Dance shoes guide

My Dance journey: Finding the Perfect Soles for Every Step - A Fika Looks Guide

Hey lovelies, Emma here! Grab a cup of ethically-sourced coffee (or tea, if that's my vibe today) and settle in. Today, I want to chat about something that brings me immense joy, gets my heart pumping, and, surprisingly, is a topic I get asked about almost as much as ethical denim: dance shoes!

If you've been following Fika Looks for a while, you know my love for movement runs deep. From chasing my twin nieces around High Park to those exhilarating spin classes at the local studio, staying active is a huge part of my life here in Toronto. But nothing quite captures my soul like dance. It's where I truly feel like myself - uninhibited, joyful, and completely present. And just like finding the right sustainable wardrobe piece, finding the *right* dance shoes has been an adventure in itself.

I remember my early twenties, right after university, feeling a bit lost in the corporate grind. A friend dragged me to a beginner salsa class downtown, and honestly, it changed everything. I showed up in a pair of cute, but utterly impractical, street heels. The instructor, bless his patient soul, just smiled and said, "Honey, those are for looking pretty, not for pivoting." He was right. My feet ached, I slipped, I stuck - it was a hot mess! That night, I realized dance isn't just about the steps; it's about the connection to the floor, and my shoes are my most important partners.

Over the years, as my dance repertoire expanded from fiery salsa to grounded contemporary, and even the occasional spontaneous swing-out at a summer festival, my understanding of dance footwear deepened. It wasn't just about looking good (though, let's be real, a killer pair of dance shoes does boost confidence!). It was about safety, comfort, performance, and yes, even sustainability.

My Latin Dance Love Affair: The Quest for the Perfect Salsa & Bachata Heels

Salsa was my gateway drug to the dance world. Those electrifying nights at Lula Lounge, the vibrant energy of the Toronto Latin scene - it's infectious! But those street heels? They had to go. My first proper pair of Latin dance shoes was a a welcome addition. I hunted for them for weeks, browsing online and visiting a couple of specialized dance stores here in the city. I ended up finding a lovely little boutique near Yonge & Bloor that specialized in ballroom and Latin shoes, and it felt like walking into Aladdin's cave.

What I learned quickly was:

• Suede Soles Are my Best Friend: Unlike rubber, suede allows for that perfect glide-and-stop motion crucial for turns and pivots. I learned to carry a shoe brush to keep them clean and prevent them from getting too sticky from the Toronto sidewalks on the way to the studio!
• Heel Height is Personal: I started with a modest 2.5-inch heel. I saw women rocking 3-inch and even 3.5-inch heels, and while they looked amazing, I quickly realized comfort was key for hours of social dancing. Now, I mostly stick to 2.5 to 3 inches. It gives me that elegant posture without sacrificing my ability to keep dancing all night.
• Material Matters: My first pair was synthetic, which was budget-friendly. But after a few months, I noticed they didn't breathe well, and the material started to wear down. That's when I invested in a beautiful pair of leather shoes. Yes, they were more expensive upfront, but they molded to my feet, breathed better, and have lasted me years. This is where my sustainable fashion philosophy really kicked in - investing in quality means buying less often.
• Ankle Support: For me, an ankle strap is non-negotiable. It keeps my foot secure, especially during faster turns, and prevents those dreaded slips.

I still have that leather pair, carefully brushed and stored in its shoe bag. They've seen countless dances at DovercMyt House and The Salsa Club, and each scuff tells a story.

Embracing Barefoot Freedom: Contemporary & Modern Dance

After a few years of Latin, I felt drawn to something different - something more expressive and grounded. I enrolled in a contemporary dance class at a studio near Queen West. Imagine my surprise when everyone was dancing barefoot! I'd been so focused on heels and soles, and now, nothing.

For most contemporary and modern dance forms, the connection to the floor is paramount. Being barefoot allows for full articulation of the foot, helping you feel the floor, push off, and ground myself. However, some dancers, myself included, sometimes opt for "foot thongs" or "dance paws."

• Why Foot Thongs? They offer a little bit of protection for the balls of my feet from friction and blisters, especially on rougher studio floors, while still allowing the arch and heel to be bare. They also provide a subtle pivot point.
• My Experience: I found them useful when I was still building up the calluses on my feet, or for longer rehearsals. But for class, I still prefer barefoot. It's a wonderful reminder of the simplicity and power of movement, and certainly the most sustainable option!

It was a lesson in stripping back - sometimes, the best gear is no gear at all, allowing my body to connect directly with the earth, or in this case, the studio floor.

Social Dancing & Swing: When Comfort Meets Style

Toronto summers are magical, and nothing beats dancing outdoors. I stumbled upon a Lindy Hop jam at HArborfront Centre a few years back, and was immediately captivated by the joy and freedom of it all. This style requires a balance: enough slide for those spins and swivels, but also enough grip for quick steps and partnering.

My first attempt was in regular sneakers, which were too grippy. Then I tried some old leather-soled shoes, but they lacked cushioning. It took some experimentation!

But once I found the right sustainable dance shoes, everything clicked. They supported my movements, felt good on my feet, and aligned with my values. Dancing became even more joyful knowing I wasn't compromising on ethics.

