Brush for Cleaning Soles

[DWise1]

Being the typical male shopper, I need to gather intel before going out to hunt down the item.

Where do they sell those wire brushes for cleaning the gunk off the soles of dance shoes? Would any shoe store carry them? Or are they more specifically a dance store item? And are there different kinds and which ones would you warn me away from?

[Sagitta]

I use a nail file. Cheap and works. I do know that there have been discussions on this topic before, though...too.

[Sagitta]

ok. Search for "shoe brushes" brings many topics including

http://www.dance-forums.com/viewtopic.php?t=5698&highlight=shoe+brush

http://www.dance-forums.com/viewtopic.php?t=3127&highlight=shoe+brush

http://www.dance-forums.com/viewtopic.php?t=271&highlight=shoe+brush

http://www.dance-forums.com/viewtopic.php?t=1071&highlight=shoe+brush

:cheers:

[wyllo]

I don't think you'll find a shoe brush at shoe stores, however you can find them at your local hardware store. For about $5 at a hardware store you can get a small, metal brush with short, straigh bristles that is very similar, if not the same as what many ballroom companies sell.

I personally prefer the type of brush with curved bristles and as far as I know, you can only get it from ballroom companies. I'm sorry I don't know which ones -- I bought my brush many years ago and have not needed to replace it yet. I think the curved bristles are much better at restoring very abused soles to a nice nap. One problem with this brush is that the bristles are very sharp and more than once when I've been in a hurry between rounds I've cut my hand.

[Sagitta]

I don't think you'll find a shoe brush at shoe stores, however you can find them at your local hardware store. For about $5 at a hardware store you can get a small, metal brush with short, straigh bristles that is very similar, if not the same as what many ballroom companies sell.


called a nail file. :wink: :)

[Medira]

I personally prefer the type of brush with curved bristles and as far as I know, you can only get it from ballroom companies. I'm sorry I don't know which ones -- I bought my brush many years ago and have not needed to replace it yet. I think the curved bristles are much better at restoring very abused soles to a nice nap. One problem with this brush is that the bristles are very sharp and more than once when I've been in a hurry between rounds I've cut my hand.Freed sells them, as does Angelo Luzio. Check out any local store that sells ballroom shoes. I got mine for $6.

[DWise1]

I don't think you'll find a shoe brush at shoe stores, however you can find them at your local hardware store. For about $5 at a hardware store you can get a small, metal brush with short, straigh bristles that is very similar, if not the same as what many ballroom companies sell.


called a nail file. :wink: :)

Do you mean a "file card"? Used to clean metal files.

To me, a "nail file" would be what a manicurist would use on your finger nails.


And thank you, everyone, for your quick response.

[chachachacat]

I say get a real dance shoe brush from a dance shoe store or online, definetely!
They have a bent bristle, very sharp, that really works well. Straight bristle ones from hardware stores do not work as well.
This is what I have found over many years and many students who went the cheap route. Get the real thing! It's worth it!
:!:

And use it every time you dance. The suede is useless if it's smoothed down.

[lynn]

OK, this is somewhat of a weird question, but how are you supposed to use the brushes? Am I supposed to use it in the direction of the curve or the opposite??

[chachachacat]

You brush in the direction opposite your hand! :D

[lynn]

:shock: :shock: :shock:

wouldn't i accidentally pull the suede sole off???

[chachachacat]

I hold it by the heel and brush toward the toe, actually. I don't know if the suede would come off, but best not to encourage it.

[Lucretia]

I bought my brush in a cookery shop :lol: . The same type you use to clean the stove. :D It works great ...but some types are too weak. So beware!

/luc

[DWise1]

BTW, this if for my raw-leather soled Aris Allen shoes.

Does that make a difference?

[Sagitta]

I don't think you'll find a shoe brush at shoe stores, however you can find them at your local hardware store. For about $5 at a hardware store you can get a small, metal brush with short, straigh bristles that is very similar, if not the same as what many ballroom companies sell.


called a nail file. :wink: :)

Do you mean a "file card"? Used to clean metal files.

