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. Our dance shoes are designed with replaceable heel tips for this purpose. Click here to order replacement heel tips. 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 to save you shipping a pair over from us.
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.
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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).
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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!