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How to Cut the Shank on My Pointe Shoes

Pointe shoes should be carefully broken in. According to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, pointe shoes should be prepared differently for class and performances. A pivotal aspect of the break-in routine is bending and shaping the shank. The shank is the solid material that sits beneath the leather sole of the shoe, and this material adds structure to the shoe as a dancer goes on pointe. Cutting shanks corrects the fit of a pointe shoe when this structure is too wide or long.

Things You'll Need

  • Pliers
  • Sturdy scissors
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Instructions

    • 1

      Pull back the leather insole of the pointe shoe. This sole will be glued in place so be prepared to pull slightly harder on the material to remove the leather. Pull up the top third of the sole and do not take the entire leather insole out of the shoe.

    • 2

      Use a pair of pliers to gently remove the nail that holds the shank in place at the heel of the shoe. Removing this nail will allow you to handle the shank without completely removing the material from the body of the shoe.

    • 3

      Cut the shank at the heel or the instep using a pair of sturdy, strong scissors. Cut small pieces away from the body of the shank. Dancers will normally only cut a small section from the edge of the in-step to create more movement and flexibility. Likewise, the shank may sit too far back in the shoe and need to be shortened slightly.

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Ballet

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