Arts >> Dance >> Ballet

How to Break in Ballet Pointe Shoes

Ballet Pointe Shoes are unequivocally known as some of the most uncomfortable shoes in the world. If you are starting as a new Pointe Dancer or you're in need of new shoes, wear out your Pointe Shoes just enough to be comfortable for the first few wearings. Dancers use many different techniques to break Pointe shoes in. Making sure that the shoes are comfortable for your feet is a must. Most dancers like to keep their shoes looking new, and this can sometimes be the ultimate challenge. A perfectly worn-in shoe will be as comfortable as an old, broken-down shoe. Yet, it will look brand new.

Things You'll Need

  • Pair of Socks
  • Rubbing Alcohol
  • Loose Wool
  • Tights
  • Toenail Clippers
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Clip your toenails before breaking in your new shoes. You want your toes to rub as little as possible against the hard wood in the toe of the Pointe Shoe. If a long toenail is jutting out of your toe, you will be in a lot of pain.

    • 2

      Always wear tights with your shoes. Since you will be wearing tights in performance and rehearsal, it is a good idea to break in your shoes with tights on. You don't want to make your feet any more sensitive to the shoes than they will be during performance or rehearsal. Take care of your feet as much as possible.

    • 3

      Wet your shoe slightly with rubbing alcohol. Focus on areas of the shoe that might give you trouble. The heel and the top of the toes should be an area of focus. Put the shoes on your feet while they are still wet. Wear the shoes for half an hour, walking around the room. Go slowly up on pointe and slowly back down again.

    • 4

      Stuff the toe--and anywhere else that is bothering you on your foot--with lambswool. Lambswool is soft and will form well to your feet. Be sure to pack it into areas that are rubbing or painful.

    • 5

      Wear a pair of socks over your shoes to keep them from scuffing while breaking them in. The worst part about having a pair of new shoes is that they will not look new for long. To keep your Pointe Shoes nice and pink, wear a pair of socks over the shoes while breaking them in around the house. This should keep them clean.

Ballet

Related Categories