The term "street shoes" refers to any shoe that you wear out in public, while "dance shoes" is the umbrella term for shoes worn in the dance studio. You already know that dance shoes aren't to be worn as street shoes (unless you use a pair of hard-soled dance shoes exclusively as street shoes) , and street shoes aren't to be worn as dance shoes. However, you may not know that what street shoes you choose can affect your performance in the studio. In this guide, I'll explain attributes of street shoes that often help and hurt dancers and give some suggestions of good street shoed for different occasions.
1. You need support, but not too much. As a dancer, your feet are probably stronger than the feet of a non-dancer. Some people (generally the elderly or people with foot problems) need a lot of arch support or cushy insoles in order to walk normally. Dancers do not need this much cushion, and sometimes wearing shoes with too much arch support can weaken the feet. If you are not pulling up and supporting your own arches during the time you are not in the studio, it will be harder to do so during dance class. On the flip side, shoes with no support can over-work your feet, which can leave your arches achy and tired by the time you head to the studio.
2. Make sure your shoes fit. Street shoes don't need as exact a fit as dance shoes, but it is much better for your foot health if you wear shoes that fit properly. Shoes that are too large give blisters and won't support your feet at all, and shoes that are too small can cause bruised toenails and abrasions to bunions and heels. Remember than different brands of shoes run differently size-wise, so don't be surprised if you need a size up or down from your usual size in order to get that perfect fit.
3. Ventilation is necessary. Stick to footwear made of natural or breathable materials (leather, canvas, mesh, etc.). Your feet need air to circulate around them in order to keep them dry and clean. This prevents foot odor and other problems like toenail fungus.
4. Protect your toes (but don't squish them). If you attend school all day or work in an office or retail environment, you probably regularly face situations that could harm your toes if you have on open-toe shoes. Playing sports, lifting boxes, or even walking in a big crowd are all hazardous situations where your toes could get injured. A cracked nail or stubbed toe could turn into a big problem when you are dancing later. I recommend wearing closed-toe shoes to school, work, and crowded events. When choosing the best closed-toe shoes, flats or dressy-style shoes are usually ok, but make sure the toe area is more rounded than pointy. This ensures that your toes aren't squished together, which can exacerbate bunion problems.
5. Avoid high heels (for the most part). For activities that you do almost every day (school, work, chores, shopping, etc.), do not wear high heels. Heels usually do not provide arch support, and they make it very easy to twist an ankle. Save heels for brief fancy events (weddings, post-performance receptions, etc.), and opt for lower height heels or wedges when possible.
What street shoes do dancers need?
1. Slip-on shoes to wear to the studio. It's most appropriate to wear a slip on shoe to the dance studio because once you get there, you immediately take off or change your shoes. Avoid wearing sneakers with laces or any shoes with velcro or buckles. Boots with zippers work ok, but true slip-ons are ideal. I like having options for different seasons/weather conditions. Of course, all of these options are appropriate for other occasions like school. High-quality, supportive sandals like Birkenstocks are great for the summer. Closed-toe slip-ons like classic Tom's shoes or Sketchers Go-Walks are great for the spring and fall. Ugg boots (or similar) are perfect for winter.
2. Everyday shoes for school, work, and other activities. Comfy, moderately supportive shoes are best for these activities. Børn is an amazing brand for high quality, stylish shoes appropriate for most situations. The clogs and loafer styles are perfect for professional settings. Sketchers Memory Foam sneakers and Nike flyknit styles are great for more casual atmospheres.
3. Nice shoes for fancy events. If you perform, you probably attend parties and receptions after your shows. It is usually expected that dancers dress up. Shoes that you wear to these events can also be worn to things like church, weddings, and even prom. Some of my favorite fancy shoes are character shoes, (yes, these are hard-soled dance shoes, but I wear them exclusively as street shoes). They come in men's and women's styles. For women, heel heights range 1 to 3 inches, and the shoes are very supportive and comfortable. If you want more fashionable heels and you usually wear them for only a brief period of time, check out the selection at your local Payless and look for cute wedges, which automatically have more support than classic-style heels. Payless has an in-house brand that features comfy insoles and moderate arch support.
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