Dance Shoes Maintenance

Get the most from your shoes.

  • General Advice
  • How to Clean
  • Glossary

General Advice

1. Wear your shoes in dry conditions only.
Carry them in your shoe bag because these are not street shoes.

2. Give your shoes a break.
If you are addicted to dance your will sweat in your shoes; so avoid wearing the same shoes every day. Give them the time to breathe by wearing a different pair of shoes on alternate days. Do this, and your shoes will stay comfortable and looking good.

3. Always allow wet shoes to dry naturally.
Never use direct sunlight, radiator, or blow dryer. Dry your shoes at least 24 hours at room temperature.

4. For men: Keep your shoes in shape.
Place your shoes on a pair of shoe-trees whenever you're not wearing them, and always use a shoe horn when you put them on.

5. Clean your shoes regularly.
Use the right cleaning product for the material of your shoes (see How to Clean).

How to Clean

Suede Soles
Use a suede shoe brush to brush up the nap at the bottom of your shoes. Always brush in one direction, toe to heel. Do this as needed, when you notice your soles becoming flat and smooth, or have dirty stuck on it.

Leather Shoes
Polish your shoes once a week. Clean with a damp cloth to remove all traces of dirt. Use a thin layer of cream or wax polish to preserve leather and to keep your shoes looking good.

Suede Shoes
Remove dirt with an old tooth brush or suede brush. Stains are removed with suede shampoo. Apply suede dressing in the morning so that your shoes have time to dry out before an evening of dancing. Brush your shoe front to back after applying the suede dressing.

Nubuck Shoes
Clean with a cloth dipped in slightly soapy, warm water. The rest of the care tips are identical to that of suede shoes.

Patent Leather Shoes
Clean with a damp cloth and when dry, apply patent dresing. Shine with a soft cloth. Never use ordinary shoe polish on patent leather.

Satin Shoes
Clean with a dry cloth. Don't us shoe polish, and avoid acetone (nail polish remover).

Glossary

Leather
This is a natural product just like cotton and wool. It is both protective and comfortable. Leather shoes retain their shape and age well, if properly maintained. Leather has a fibrous structure that allows it to breathe, and controls the foot's temperature.

Nubuck
This is a grain leather that has been slightly brushed on the surface to create a very fine velvet-like appearance. the texture of nubuck is finer than suede.

Suede Leather
This is leather with a buffed underside, giving an attractive textured appearance and excellent slip-and-grip properties.

Patent Leather
Fine grain leather is treated with polyurethane to create a glossy finish suitable for formal events, and eye-catching looks.

Satin
A fabric woven of silk or rayon with a smooth glossy finish.

Rayon
Soft cellulose fiber regenerated to form a soft synthetic material.

Sparklenet
Satin covered with various decorative materials.