Dancers are always looking for ways to stay on top of their craft.While movements may be beautiful and seem effortless, there’s so much work involved to be able to achieve the positions. Some dancers turn to an apparatus known as a foot stretcher to help increase range of motion.About half of dancing injuries involve the foot or ankle, and stretching can help prevent these. There are many to choose from though, so how do you know which is the best and safest to go for?If you’re looking for the right ballet foot stretcher dance teachers approve of, then have a look at our guide. Our Top Picks On The Best Foot Stretchers ImageModelTypeColourPriceRatingBuy NowSUPERIOR ARCH Foot StretcherPad and velcroBlack$$$$Click Here To See Latest PriceNorth American Healthcare Foot RockerFoot rockerBlue$Click Here To See Latest PriceProStretch Calf Stretcher and Foot Rocker (The Original)Foot rockerBlue$$Click Here To See Latest PriceStretch-EZ by OPTPLoops and pullRed$$Click Here To See Latest PriceARCH GENIE - The Original Foot StretcherPad and velcroBlack$$$$Click Here To See Latest Price What Makes A Quality Foot Stretcher Dancers can achieve a nice range of motion with practice, stretching, and more practice! But many are turning to foot stretchers to help push themselves a tiny bit more.In the past, dancers would have to have their instructor hold down their foot while they lowered their calf to the floor, giving the upper arch a proper stretch.However, this can cause more damage than good due to the heel being flat on the ground. It’s hard to achieve without assistance and can be painful too!This is where a foot stretcher can help. Not only should you be able to do it without assistance, but in a way that’s safe and more natural, keeping your heel in a comfortable position while you gradually work the ligaments. Different Types of Foot Stretcher Foot stretchers help prevent injury and create elegant lines for dancers and gymnasts. There are a variety of types to cater for every need. Solid foot stretcher These types of stretchers are made from a sturdy material such as wood. You place your leg along the plank and insert your foot into the stretcher. They do a fabulous job at stretching your arches, but are difficult to move – you’re not squeezing it into your ballet bag! Rubber stretcher These require a little work on your part. You need to hold the ends of the stretchy rubber whilst it is wrapped around your foot, and then point and flex.Rubber stretchers fit easily in your bag and you can perform the stretch anywhere. They come in varying strengths to cater for beginner dancers right through to professionals. Rubber stretchers are cheap, but perhaps not as effective as their solid counterparts. Mini foot stretcher Similar to the solid foot stretcher, these are made from a sturdy material. The difference is that they are shorter, only requiring you to insert your foot, not your whole leg.It’s simply a solid plank, usually wooden, covered in a stretchy fabric where you insert your foot. They can be transported in your dance bag, but are still a little on the large side. Buyer's Guide There are a few things to consider before you make a purchase. What are you using it for? Some of the stretchers you find will be geared toward people doing physical therapy while another might be best for a ballet dancer.Will you be using it to recover from injury or prevent injuries?Try to pick the one that’s specifically designed for your needs. How easy is it to use? You’ll want to avoid anything overly complicated and be sure the product has easy to understand directions. What's the quality? You don’t want a product that’s going to break after just a few days.Read reviews and ensure that the product will last for the long haul. 5 Best Foot Stretchers For Dancers Here are my top picks when you’re in the market for a new foot stretcher. Superior Arch Foot Stretcher The Superior Arch Foot Stretcher is a breakthrough in helping dancers achieve the very best arch possible for them.It’s been carefully designed to stretch ligaments without causing damage to any other part of the foot.This foot stretcher is set apart from the rest on the market due to its supportive system for not only the foot, but the calf as well.There’s a slight incline in the design so your calf can rest naturally.There’s minimal impact on the heel, allowing it to rotate and avoid damage to the intricate bones here.The base is made from wood and is covered with two-inch thick memory foam, adding extra comfort. There’s extra high-density foam padding where the arch of the foot and heel would be.The Superior Arch Foot Stretcher is very easy to use.Start by sitting down and simply use the Velcro straps at the end of the stretcher to strap your foot in comfortably, without pushing it too much too fast.The Velcro is super tough and will keep your foot in place without coming undone while allowing you to adjust the tension as you go on.Young or old, experienced dancer wanting to get back into it, or just starting out, the Superior Arch Foot Stretcher is ideal in helping with foot flexibility. Check The Best Price Here Pros & Cons Of Our #1 Choice It’s not just dancers who can benefit from a foot stretcher. Gymnasts and swimmers can also find the apparatus useful in improving range of motion.If you have flatter feet, a foot stretcher could possibly make the arch even more flat and create instability.You get a choice of color fabrics: black, blackberry (dark purple), or red.This foot stretcher dance tool is only wide enough for one foot at a time.Some dancers may prefer doing them both simultaneously to save time, but you would need to purchase two.To make sure you get the most out of your foot stretcher, Superior Arch supplies instructional videos to ensure you're doing it the right way.While foot stretchers for dancers will help stretch the ligaments and indeed increase range of movement, you need to increase the strength in that area as well.If you don’t think the strength is there, then a foot stretcher may not be for you.If you have a history of foot/ankle injuries, then a foot stretcher may not be recommended.Always ask a health professional if they think it’s suitable for you. Check The Best Price Here North American Healthcare Foot Rocker This rocker was developed by sports professionals in an effort to provide the optimum foot position and allow for effective stretching.By using this for three 30-second stretches, you can increase flexibility and relief heel, leg and back discomfort.This is great for people who suffer from plantar fasciitis, achilles tendonitis, arch pain, or ankle strains. Check The Best Price Here ProStretch Calf Stretcher & Foot Rocker This is a great option to increase your range of motion and the flexibility of the lower leg.This isolates the lower leg muscles, tendons and ligaments to provide a deep and complete stretch.The built-in heel plate reduces slipping and the foot plate allows for proper foot alignment.It comes complete with a one-year warranty and will fit adults who wear up to a size 13. Check The Best Price Here Stretch-EZ by OPTP This stretching device is made of comfortable poly laminate and webbing to allow for complete control over the stretch.It’s ideal for treating plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, or pain in the calf, hip, lower back, and thigh.It can reduce the chances of injury when used properly and encompasses the foot for complete comfort.This stretches more than just your foot. Enjoy a good stretch throughout the hamstring, quadriceps, and calf. Check The Best Price Here ARCH GENIE Foot Stretcher Available in a variety of colors, you can customize the Arch Genie to your personality.Many companies have attempted to imitate this design, but this version is handmade in the USA with materials that will last.Achieve a dynamic foot-arch stretch that’s ideal for any dancer.Other people who find comfort with this product are gymnasts, swimmers, runners, athletes and any fitness enthusiast.It can be used on anyone 8 years or older to bring maximum comfort. Check The Best Price Here Conclusion Are you ready to achieve that amazing arch and perfect your dance? Want a foot stretcher dance instructors use themselves?Then try the Superior Arch Foot Stretcher! It makes a much more comfortable and safer alternative than having someone hold your foot while you stretch.It reduces the risk of damage and will help you achieve the ultimate arch that's suitable for you without pushing too far.
