Why Aren't Orthopedic Dance Shoes a Thing?
- Old Dancer

- Oct 5, 2025
- 2 min read
Given the fact that I have multiple issues with my feet (some created by dance, others genetic), I am constantly on the hunt for sufficiently comfortable and protective dance shoes. My hunts, however, are typically fruitless. I've been able to find the occasional shoe that has some cushioning, but that seems to be the extent of it. So, why aren't orthopedic dance shoes a thing?

Just about everyone that I dance with has some manner of orthopedic infirmity. Of course, everyone just keeps dancing with the issue until it becomes something that can't be ignored any longer. Then, there's the inevitable break from dancing, followed by some extra fun physical therapy and hopefully, an eventual triumphant return. Why does this have to be? I believe that a lot of it could be prevented if we just had some orthopedic dance shoes.
And yet, there's no such thing. I've known dancers who have put some orthopedic soles in their tap or hip hop shoes, and that works OK, as long as it doesn't make the shoe too tight or affect the feel of the floor. But, what about the flimsier shoes like ballet, jazz, lyrical, etc.?
Ballet shoes are probably the worst offender since they're essentially just a bit of canvas or leather with some leather soles. As a rule, they have no arch support and generally no cushioning. I understand the toughening of the feet for the kids who might eventually get on pointe and need to learn to feel the floor. But what about those of us who just love to take a good ballet class and still need to be able to walk in the morning?
Comments