Shoe Care Tips

Welcome to our Shoe Care Hub,

where we provide specialized care instructions for your premium Ballroom and Latin American dance shoes. Whether you’re looking to maintain the luster of leather, the delicacy of satin, or the shine of synthetic materials, our guides offer all the information you need. Explore our resources to find practical tips and recommended products that help extend the life of your dance shoes, ensuring they remain as flawless and functional as your dance moves.

Below you find some practical tips from International Dance Shoes. Ballroom Box subscribers are invited to watch the video interview with John Oneil here.

Sole Care

Suede soles are chosen for their perfect balance of grip and smoothness on the dance floor, but they require special attention to maintain their performance and extend their lifespan. Shoe manufacturers work closely with tanneries to ensure a long lasting and soft suede which allows for excellent flexibility for the shoes.

Regular Maintenance
Routine care is crucial for keeping suede soles functional and extending their life:

• Brushing: After every use, brush the soles with our wired Suede Brush. This helps to remove dirt and maintain the nap (the raised fibres of the suede), which is essential for the grip on the dance floor.
  • Start from the outside
  • From the back of the shoe forward
  • Brush firmly but not too firmly – enough to loosen the dirt and bring back the suede softness
• Avoid Moisture: Suede does not perform well when wet. Always ensure your soles are dry before use. If they become wet, allow them to air dry naturally away from direct heat sources.

Deep Cleaning
Occasionally, your suede soles will need a more thorough cleaning:

• Stain Removal: For stains, use a suede eraser or a specific suede cleaning block. Gently rub the stained area to lift off the dirt.
• Reviving the Nap: If the nap of the suede becomes too smooth or compacted, rough it up lightly with a suede wire brush (click here for ours). This will bring back the texture needed for optimal dance performance. Like the point above, be careful using a wire brush when you have an XG Sole not to catch the thread where the sole is stitched. Also, brush from the middle outwards to avoid catching the upper material.

Handling Wet Soles
Suede soles can occasionally get wet, which can affect their performance:

• Drying: Should your suede soles become damp or wet, pat them dry with a clean towel and then let them air dry naturally in a well-ventilated area. Do not apply direct heat as it can damage the suede.
• Restoration Post-Wet: Once dry, use a suede brush to restore the nap to ensure the soles are ready for your next dance session.

FAQs

• Can I replace the sole? Yes! Replacement soles are available from IDS (in a variety of colors) on our website (click here for men’s size (applicable also for ladies teaching shoes) and click here for ladies). As the soles flatten out a lot over time, it’s recommended to simply add the new soles over the top and trim to fit. It can be done with a strong fabric glue, or you could take the replacement soles to a local cobbler and have them help you.
• How often should I brush my suede soles? Brush them lightly after every dance session to remove dirt and maintain the texture necessary for grip. Be careful when using a wired shoe brush generally as they are sharp. Careful not to catch the upper material too because if the sharp brush connects with any of our upper materials, it will cause damage.

Taking good care of your soles are essential for performance and longevity and it’s so important as they are what connects you with the floor!

Heel Care

The heels of your dance shoes are crucial for performance and stability on the dance floor. Proper care and maintenance of the heels not only keep them looking great but also ensure they function properly during every dance routine. Follow these guidelines to take care of the heels on your Ballroom and Latin American dance shoes.

Regular Inspection
Regularly check the heels of your dance shoes for any signs of wear or damage:

• Check for Looseness: Before and after each use, ensure the heels are securely attached to the shoe. If you notice any movement or looseness, refrain from using the shoes until they have been repaired by a professional.
• Look for Wear: Pay attention to the heel tips. Excessive wear can affect balance and can damage the heel structure. You might find that when standing, depending on how you distribute your weight, one side of the heel tip might wear away faster. Wearing Heel Protectors can help protect the condition of the heel tip itself (they’re available here) although they will be subject to wear themselves.

Heel Tip Replacement
The tips of your dance shoe heels can wear out with regular use, affecting performance and safety:

• Regular Replacement: Replace worn heel tips to maintain grip and protect the structure of the heels. Most dance shoes are designed with replaceable heel tips for this purpose. You can remove the existing tips with pliers and new tips can be simply hammered into place.
• Professional Services: You can take your shoes & the replacement tips to a local cobbler/professional shoe repair store. In most cases they may be able to fit on of their own replacement heel tips.

Usage
Using your dance shoes appropriately can extend the life of the heels:

• Dance Floor Only: Use your dance shoes only on suitable dance floor surfaces to prevent undue wear and tear on the heels. Many dance schools/studios will ask you to wear Heel Protectors, which protect their floors from scratching, as well as your heels.
• Avoid Rough Surfaces: Avoid walking on rough or abrasive surfaces that can scratch or chip the heels. When heel tips get scratched, they can become sharp so be careful. And this, as per the above, is another reason why dance schools/studios will ask you to wear Heel Protectors.

FAQs

• How often should I replace my heel tips? Replace heel tips as soon as they start to show significant wear or if they begin to compromise your balance and comfort on the dance floor.
• Can I repair loose heels myself? It is recommended to have loose heels fixed by a professional to ensure the structural integrity of the shoe is maintained. Heel Tips are something you can replace yourself (though take to a professional if you are in any way unsure how to replace them).

Looking after your heels will allow you to take proactive steps in maintaining your shoes, allowing you to perform at your best, in comfort and safely!

