Can the soles of ballet shoes be re-tractioned?

Question

My daughter is in a musical production for the community theater. Several months ago, she was in another musical and needed ballet shoes for the dancing. We got her a very good pair, but by the end of the show's run, she said the shoes were a bit slippery and she couldn't dance as well. Now, she needs them again for this show. I hate to buy a new pair as these were rather expensive, but I can't believe that such a good quality shoe would wear out so quickly. Is there any way to "re-traction" (for lack of a better word) ballet shoes or do I just need to get her a new pair? Thanks!

Answer 1

i would use a wire brush or maybe the really fine part of your kitchen grater. you just want to create some grip. you could also try using water. dip the toes and heels of the soles in a little water and that should make them less slippery. good luck!=)

Answer 2

You need to give the soles their texture back.

A wire brush works best  http://www.swingdanceskirts.com/images/S...   you can find them at dance stores and shoe repair shops.   They are specifically made for suede soles.

An at home trick is to use one side of  pair of sissors to rough up the soles.   Just make a bunch of shallow cuts along the sole, not deep enough to go through, but enough to cut through the hard slick layer.    Cross hatching works best.   Its not as good as a wire brush, but it will be good enough.

In the future you need to ensure that your daughter only wears her ballet shoes in a dance studio or on stage.   Never wear them outside.   The dirt that the shoes pick up creates the slippery problem and the more you limit the wear outside the studio, the longer they will last.  

Be sure to attend to the soles (with brush or sissors) occasionally so they dont get this bad again.

Answer 3

sorry. not that i know of..... just get used to spending $60 to $100 for good shoes that you replace every show and sometimes in between too.

Answer 4

cheese graters work wonders i had the same problem