The 5 Best Dance Booties: Everything You Need to Know
As the winter months roll in, your hardworking dancing feet need some dance booties for that extra love and care.
Dance booties are the perfect solution for keeping your feet warm, toasty, and cozy between classes, rehearsals, or performances.
They’re a must-have winter accessory for any type of dancer.
In this blog post, I’ll provide you with my top 5 picks for dance booties, complete with reviews to help you make the right decision.
WHAT ARE THE 5 BEST DANCE BOOTIES?
The 5 best dance booties for ballet dancers are:
WHAT ARE DANCE BOOTIES?
Dance booties are soft, lightweight, insulated footwear specifically tailored for dancers to keep their feet warm and comfortable.
They provide insulation without restricting movement; best of all, they can be worn over your ballet shoes.
Their slip-on design makes them easy to wear, and the added grip on the soles helps prevent slipping, making them ideal for backstage or chilly studio use.
BENEFITS OF DANCE BOOTIES?
Dance booties offer several benefits for dancers, including:
KEY FEATURES TO LOOK FOR IN DANCE BOOTIES
Functionality and practicality are just as important as fashion.
With that in mind, I recommend considering the following features before making any purchase.
MATERIAL QUALITY AND BREATHABILITY
When choosing dance booties, prioritise those made from high-quality, breathable materials like nylon or polyester.
These fabrics provide warmth as well as promote ventilation, helping to reduce moisture buildup and prevent odours during extended rehearsals.
While cheaper alternatives may be available, investing in quality and durability is worthwhile, especially if you plan to use them daily.
CUSHIONING AND SUPPORT
Adequate cushioning is crucial for comfort, especially during extended wear.
Look for dance booties that have ample padding in the soles to offer support and relieve pressure on your feet, particularly around the heels.
This added layer of cushioning not only enhances comfort but also extends the lifespan of your booties, making them more resilient to wear and tear.
When it comes to support, ensure you are sized correctly and that the style or design of the booties provides the desired support around the heels and ankles.
Proper fit is essential for maintaining stability and comfort during wear, especially during warm ups and cool-downs.
TRACTION AND GRIP
Choose booties with a non-slip sole for added stability while moving around the studio or backstage, particularly in areas where slips and falls are more likely due to slippery, dusty, or uneven surfaces.
This will help keep you safe and protect your feet and ballet shoes from unwanted dirt.
STYLE AND DESIGN
Dance booties are available in a wide range of styles, colours, and designs.
Select a pair that reflects your personality or complements your dancewear while ensuring that the design provides the level of comfort, support, and warmth you desire, whether you prefer a shorter or longer bootie, as well as elastic ties or velcro.
The options and choices are endless!
TOP 5 DANCE BOOTIES FOR DANCERS
1. BLOCH WARM UP BOOTIES
The Bloch Warm Up Booties is a bestseller, designed by former American Ballet Theatre Principal Dancers Irina Dvorovenko and Max Beloserkovsky.
They come in a variety of solid colours, patterns, and prints, and feature an adjustable bungee toggle for a secure fit and a cushioned heel.
These booties are made with a 100% nylon shell and filled with polyester for warmth, making them an ideal choice for dancers seeking maximum comfort.
However, they’re not recommended for outdoor use.
They’ll cost you between $59 and $62 (USD) (slightly more for the print designs).
2. GRISHKO M-68/1 WARM UP BOOTS
The Grishko M-68/1 Warm Up Boots are more on the fashionable side, offering a splash of colour with 25 different shades to choose from.
They’re lightweight and flexible, ensuring easy movement while worn over ballet shoes.
While they excel in fashion and warmth, they’re not designed for outdoor use.
They’ll cost you $90 (USD).
3. RUSSIAN POINTE QUILTED WARM UP BOOTIES
The Russian Pointe Quilted Warm Up Booties are a stylish and comfortable option for dancers that stand out for their plush, polyester-filled quilted design.
They feature a cushioned insole for added comfort and an anti-slip outer sole with RP-themed traction, making them safe for studio use.