Satin Care

Satin, with its delicate sheen and soft texture, requires specific care to maintain its beauty and extend the life of your shoes. Follow these steps to ensure your dance shoes remain in top condition, dance after dance.

Handling Perspiration
Dancing is an intense activity, and perspiration is inevitable. To protect your satin shoes from the effects of sweat:

• After Each Use: Allow your shoes to air out in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. This helps in evaporating moisture and prevents the build-up of odour.
• Application: When dry, use our a protector spray all over the shoe inside and out from new to protect against moisture build up. To fight odours, use this Menthol Deodorising Spray to neutralise the build up of unpleasant odours.

Cleaning Satin
Satin requires gentle care when cleaning. Follow these steps to clean the satin exterior of your shoes:

• Spot Cleaning: Use a soft, damp cloth to gently dab at stains or marks. Avoid rubbing as it can damage the satin’s delicate fibres.
• Stain Removal: For tougher stains, use our Cleaner Spray and follow the instructions on how to use it on on its product page.
• Drying: Never use direct heat to dry your shoes. Always air dry away from direct sunlight to prevent discolouration.

Storing Your Shoes
Proper storage is key to maintaining the shape and fabric of your satin dance shoes:

• Avoid Crushing: Store your shoes in a spacious shoe bag or box to avoid crushing the satin fabric. Keeping your shoe box is useful for this (and for remembering the style of shoe you ordered)!
• Shape Preservation: Use shoe trees or tissue paper to fill the shoes and help them retain their shape. Keep that scrunched-up tissue that is stuffed into your shoes when you receive them for this, don’t throw it in the trash, it has its use!
• Humidity Control: Keep silica gel packets in your storage area to absorb excess moisture and prevent mold growth.

Rotating Shoes

If possible, rotate between pairs of dance shoes. This gives each pair ample time to air out and reduces the wear and tear from continuous use.

FAQs

Can I machine wash my satin dance shoes? No, machine washing can damage the satin fabric and the shoe’s structure. Always opt for gentle hand cleaning, using our Cleaner Spray.

Remember, with the right care, your satin dance shoes will continue to be a beautiful and reliable partner on the dance floor!

Leather Care

International Dance Shoes use Calf leather, which is prized for its softness, fine grain, and durability, making it an ideal material for dance shoes that need to withstand hours of practice and performance. They work closely with a tannery in Italy that they’ve worked with for many years who have helped develop a Calf leather which has a softness, weight and finish that helps to create beautiful looking footwear that lasts. Here are some tips on how to keep your shoes in peak condition!

Regular Cleaning
Keeping your leather shoes clean is essential to maintain their appearance and prevent damage from buildup of dirt and sweat:

• After Each Use: Wipe your shoes with a soft, dry cloth to remove dirt and moisture. This prevents the accumulation of grime which can degrade the leather over time.
• Deep Cleaning: Once a month, or more often if used heavily, clean the leather with a cleaner specially formulated for leather shoes, shop our Cleaner Spray here for this and follow the instructions on the product page.

Conditioning & Polishing
Leather needs moisture to stay flexible and prevent cracks:

• Condition Regularly: Every 2-3 months, apply a leather conditioner to keep the leather supple. 
• Polish as Needed: Depending on the frequency of use, polish your leather shoes regularly to maintain their shine and protective surface. Choose a wax-based polish that matches the colour of your leather to enhance the shoes’ appearance and provide a protective coating.

Handling Scratches & Scuffs
Scratches and scuffs are inevitable but can be treated to minimise their appearance:

• Minor Scuffs: For light scuffs, use a soft cloth dipped in matching shoe polish to gently buff the leather.
• Deeper Scratches: Apply a small amount of leather cream or conditioner to hydrate the area and reduce the visibility of scratches.

Moisture & Odor Management
Sweat and moisture can significantly shorten the lifespan of leather shoes:

• Air Out Shoes: After wearing, ensure your shoes are aired out in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and heat sources. This helps to evaporate moisture trapped inside and prevents the buildup of odour-causing bacteria.
• Odor Control: If odour becomes an issue, consider using cedar shoe trees when not wearing your shoes, as they can absorb moisture and deodorise the leather naturally. Use the Menthol Shoe Deodorising Spray too, click here to shop.

Storage

Storing your leather dance shoes properly is key to maintaining their shape and quality:

• Avoid Direct Sunlight: Store your shoes in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight, which can fade and dry out the leather.
• Use Shoe Trees: Insert cedar shoe trees to maintain the shape of the shoes and to absorb moisture when not in use.
• Protect them: Give them space, so that they’re not at risk of getting squashed which can mis-shape them. Keep them in shoe boxes and if you can’t use the cedar shoe trees, keep some scrunched up tissues stuffed down the toes to help keep the shape.

FAQs

• Can I use waterproofing sprays on my leather dance shoes? Yes, you can apply a waterproofing agent to protect against moisture, but ensure it is suitable for use on natural leather to avoid damaging the material.
• How often should I replace my leather dance shoes? With proper care, high-quality leather dance shoes can last for years. Replace them when they no longer provide the necessary support, fit, or appearance for dancing.

Ensuring your leather dance shoes are well-maintained not only keeps them looking their best but also enhances your performance on the dance floor!

Information about shoe care has been shared from the International Dance Shoes website with permission.