Buying second-hand dance shoes can be a good deal, provided you check four things before paying: the suede sole, the structure (heel, shank, counter), the condition of the upper, and hygiene. A pair that has been worn little and fits your exact size is worth it; pointe shoes, children's slippers, or a badly misshapen pair are not.
What second-hand really offers
- A lower price, especially for high-end models resold after a few classes, when the dancer has changed disciplines or sizes.
- Access to models that are no longer made, or to discontinued colors.
- A more responsible purchase: a pair that has been worn little and finds a dancer rather than a closet.
A misconception to correct: a "broken-in" shoe is not necessarily an advantage. It was broken in on someone else's foot. If the shape of your feet is different, the creases in the upper and the imprint on the insole can create pressure points instead of avoiding them.
Points to check before buying
1. The suede sole
This is what allows you to pivot without slipping. Ask for a clear photo of the sole in daylight. A suede sole in good condition has texture, a fairly uniform color, and no smooth, shiny area under the ball of the foot. A slightly worn sole can be restored with a brass brush; a sole with holes, peeling, or that is completely smooth needs to be resoled. To find out what to expect, read our guide to the suede sole.
2. The heel and shank
Place the shoe on a table and look at it from behind: the heel should be straight, not leaning to one side. Check that it is not cracked at the base and that the heel cap is not worn down to the structure. The shank, the blade that supports the arch, should not crack or bend abnormally when you press under the arch. A loose heel or a broken shank makes the shoe dangerous.
3. The upper, straps, and seams
Look at the seams around the straps, the buckles, and the bonding between the upper and the sole. A stained or scuffed satin shoe can still be worn but cannot always be cleaned. Cracked leather at the crease of the ball of the foot indicates that its life is nearing its end. Loose straps cause the foot to slip.
4. The interior and hygiene
Ask for a photo of the interior. A heavily marked, blackened, or peeling insole indicates a pair that has been worn a lot. Strong odors or traces of moisture are warning signs to take seriously. Upon receipt, clean the interior and treat it with a shoe-specific disinfectant available at the pharmacy. If you have any doubts about a fungal infection or experience itching after wearing them a few times, ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice.
Questions to ask the seller
- How many times has the shoe been worn, and on what type of floor?
- Has it ever been worn outside?
- What was the foot length in centimeters of the person who wore it?
- Has the sole been redone or reglued, and by whom?
- Why is she selling it?
Foot length is the most useful question: sizes vary from one brand to another, and a size 38 from one manufacturer may fit like a size 37 elsewhere. Compare it with your own measurement.
What you should avoid buying second-hand
- Pointe shoes. A pointe shoe breaks during dancing: the box softens and the shank loses its strength. A pair that has already been worn no longer offers the expected support, and it was chosen for another foot. They should be chosen by trying them on, with the teacher's approval.
- Children's slippers that are too marked: a child's foot needs a shoe in their size and without deformation.
- Shoes that have been resoled without a suede sole suitable for dance.
- Pairs where you cannot see the sole and the interior in photos.
Table: good or bad deal?
| What you see | Verdict |
|---|---|
| Suede sole with texture, straight heel, clean interior | Good deal if the foot length matches |
| Slightly worn but intact sole | Acceptable, brushing is often enough |
| Smooth sole or peeling in places | Negotiate, plan for resoling |
| Heel leaning or loose, cracking shank | Avoid |
| Cracked leather at the ball of the foot, loose straps | Nearing the end of its life |
| Already worn pointe shoes | Avoid |
Where to find second-hand dance shoes
General second-hand marketplaces offer a wide selection, often with buyer protection whose terms should be read. Local listings allow you to try them on before paying, which is a real advantage. Dancer groups on social media, equipment exchanges organized by certain schools or clubs, and the end of workshops are also good options: you can talk to the person selling them and see the pair in person.
Always opt for payment through the platform or in-person collection, and be wary of prices that are too low for well-known brands.
New or second-hand: how to decide
Second-hand is interesting for a dancer who already knows their size, model, and heel height. For a first pair, new is often simpler: you know exactly what you are buying and you can get advice. Our guide what budget for your first shoes helps you set an amount, and the one for recognizing a quality shoe will serve you just as well for new as for second-hand.
At Dansezo, our dance shoes for beginners and our intermediate selection are new, in European sizes, delivered free of charge from €50 on purchases in metropolitan France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Spain, and Switzerland. You have 30 days after receipt to return them if the pair has not been worn outside, and free size advice at contact@dansezo.fr.
Frequently asked questions
Is it a good idea to buy second-hand dance shoes?
Yes, if you know your size and the model that suits you, and if the sole, heel, and interior are in good condition. They are less suitable for a first pair or for a growing child. Second-hand pointe shoes should be avoided.
Can the suede sole of a second-hand shoe be redone?
A simply worn sole can be restored with a brass brush. A sole with holes or peeling can be replaced by a cobbler accustomed to dance shoes. Take this cost into account when offering a price.
How to disinfect second-hand dance shoes?
Clean the interior with a slightly damp cloth, let it air dry, then use a shoe-specific disinfectant sold at the pharmacy, following the instructions. Avoid soaking the shoe, as water damages the suede sole and glues.
Why should you not buy second-hand pointe shoes?
A pointe shoe loses its strength during dancing: the box softens and the shank gives way. A pair that has already been worn no longer supports the foot as intended and was chosen for another foot. Pointe shoes should be chosen by trying them on, with the teacher's approval.