common. They’re affordable and usually transparent, so they don’t stand out and mess with the look of your shoe.
Suede heel protectors are identical to the plastic equivalent but have a suede tip which is the part in contact with the floor. Suede offers less friction for dancers who want to slide and glide. The feel is more consistent with the shoe's sole, which many dancers prefer.
Budget
Considering the investment in a good pair of dance shoes, the cost of plastic protectors isn’t going to break the bank. Indeed, it could help you save by prolonging your shoes’ lifespan and appearance.
Most tip protectors are sold in packs of around five and cost less than £20. However, you can buy individual pairs too.
Need Heel Protectors for Your Dance Shoes? Shop Supadance!
Supadance offers heel protectors in regular and suede heel protectors to complement our extensive dance shoe selection. Take the best care of your dance shoes and your dancing with Supadance.