Caring for Your Pointe Shoes
How to Prepare Your Pointe Shoes
Getting your shoes ready is an important part of dancing safely and comfortably. Here’s what we recommend:
- Sewing ribbons securely:
We suggest using the technique shown in our video — it creates a strong connection between your shoe and foot, keeping the heel snug. You can view sample shoes with this method in our shop and take photos for reference. - Ribbon requirements:
You’ll need about 2.6m of ribbon per pair. We sell ribbon both by the metre and pre-cut.
Tip: You may also want to add invisible elastic for extra security. - Consult your teacher:
Before sewing, show your new shoes to your teacher (if they didn’t attend your fitting). - Protect the platform:
You can darn your platforms, apply stick on suede tips or stick on darned patches.
Watch Ballet Pro’s tutorial for how to apply suede tips.
Important
Never bash or hammer your shoes to break them in — it can permanently damage them.
Safely Break In Your Shoes
- Wear them at home (with old socks over them to keep clean)
- Practice gentle roll-up rises onto demi-pointe
- Let them mould naturally to your feet
- You can sleep in them to help soften them (but never walk up or down stairs in them)
Your teacher will also have tips for breaking them in properly.
How to Care for Your Pointe Shoes
- Mark Left & Right after your first wear
- Avoid moisture:
Remove padding, place shoes in a breathable mesh or cotton bag, and hang them up to dry.
Tip: Loosely stuff tissue paper inside to absorb moisture. - Alternate pairs:
If you dance often, rotating two pairs lets each dry fully and last longer. - Clean your accessories:
Wash and dry toe pads, silicone tubes, toe caps, and any other inserts regularly.
If the box gets danced on while wet, it will break down quickly and stress the shank — leading to early damage.
When to Replace Your Pointe Shoes
Pointe shoes don’t last forever. Their lifespan ranges from 4–20 hours of dancing, depending on your activity level and class type.
Signs your shoes need replacing:
- The platform is no longer stiff
- The toe box feels soft or mushy
- The shank no longer provides proper support
You might notice:
- New pain or discomfort
- Difficulty rolling fully over the box
- Falling off pointe or losing balance
- Falling forward during turns
If the toe box or shank is soft, cracked, or damaged — it’s time for a new pair.
Never dance in shoes that have become too soft.
A collapsed shoe can lead to injuries.With thanks to Amanda from Ballet Pro