The adjustable drawstring at the ankle helps to trap heat.
And with seven different colours available, these booties offer both function and style, making them a versatile choice for dancers at a reasonable price.
They’ll cost you $50 (USD).
4. SO DANCA CLOUD BOOTIES BT20
The So Danca Cloud Booties BT20 are a versatile and practical choice for dancers.
These nylon booties feature a water-resistant upper and an EVA outsole, making them suitable for both indoor and outdoor wear.
Lightweight and comfortable, they’re perfect for keeping your feet warm while offering reliable protection, support, and comfort.
On the downside, these booties are only available in three colours (black, lilac, and pink).
They’ll cost you $45 (USD).
5. SANSHA ARTIKA DANCE BOOTIES
The Sansha Artika Dance Booties are an ideal choice if you’re looking for a longer bootie that extends just below the knee.
Made with a genuine suede sole, they mimic the design of ballet flats, providing comfort and flexibility while keeping your feet warm.
Their extended length ensures added warmth and protection for your legs, making them perfect for colder studios.
However, colour choice is limited with only two colour choices available.
They’ll cost you $45 (USD).
CARE AND MAINTENANCE TIPS FOR YOUR DANCE BOOTIES
To ensure the ultimate durability and comfort of your dance booties, follow these care and maintenance tips:
TIP 1 – CLEANING AND DRYING
Gently hand-wash your booties with mild detergent and cold water if they get dirty and most likely, smelly.
Avoid machine washing unless recommended by the brand, as it can damage the fabric and padding.
After washing, allow your booties to air dry rather than using a dryer, as this preserves their shape, avoids shrinkage, and prevents damage to the materials.
TIP 2 – PROPER STORAGE
At the end of the day, avoid leaving your dance booties in your dance bag with your other ballet or pointe shoes.
It’s better to let them breathe and dry out to prevent unwanted odours and moisture buildup.
This simple step helps maintain their freshness and can extend their durability.
TIP 3 – USE THEM FOR THEIR INTENDED PURPOSE
I’d recommend avoiding wearing your dance booties outside unless they are specifically designed for outdoor use.
Keeping them indoors helps protect the soles from damage like rips and holes, maintaining their grip and comfort.
Additionally, it prevents dirt and dust from being tracked into the studio or onto the stage, keeping the dance space clean and safe.
DANCE BOOTIE FAQs
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF DANCE BOOTIES?
Dance booties are designed to keep dancers’ feet warm, comfortable, and protected.
CAN YOU WEAR DANCE BOOTIES OUTSIDE?
Dance booties are primarily designed for indoor use, such as in studios or backstage.
While some styles may be durable enough for quick trips outside, many lack the durability and weather protection for outdoor use.
HOW DO I CHOOSE THE RIGHT SIZE OF DANCE BOOTIE?
To select the right size, consult the brand’s specific sizing chart, as sizes can differ among brands.
Don’t rely solely on your regular shoe size.
Dance booties are designed to fit snugly, but if you’re between sizes, it’s advisable to size up for added comfort.
Tip: If you plan to wear your ballet or pointe shoes inside the booties, bring them along to the store so you can try them on for the best fit.
ARE DANCE BOOTIES SUITABLE FOR ALL DANCE STYLES?
Yes, dance booties are suitable for all dance styles including ballet, contemporary, and jazz, as well as for warm ups, cool downs, or breaks.
However, they are not meant for actual training; instead, they serve as a tool to help maintain warmth and comfort between classes or rehearsals.
ARE DANCE BOOTIES GOOD FOR BEGINNERS?
Absolutely! Dance booties are beneficial for dancers at all levels, including beginners who are adjusting to long hours in the studio or extended rehearsals.
WRAP UP
Are dance booties worth it?
I can confidently say yes.
These essential accessories keep your ballerina feet warm, supported, and ready between classes or rehearsals, making them a valuable investment for any dancer.
Finding the right pair is all about balancing style, comfort, and functionality.
When choosing your perfect pair, let your personality shine through, and say goodbye to those chilly morning toes!
