Why dance shoes are important
When you think of dance shoes, sneakers may not be the first thing that comes to mind. Dance shoes are important for young children and adults just starting out with a particular dance style. The extra support and snug fit help prevent injury and protect the most vulnerable parts of the foot that take tremendous pressure during dance routines.
Common features of a dance shoe are a split sole that allows more flexibility when a dancer turns on their toes, and a canvas, mesh, or suede upper that moves freely with the moving foot. The benefit of these shoes is that dancers can learn complicated routines while protecting their feet from the strain and pain often felt after long hours in more conventional shoes.
Most shoes of this type also have a PU midsole that acts as a shock absorber, and most shoes have a high heel. Non-marking soles allow dancers to wear these shoes on any number of floor surfaces without worrying about wear marks.
Modern dance styles have created a market for sneakers that can be worn on stage. Jazz, quadrille, hip-hop, Latin dance, and aerobic dance are well suited to these shoes, as their styles and colors give costume designers many options. Zumba is another type of high-impact dance in which the additional support provided by sneakers would be welcome.
It is reasonable to consider that cheerleaders and young ballet students would use dance shoes as alternatives in developing their bodies for greater strength and balance. School productions and community musicals that involve dance steps can incorporate slippers to match modern styles and tastes, while also providing children and adults with a higher level of dance support.
Capezio, Bloch, and Shishi Tianshi are major brands that supply many different types of dance shoes. The versatility between the high-top and low-cut designs, as well as the colors and materials, allow these specialty shoes to be used in a wide range of circumstances. Certain retail websites consider these shoes to be “sneakers”, but they are actually the same thing.
Two other factors in the use of athletic shoes for dancing are issues related to the health of the feet. Dancers sometimes perform or practice barefoot on the classroom floor, exposing themselves to bacteria and athlete’s foot, which are common among performers. Many dance enthusiasts also have to deal with bunions, corns, blisters, plantar fasciitis, hammer toes, and neuromas. The ability to wear dance shoes that easily fit over arch supports and insoles is a welcome benefit.
However, don’t assume that a good pair of dance shoes will solve all your problems. Professional dancers and frequent performers take care of their feet, using bandages, foot scrubs, pumice stones, and lotions to soothe, hydrate, and protect them. They use common sense, don’t do too much too soon, or try long, difficult routines without practice and measured progress under supervision.
Above all, they realize that dance shoes are just one of many tools designed to help dancers perform well and stay healthy throughout their careers.