Jazz shoes are a must-have for all dancers! Whether you’re an experienced dancer or just starting out, jazz shoes provide both support and flexibility. But after wearing your jazz shoes multiple times throughout the week, they need proper stretching to help keep them in top shape.
So if you’re looking for tips on how to maintain your favorite pair of jazz shoes, you’ve come to the right place! We’ll cover the importance of stretching your jazz shoes correctly and share our top techniques so that dance moves always feel effortless.
Let’s learn more about how to properly stretch and take care of your go-to dancing kicks!
Factors to Consider Before Stretching Jazz Shoes:
Size of the Shoe:
Before stretching your jazz shoes, it’s imperative to ensure you have the correct size. Shoes that are too small can cause discomfort and even injury, while those too large won’t provide the necessary support for precise movements and could lead to instability.
Material of the Shoe:
The type of material your jazz shoes are made of plays a crucial role in how they can be stretched. Leather shoes, for example, are more flexible and easier to stretch compared to those made from synthetic materials.
Method of Stretching:
There are multiple methods of stretching jazz shoes, each with their own pros and cons. Some dancers prefer to use shoe-stretching devices, while others opt for wearing the shoes and allowing them to naturally stretch with movement over time.
Time Duration:
Rushing the stretching process can damage the shoe or lead to improper fit. It’s essential to allow enough time for the shoes to gradually mold to the shape of your feet for an optimal fit.
Frequency of Usage:
The frequency with which you plan to use your jazz shoes should also be considered. Shoes that are worn more frequently will naturally stretch more quickly, and may not require as much initial stretching.
Step-by-Step Guide - How to Stretch Jazz Shoes Using Wear and Heat?
Materials Needed:
- Jazz shoes
- Thick socks
- Hairdryer
Steps:
- The first step is to put on a pair of thick socks. This will help push against the material of the jazz shoes, stretching them out.
- Put on the jazz shoes over the thick socks.
- Use a hairdryer to heat the tight areas of the shoe. Make sure the hairdryer is set on a medium heat setting to prevent damage.
- While the shoes are warm, flex your feet, point and flex your toes, and move around as much as possible. This will help stretch the material.
- Let the shoes cool while still on your feet. This will help them retain their new, stretched-out shape.
How to Stretch Jazz Shoes with a Shoe Stretcher?
Materials Needed:
- Shoe stretcher is compatible with your shoe size and type
- Stretching spray or liquid (optional)
- Soft cloth
Steps:
- Open the shoe stretcher so that it will easily fit inside the shoe. Once it’s inside, begin to expand the stretcher until it fills the shoe snugly but is not overstretching it.
- Before or after inserting the stretcher, you may apply a shoe stretching spray to the areas of the shoe that need the most stretching. You can also use a mixture of 50% alcohol and 50% water if you don’t have stretching spray.
- Many shoe stretchers have areas that can be adjusted to focus on specific tight spots, like the toe box or the sides. Use these adjustments to target the areas that are particularly tight.
- Once the stretcher is properly adjusted, leave it in for at least 6–8 hours or overnight. The longer you leave it, the more the shoe will stretch, but be cautious not to overstretch and damage the shoe.
- After the stretching time is up, remove the stretcher and try on the shoe. Walk around a bit to see if it has stretched enough for comfort. If it’s still too tight, you can repeat the process.
- Stretching can sometimes dry out the material. Apply a leather conditioner if your jazz shoes are made of leather.
Using the Freezer Method to Stretch Jazz Shoes:
Materials Needed:
- Jazz shoes
- Ziplock bags
- Water
- Freezer
Steps:
- Fill Ziplock bags with water, but don’t fill them completely, as water expands when frozen.
- Place the Ziplock bags inside the areas of the jazz shoes that need stretching.
- Place the jazz shoes with the water-filled Ziplock bags in the freezer.
- Let the water freeze. As it freezes, it will expand and stretch the shoes.
- After the water has completely frozen, take the shoes out and let them thaw. Remove the bags and try on the shoes to see if more stretching is needed.
Caring for Your Jazz Shoes Post-Stretching:
After stretching your jazz shoes, it’s essential to care for them properly to maintain their flexibility and longevity. Begin by following these steps:
- If your jazz shoes are made of leather, consider conditioning them with a leather conditioner to keep them supple.
- Always allow your jazz shoes to dry naturally, away from direct heat, to maintain their shape and material.
- Store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- Always check the fit of your shoes before any performance to ensure they remain comfortable and functional.
- Periodically check for signs of wear and tear, and repair or replace your jazz shoes as needed.
Conclusion:
Stretching your jazz shoes is an important part of keeping them in good condition. By using the above methods, you can ensure that your steps are comfortable and stylish with every performance. Taking the time to stretch out your shoes properly will help them last longer and keep them looking and feeling their best. Remember, it’s important to give your shoes some extra attention if necessary, as this will ensure that you look and feel great every time you hit the stage!
