Finding that perfect shoe! (Your feet will thank you!)
There are so many different brands and types of dance shoes on the market. With all these options it can be overwhelming to choose the best shoe. Keep these tips in mind, given by the CEO of Dancing Fair, when purchasing dance shoes:
- "Fit. Dance shoes should not only be the correct length and width, but also the correct shape for the dancer’s foot." This means ensuring that the shoe completely covers the balls of the dancer’s feet. If the shoe has a stiff sole (like a hip hop shoe) check that there is adequate arch support. If there is not enough support, a small arch supporting insole, which can be purchased at any pharmacy or box store, can be an easy fix.
- "Function. The shoe should be the made to the specification of the dance style." If a dance has a lot of fast footwork, a secure shoe is important. They should have straps or elastic which will help hold the shoe securely to the dancer’s foot.
- "Materials. The shoe needs to have the proper structural integrity to support the specific style of dance." A rubber sole will prevent slipping and will grip the floor more, but a leather sole will help a dancer turn with ease. Smell is also a concern because certain materials like rubber and neoprene will hold odors.
- "Design. The shoe needs to have “The Look” for the style of dance and work well with the overall costume." Having shoes that match the color of the tights are essential to continuing the line of a dancer’s leg. The best way to do this is to purchase tights and shoes from the same company because they have consistent color schemes.
- "Price. The cost of the shoe needs to be addressed and in many cases you get what you pay for. " The materials used and where the shoe is made can determine the price and quality of the shoes. Leather shoes are pricier, but they will last longer. However, it may be wiser to invest in canvas shoes for dancers with constantly growing feet.
- Fun. Shoes that are colorful or have a unique pattern (even hand-painted) make dance a little more enjoyable. While these shoes are not likely to be part of a group costume, they can be worn to conventions and master classes and will help the dancer stand out.
**A special thank you to Matt Schroepfer C. Ped. for the featured quotations!
