Derek Hough On the Essentials That Keep Him Moving, From Dance Kicks to Rimowa Suitcases

Recently announced as the new host of 'Extra,' the Emmy-winning choreographer and former 'Dancing with the Stars' judge shares his must-haves for dancing, wellness and travel.

By Danielle Directo-Meston

Plus Icon

Danielle Directo-Meston

E-Commerce Editor

danielledirecto

Follow Sign Up

More Stories by Danielle

View All

August 14, 2025 10:00am

Add us as a Google Preferred Source

Derek Hough's Favorite Products for Dancing, Travel and Recovery

Fuego

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, The Hollywood Reporter may receive an affiliate commission.

Renaissance man Derek Hough isn’t one to stay still. The Emmy-winning choreographer will join Extra as the entertainment news show’s new host and is set to make is debut on Sept. 8.

A new hosting gig isn’t the only addition to Hough’s resume. The 40-year-old multi-hyphenate also recently teamed with dance footwear brand Fuego on a line of stylish, high-performance kicks that step steamlessly from the sidewalk to the studio. The DH x Fuego collection includes a split-sole style and low-top silhouette, both designed with the shoe company’s signature FlowTec outsole that features dual pivots, giving dancers “the right balance of slip and grip.”

Related Stories

The Best Travel Gifts for Everyone

Lifestyle

The 42 Best Gifts for All Types of Travelers, From Luxe Flight Essentials to Road Trip Gadgets

Parke Stoney Clover Lane November 2026 Drop: Sweatshirt, Jeans, Bags

Lifestyle

Parke's Collab With Stoney Clover Lane Is Back by (Very) Popular Demand

“I’ve spent my life moving and performing and as a seasoned dancer I know firsthand how important the right footwear is,” Hough has said. “I’ve partnered with Fuego to create a collection that looks great, feels amazing, and most importantly, supports movement. The right footwear ensures that you’re taking care of your body whether you’re dancing professionally, recreationally, or just want to add more rhythm to your everyday life.”

Here, the former Dancing with the Stars contestant and judge shares his everyday essentials that keep him moving. From his DH x Fuego low-tops and socks to go with them, to luxe luggage and his post-dance recovery must-haves, keep reading for Hough’s favorite things.

Vuori V1 Tab Sock

Vuori V1 Tab Sock

$14 at Vuori

“The Vuori V1 Tab Socks are extremely comfortable and perfect socks for everyday wear. I love how breathable and adaptable they are. I can wear them with anything from sneakers to dance shoes.”

Fuego x Derek Hough Low-Top Sneakers

Fuego x Derek Hough Low-Top Sneakers

$180 at Fuego

“When I’m rehearsing, one of my fitness essentials are my DH X Fuego Low-Top sneakers. They are a necessity. They allow me to stay on my feet longer and in a safe way without fear of injury or fatigue. I don’t have to worry about damaging my ankles or knees because the DH x Fuego sneakers are made specifically for dancing and dancers.”

Hyperice Normatec 3 Legs

Hyperice Normatec 3 Legs

$899 at Hyperice

“I take post-dance recovery incredibly seriously. I do everything under the stars, ice baths, red light therapy, electrolytes, and especially use compression pants. While the Normatec compression pants are on the pricier side, when you are touring or doing multiple shows a week, they are a lifesaver. They allow my body to recover safely so I can continue what I’m doing and give a stellar performance night after night.”

LAFCO New York Feu De Bois Ski House candle

LAFCO New York Feu De Bois Ski House Candle

$75 at Nordstrom

“[My wife] Hayley [Erbert] and I have tons of candles around our home, and specifically the LAFCO New York Feu De Bois Ski House candle is a favorite of ours. It adds the perfect amount of ambiance to the home while curating a clean and comfortable environment. Scents have a powerful effect on my creativity and mood. I’ll wear different colognes for specific things. For example, when I’m in the studio choreographing, I want to wear a cologne that highlights how I’m feeling and what I’m working on.”