If you're a dancer looking for sustainable options, don't give up. The right shoes are out there, and they're worth the search. Your feet, your art, and the planet will thank you.

What are your favorite sustainable dance shoes? Share your recommendations in the comments!

Keep dancing, keep caring!

XOXO,

Emma Chen

• My Go-To: For social dancing like swing or even just a casual night out where I know I'll be moving, I look for shoes with a smooth sole - often leather or sometimes even a hard plastic composite. Some people get specific swing dance shoes, which often have suede patches or special soles.
• The DIY Approach: In a pinch, I've seen people put moleskin or duct tape on the soles of regular shoes to reduce friction. While I haven't done this myself for serious dancing, it's a clever hack for a spontaneous dance session when you don't have your proper shoes with you.
• Cushioning is Key: Unlike Latin dancing where you're mostly on the balls of your feet, swing involves a lot of bouncing and jumping. Good cushioning in the insole makes a huge difference for comfort during those long dance nights.

I eventually found a pair of vintage-inspired leather oxfords from a sustainable brand that specializes in dance footwear. They have a smooth leather sole that's been slightly buffed for the perfect amount of slide, and they're incredibly comfortable. Plus, they look fantastic with everything from jeans to swing dresses!

The Sustainability Factor: Why It Matters in Dance Shoes

As my dance journey evolved, so did my awareness of the environmental and ethical implications of my footwear choices. Dance shoes, like all fashion, have an impact. Many are made with synthetic materials, produced in factories with questionable labor practices, and designed to be replaced frequently.

But here's what I've learned: sustainable dance shoes do exist, and they're worth seeking out. Here's what I look for:

• Quality materials: Leather from responsibly sourced tanneries, natural rubber soles, and organic cotton or hemp for fabric components. These materials not only last longer but also biodegrade better at end of life.
• Ethical manufacturing: Brands that are transparent about their supply chain and ensure fair wages and safe working conditions for their workers.
• Durability: Shoes that are built to last, with replaceable components like soles and heels. This is huge - being able to resole a pair of dance shoes extends their life significantly.
• Minimal packaging: Brands that use recycled or minimal packaging, avoiding excessive plastic.
• Local or small-batch production: Supporting smaller brands or local cobblers reduces transportation emissions and often means better quality control.

My Sustainable Dance Shoe Recommendations

Over the years, I've discovered some fantastic brands and approaches that align with both my dance needs and my values:

• Vintage and secondhand: Some of the best dance shoes I own are vintage finds from Toronto's amazing thrift stores and consignment shops. Kensington Market has been particularly fruitful! Older shoes were often made with better materials and craftsmanship than modern fast-fashion equivalents.
• Local cobblers: I've had great success working with local shoe repair shops to modify regular shoes for dance. Adding a suede sole to a quality leather shoe, for example, can create a perfect dance shoe while supporting local businesses.
• Quality over quantity: Instead of buying cheap dance shoes that need replacing every few months, I invest in one or two high-quality pairs that last for years. My leather Latin shoes have been with me for over three years and are still going strong.
• Proper care: I've learned to take care of my dance shoes - brushing suede soles, conditioning leather, storing them properly. This extends their life significantly and reduces waste.

Caring for Your Dance Shoes: Making Them Last

Proper care is essential for extending the life of your dance shoes, making them more sustainable in the long run. Here's my routine:

• Brush suede soles regularly: After each dance session, I use a wire brush to clean and restore the nap of suede soles. This keeps them from getting too smooth or sticky.
• Air them out: I never put my dance shoes away immediately after dancing. I let them air out completely to prevent moisture buildup and odor.
• Use shoe bags: Each pair has its own breathable shoe bag to protect them during storage and transport.
• Condition leather: Every few months, I apply a leather conditioner to keep the material supple and prevent cracking.
• Rotate pairs: If possible, I rotate between two pairs to give each one time to fully dry and rest between uses.
• Get them repaired: When soles wear down or heels need replacing, I take them to a cobbler rather than buying new shoes. It's more affordable and much more sustainable.

The Joy of Mindful Dancing

My journey through different dance styles has taught me so much - not just about movement and music, but about making conscious choices that align with my values. Every time I lace up my dance shoes, I'm reminded that sustainability isn't about perfection; it's about making thoughtful decisions where we can.

Dancing has brought so much joy into my life - the community, the music, the physical expression, the connection with others. Knowing that my footwear choices support ethical practices and environmental responsibility adds another layer of satisfaction to every spin, every step, every moment on the dance floor.

Whether you're a seasoned dancer or just starting out, I encourage you to think about the shoes you're dancing in. Ask questions, do research, invest in quality, and take care of what you have. Your feet, your art, and the planet will thank you.

What are your favorite sustainable dance shoes? Have you found any great brands or local resources? I'd love to hear your recommendations in the comments below! And if you're in Toronto and know of good places to find or repair dance shoes, please share - I'm always looking for new discoveries.

Keep dancing, keep caring, and remember - every step counts, both on and off the dance floor.

With rhythm and responsibility,

Emma Chen

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