To me, a "nail file" would be what a manicurist would use on your finger nails.


And thank you, everyone, for your quick response.
YUp...file card.

[Sagitta]

BTW, this if for my raw-leather soled Aris Allen shoes.

Does that make a difference?
Leather!! :shock: I would say so, given that most people are talking about suede soles, I think...

[Medira]

BTW, this if for my raw-leather soled Aris Allen shoes.

Does that make a difference?
Leather!! :shock: I would say so, given that most people are talking about suede soles, I think...Ooooh, yep. The big, toothy, heavy duty wire brushes are meant for suede soles! Good catch Sagitta.

[DWise1]

Yes, I brought up that question because I saw everyone else talking about suede.

So then what would be recommended for cleaning raw-leather soles?

BTW, FWIW, on my sueded shoes I had just let them get nice and slick. "Iced chrome" I think some call it. But I'd rather not let that happen with my good shoes.

[Vince A]

Yes, I brought up that question because I saw everyone else talking about suede.

So then what would be recommended for cleaning raw-leather soles?

BTW, FWIW, on my sueded shoes I had just let them get nice and slick. "Iced chrome" I think some call it. But I'd rather not let that happen with my good shoes.
The brush IS for suede soles, although I've seen Pros use sandpaper . . . my wife uses sandpaper if she can't find one of the dozen brushes we own

We get the brushes at dance event . . . maybe $2. I brush toward the toe too!

"Chrome suede" is a very tough and long wearing suede. It's black and expensive . . . my last pair cost $65 for new suede heels and soles. But it's good for 2 -3 years if you brush often . . . like take the brush with you in your shoe bag and brush several times during an evening of dance.

[DWise1]

Yes, I brought up that question because I saw everyone else talking about suede.

So then what would be recommended for cleaning raw-leather soles?

BTW, FWIW, on my sueded shoes I had just let them get nice and slick. "Iced chrome" I think some call it. But I'd rather not let that happen with my good shoes.
The brush IS for suede soles, although I've seen Pros use sandpaper . . . my wife uses sandpaper if she can't find one of the dozen brushes we own

We get the brushes at dance event . . . maybe $2. I brush toward the toe too!

"Chrome suede" is a very tough and long wearing suede. It's black and expensive . . . my last pair cost $65 for new suede heels and soles. But it's good for 2 -3 years if you brush often . . . like take the brush with you in your shoe bag and brush several times during an evening of dance.

So then you're saying to not use a brush on a raw leather sole?

[dTas]

i think you have to take a look at the difference between "hard leather" and "soft leather".

suede is soft... should be brushed to keep soft and provide the proper friction.

hard leather is just that, hard... you shouldn't have to brush them. hard leather is meant to be used on all surfaces and conditions, not only dry dance floors.

to brush hard leather would only damage the leather surface and shorten its lifespan. sand paper might be a good alternative to remove any gunk from the bottom of hard leather shoes. or even a butter knife (depending on what's stuck to your shoe)

[genEus]

I'm such a doofus. I thought that the suede on the bottom of my shoes was *supposed* to flatten down with wear and harden into leather. I've never cleaned my dance shoes, I've stepped in water many times and now that I look at the soles of my shoes they are absolutely smooth and flat. Did I ruin them? I had no idea I was supposed to keep the suede in good shape :oops:

[wyllo]

I'm such a doofus. I thought that the suede on the bottom of my shoes was *supposed* to flatten down with wear and harden into leather. I've never cleaned my dance shoes, I've stepped in water many times and now that I look at the soles of my shoes they are absolutely smooth and flat. Did I ruin them? I had no idea I was supposed to keep the suede in good shape :oops:

I think that's a matter of preference. I actually like to have the suede on my shoes as flat and slick and possible. This probably comes from often having to dance on floors with a lot of friction, though.