Apple AirPods Pro 2

Apple

Apple AirPods Pro 2

$169.00 $249.00 32% off

Buy at Amazon

“When I’m working out at the gym, traveling, or on a plane, my AirPod Pros are a must. They’re small and convenient so I can take them anywhere.  I especially love using the noise-canceling setting so I can easily escape into my own world.”

'Extra' Host Derek Hough On His Favorite Dance and Travel Essentials

Vuori Transit Joggers

$94 $118 20% off

Buy at Vuori

“The Transit Joggers are some of my favorite Vuori pants. They are perfect for everything from dance and traveling to running errands during the week. They are super simple and comfortable while not looking like traditional sweatpants.”

'Extra' Host Derek Hough On His Favorite Dance and Travel Essentials

Rimowa Original Cabin

$1,500 at Rimowa

“I travel a ton, so I’ve tried a bunch of different types of luggage over the years. By far my favorite piece of luggage is the Rimowa Original Cabin roller bag. Traveling can be exhausting, so the Rimowa bags have your back. They are super durable and are sturdy enough to sit on while waiting in line.”

Read More About:

THR Newsletters

Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day

Subscribe Sign Up

More from The Hollywood Reporter

'Extra' Host Derek Hough On His Favorite Dance and Travel Essentials

The Definitive Voice of Entertainment News

Subscribe for full access to The Hollywood Reporter

SEE MY OPTIONS Sign Up

Most Popular

Robert Pattinson

James Bond Surprise: Robert Pattinson Screen Tested to Play 007

By Borys Kit, Aaron Couch

Ilene S. Landress, Zosia Mamet, Lena Dunham, Jennifer Konner, Allison Williams, Adam Driver and Judd Apatow attend HBO's Post 2013 Golden Globe Awards Party.

Adam Driver Not Participating in ‘Girls’ Revival: “Wish Them the Best of Luck”

By McKinley Franklin

Timothy Simons, Kristen Bell, Justine Lupe and Jackie Tohn attend a 'Nobody Wants This' FYC event in Los Angeles on Nov. 6.

‘Nobody Wants This’ Stars Hint at Season 4 and Declare Timothy Simons “the Lead of the Show Now”

By Kirsten Chuba

Emmy Rossum

Emmy Rossum Named RAINN Ambassador Amid New Partnership to Deepen Public Understanding of Sexual Violence and Survivorship (Exclusive)

By Abbey White

Matthew Wright and Ellen DeGeneres

‘Ellen DeGeneres Show’ Producer Matthew Wright’s Cause of Death Revealed

By Lexi Carson

Noah Schnapp and Winona Ryder in Stranger Things

‘Stranger Things’ Spinoff Series ‘Other Worlds’ Set in the 1950s Ordered by Netflix

By James Hibberd

Godzilla Minus Zero

‘Godzilla Minus Zero’ Barrels Toward Historic $32M Box Office Launch With ‘Cat in the Hat’ at No. 2

By Ryan Gajewski

Must Reads

Sacha Baron Cohen was photographed Oct. 14 at PMC Studios Los Angeles. Styling by Artistic & Fashion Director Alison Edmond Paul Smith sweater; Ali G’s jewelry.

Sacha Baron Cohen Gets Real About Backlash, Death Threats and Resurrecting Ali G

By Lacey Rose

Charli D’Amelio was photographed Oct. 5 at PMC Studios in Los Angeles. Artisitic & Fashion Director Alison Edmond Blumarine dress; Viltier earrings; L'Dezen bracelet; Mark Gong boots.

The Emancipation of Charli D’Amelio: How the TikTok Queen Took Back Her Life

By Nancy Jo Sales

Eric Bauza at the 'Coyote vs. Acme' Los Angeles Premiere held at the Fox Village Theater on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.

Eric Bauza Remembered as a “Once-in-a-Generation” Talent Who Gave Looney Tunes a New Voice

By Scott Roxborough