As a parent of an Irish dancer, I know the financial pressure of solo dresses, wigs, makeup and other items needed for my dancer. One significant and recurring cost is for Irish dance shoes. My dancer needs new hard shoes at least once, sometimes twice yearly. Dance shoes are expensive, and you want them to last as long as possible. In this article, I’ll provide some tips for protecting your Irish dancing shoes from moisture.
See our article about The Importance of Proper Footwear in Irish Dancing.
Why Is It Important To Protect Your Irish Dance Shoes From Moisture?
The simple answer is that protecting your dance shoes from moisture will extend their useful life.
If you’re a dance parent or dancer, you would know that replacing your dancer’s shoes at least yearly and sometimes more frequently is common.
The cost of quality hard shoes can be $100 – $200 or more per pair can quickly add up, especially if you have more than one dancer in the family.
Letting moisture from sweat stay in the shoes can cause various issues with the shoe’s integrity. Allowing moisture to remain will encourage offensive odor and even mold growth.
Allow Sufficient Drying Time
The simplest solution is time. When you are finished dancing for the day, take your shoes out of your bag and let them air dry. Ideally, put your shoes outside in the fresh air. This may only sometimes be possible. If you can’t put your shoes outside, find a well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight.
Use Shoe Inserts and Absorbent Materials
There are a couple of options here. My first suggestion is to use shoe inserts that draw the moisture away. Commercial products like Boot Bananas or Shoe Ninja inserts can help dry out shoes.
I found that the easiest solution is to use plain old silica gel packets. I get these from everywhere. Every delivery from anywhere seems to have these in the box. There are even moisture-absorbant packets in some food items and medication. Silica gel packets are available online and can be bought in bulk for around 50 cents each.
Rotate Your Irish Dance Shoes
If you are fortunate enough to have a spare set of dancing shoes, you can rotate using the different pairs. Rotating your shoes will give each pair sufficient time to fully dry out so they are ready for your next dancing session.
Store Your Irish Dance Shoes In A Dry Environment
When you finish dancing for the day, store your shoes in a dry, well-ventilated environment. Avoid storing them in dark or potentially damp areas like a basement.
Another option for making a dry environment is to purchase a small dehumidifier and put your shoes next to it. The dehumidifier will draw moisture from the immediate area, including the shoes.
Moisture-Wicking Socks
Another potential solution to dealing with moisture is to wear moisture-wicking socks. These socks are designed with materials that draw moisture away from your feet and lessen the sweat that can make it through to your shoes.
There are plenty of options for moisture-wicking socks available, but I have yet to see an option for the Irish dancing poodle sock style. If you know of any, please get in touch with us via our contact page.
Summary
Irish dancing shoes can be expensive, and you will want to protect your investment. Moisture can cause significant issues with your shoes. Preventing moisture is the best option, but you can’t always do that.
If you implement the strategies and ideas we’ve outlined in this article, including allowing sufficient drying time, using absorbent inserts, rotating your shoes, wearing moisture-wicking socks and considering buying a dehumidifier, you’ll be well on your way to keeping your shoes dry and extending their useful life.