Don't worry too much about your shoes -- I've found the suede to be very forgiving and have even managed to get soda and other misc. sticky substances out of it by using a shoe brush. I can't believe people spill soda on a dance floor and then just leave it there. :evil:

[Vince A]

. . . to brush hard leather would only damage the leather surface and shorten its lifespan . . . sand paper . . .
Thanks DTas . . . I should have clarified that . . .

[dTas]

I'm such a doofus. I thought that the suede on the bottom of my shoes was *supposed* to flatten down with wear and harden into leather. I've never cleaned my dance shoes, I've stepped in water many times and now that I look at the soles of my shoes they are absolutely smooth and flat. Did I ruin them? I had no idea I was supposed to keep the suede in good shape :oops:

you may have damaged the undersurface but its still a good dance shoe for general use. the rest of the shoe also aids in dancing.

if the leather is wet then allow it to dry and try brushing them. if they're as slick as you say you may have to use a VERY CORSE BRUSH! some ballroom shoe places sell a VERY AGRESSIVE brush with metal hooks (actual sharp HOOKS) on the bottom. this brush may bring the soles of your shoes back to life.

note: be very careful with this brush. on several occasions i've brushed off the end of my shoe and gouged my hand, finger, arm, thigh, calf, jacket, neighbor... etc. this brush could almost be used as a weapon.

like others though... i tend not to brush my shoes and let them get slick. its also good for building the proper dance muscles. with slick shoes your legs have to work harder to become grounded. :D

[Vince A]

genEus,
Yea, I agree with wyllo . . . suede is forgiving.

I did the same thing as you, and never brushed a pair . . . I liked the slippery feel of the matted down suede, as I like to slide a lot.

As I grew in my understanding of what suede does for you, I brushed those same matted down shoes and resurrected the suede. I did, however, have to have the original suede removed and replaced.

Get a brush . . . try to save them. If not, R2 the heels and soles, then keep the replacements brushed . . .

[chachachacat]

If you let the suede get slick, you lose your groundedness, and slipping and sliding when you don't mean to isn't good. Brushed suede can slide and stop you.

I feel more grounded and safe with brushed-up suede.

With the killer brush - yes, I've drawn blood many times. Bandaids in the shoe bag come in handy.
These "killer" brushes can resurrect (sp?) a slick sole amazingly well.

[dTas]

If you let the suede get slick, you lose your groundedness, and slipping and sliding when you don't mean to isn't good. Brushed suede can slide and stop you.

I feel more grounded and safe with brushed-up suede.

With the killer brush - yes, I've drawn blood many times. Bandaids in the shoe bag come in handy.
These "killer" brushes can resurrect (sp?) a slick sole amazingly well.

i agree... with slick shoes you tend to slide WAY to easily, they don't keep you grounded at all. that's why they're good for developing the muscles to keep you grounded. its like trying to dance on ice. they force you to use your legs and core more to keep from sliding.

great for practice but not very practical for dancing. :D

[genEus]

If you let the suede get slick, you lose your groundedness, and slipping and sliding when you don't mean to isn't good. Brushed suede can slide and stop you.

I feel more grounded and safe with brushed-up suede.

With the killer brush - yes, I've drawn blood many times. Bandaids in the shoe bag come in handy.
These "killer" brushes can resurrect (sp?) a slick sole amazingly well.

i agree... with slick shoes you tend to slide WAY to easily, they don't keep you grounded at all. that's why they're good for developing the muscles to keep you grounded. its like trying to dance on ice. they force you to use your legs and core more to keep from sliding.

great for practice but not very practical for dancing. :D

Oh then I don't have anything to worry about. I've never felt that my shoes were too slippery at all. Actually I did borrow someone's brush once to get a few tiny stones out of my shoes but it seemed like the brush wanted to tear into the sole and not only raise the suede but actually tear it out. So I stopped. I'll borrow it again and see if I can resurrect it but if not, no big deal I guess.