The Boot Dash requires a long runway to activate, however, there is a way to do a Boot Dash without having to find a suitable runway. When using the Wii-U gamepad, you can use either the left-stick or D-pad to control Shantae. For some reason, pressing right on the D-pad will override the left input from the left-stick but continue to register as if you're running in a straight continuous line. This allows you to activate Boot Dash on very small runways to gain items and areas that would otherwise be unreachable without other items. To Boot Dash in the left direction, hold the left-stick left and tap the D-pad right over and over to make Shantae shift in place, then simply stop pressing right when activation pops up and Boot Dash. To Boot Dash right, do the same steps as above but instead stop holding down left on the left-stick and continue your Boot Dash with the D-pad held to the right.