Are Your Ballet Shoes Slippery? Try Out These Simple Tips!

Every dancer knows that feeling – you’re in the middle of a practice or performance, focused on technique and grace, and suddenly your foot slips. Slippery dance shoes can not only make dancing uncomfortable, but they can also increase the risk of injury. The good news is that there are some simple tricks to help you deal with it!

1. Anti-slip Spray – Fast and Effective Solution

One of the most effective ways to increase the grip of your ballet shoes is to use a special anti-slip spray. This spray creates a fine protective film that prevents unwanted slipping.

Quick guide:

Spray the product on the soles of your dance shoes about 5 minutes before training.
Let it dry.
Use as needed – ideally before every intense dance session.

Tip: There are also natural versions of sprays without chemicals, suitable for children or sensitive dancers, for example.

2. Plain Water – Good Old Trick

No spray on hand? No problem! Sometimes plain water is enough. This trick has been used by dancers for generations – and it works surprisingly well.

Quick guide:

Dampen a cloth or sponge with water.
Gently wipe the soles of your dance shoes – or the dance floor itself.
Let it dry for a moment – but not completely.

This method is especially ideal when training on a smooth floor, where even a little sweat can turn into a dangerous skating rink.

Why do ballet shoes get slippery in the first place?

There can be several reasons:

Worn-out or worn-down soles.
Dust or dirt on the floor.
Brand new shoes that haven’t been “broken in” yet.
Sweat on the floor or on the soles.

Cleaning your soles regularly and keeping the dance floor tidy can help prevent most of these issues.

Bottom line:
Whether you go for a professional spray or just improvise with a bit of water, the key is to find what works for you. Your movement should feel stable and safe – that way, you can focus fully on your dancing.