Microfibre vs Leather: Which Is Better for Dance Shoes?

When did you last see a running shoe made of leather? Athletic shoes moved to synthetic uppers years ago, because a shoe you move hard in needs to be light, flexible and quick to dry. Dance sneakers need the same things, and that's why ours are made from microfibre.

Where leather still makes sense

Leather has a long history in dance, and many performance shoes worn on stage are still made from it. Studio shoes do a different job. They go through class after class, long practice sessions and a lot of sweat, and that's where microfibre does better.

What AIRDANCE+® microfibre is

AIRDANCE+® is the name for the premium materials our uppers are built from. AIRDANCE+® premium microfibre is made from very fine synthetic fibres, and it's built to be lightweight, breathable and flexible. On Flow 2, Flow 2 Wide and Nova, we combine tumbled and smooth-grained microfibre for a balance of suppleness, support, durability and lightness. Volt has a cotton canvas body with microfibre at the heel and toe cage.

Microfibre and leather, point by point

Weight

Leather is heavier. A lighter upper responds faster through quick footwork, and you feel the difference by the end of a long class.

Flexibility

Leather usually starts stiff and needs breaking in. Microfibre bends with your foot from the first wear.

Sweat

Leather is porous and soaks up sweat, which can leave it stiff and holding odour after a few hard sessions. Microfibre doesn't absorb as much, so it dries faster between classes.

Staying white

White leather tends to yellow over time with sweat and sunlight. Microfibre doesn't yellow as easily, so a white pair stays white for longer.

Durability

Depending on its quality, leather can crease and crack with heavy use. Microfibre keeps its shape and surface through regular classes and socials.

Care

Leather needs conditioning to stay supple. Microfibre needs a microfibre cloth and warm water, with a little mild soap for tougher marks.

So which is better for dancing?

For a stage costume, leather can suit the look. For class, practice and socials, where your shoes need to stay light, flexible and dry, microfibre is the better material.

If you want to keep animal products out of your shoes, our guide to vegan dance shoes covers the options.

Every Pulse Dance Shoes style pairs an AIRDANCE+® upper with our dance-engineered SPYNFLEX® sole. Find your pair.