Practice Shoes
Intermediate Level
Going deeper — techniques and nuances for experienced dancers
Affordable, comfortable dance shoes reserved for classes and practice — saving your good shoes for socials and your budget for longevity.
Intermediate focus
You probably have your practice-social shoe system established. Replace practice shoes when the sole loses its texture or the support deteriorates — a worn-out practice shoe can cause bad habits by changing how you interact with the floor. Consider having practice shoes in different styles (flats for some sessions, heels for others) to build versatility.
Tips
- •Look for last-season dance shoe models at discounted prices for your practice pair. Same quality, lower cost.
- •Mark your practice shoes clearly if they look similar to your social shoes. You don't want to mix them up on a congress weekend.
- •Break in new social shoes by using them as practice shoes for a week first. This way they're comfortable when you debut them at an event.
Common mistakes
- •Not having separate practice shoes and wearing your best pair to every class
- •Keeping practice shoes long past their functional life — worn soles affect your technique
- •Using regular sneakers for practice because 'they're just for practice' — the sole still matters
Practice drill
Inspect your current practice shoes. Check the sole texture by running your thumb across it — if it feels smooth and slick instead of slightly rough and grippy, it's time for a replacement or at minimum a thorough brushing with a suede brush. Note the condition of the heel, the straps, and the interior cushioning.