How to Preserve Your Dancing Shoes

Taking care of your dancing shoes is essential, because it lengthens their time of use and preserves them for longevity's sake. Preserving your dancing shoes is as simple as taking good care of them and using them correctly. When you are done dancing in them, there are also some special tips for preserving your dance shoes for the long term.

1. First: Wear your dance shoes at the right time

   Only wear dance shoes when you are dancing. The rest of the time dance shoes are kept in your dance bag. Dance shoes are never worn on the street, or anywhere that they could get wet. Do not treat them as if they are street shoes; they are designed for a special purpose and are only used for that purpose.

2. Second: Clean your shoes regularly

   Clean your shoes at least once a week. Cleaning smooth leather shoes is a three part process including cleaning, conditioning and polishing. Cleaning keeps the shoes free of dust and dirt that degrades the leather. Conditioning keeps the leather soft and supple so that your shoes are comfortable and prevents the leather from drying out or cracking. Polishing keeps the shoes looking nice and new. Satin shoes need washing by hand with a soft cloth and a dry cleaning solution that removes the stains without damaging the shoe's structure.

3. Third: Long term preservation

   When you are done with your dance shoes, if you want to preserve them long term for sentimentality's sake have the shoes bronzed or dipped in epoxy to harden them. They are then sealed inside an outer coating so that they are not damageable and are useful as a decorative piece in your home.