How Do I Know When I Need a New Pair?
- Posted on
- By Stage Center
Regularly assessing the condition of your pointe shoes is a crucial habit for any dedicated dancer. When a shoe becomes "dead," it loses the ability to safely support your weight, which can lead to strain or improper technique. Whether your shoes are showing visible signs of breakdown or you simply feel your needs have changed, we strongly advise a professional fitting rather than simply ordering the same size. Understanding the specific markers of a worn-out shoe will help you determine exactly when your equipment is no longer fit for work and when a new, professionally fitted pair is required.
3 Signs You've Outgrown Your Pointe Shoes
As your physique and journey evolve, so do the requirements of your feet. It is important to be professionally re-fitted periodically to ensure your footwear continues to align with your developing strength and technical needs. Because a shoe that once worked may no longer facilitate proper form, these regular evaluations are essential for maintaining a style that supports your growth as a dancer. Here are three ways to tell if you’ve outgrown your current pair!
1. Your toes are curled
If you are standing flat in your pointe shoes and you cannot straighten your toes or feet, this is a sign you've outgrown them.
2. The heel digs in
When the shoes have died, or you've outgrown them, you will notice the heel pressing into your foot.
3. The heel is slipping off
If you've outgrown the shoes, you may begin to feel the heel slipping while you are working through the shoes. As your feet grow, the heel will slowly start sitting lower, causing it to slip off easily.
3 Signs of "Dead" Pointe Shoes
Every pair of pointe shoes is handmade, and they are intended to break down as you wear them. Even if you care for your shoes, there will be a time when the shoes become unsafe to wear, and you need to get a new pair. Here are a few signs that your pointe shoes are "dead".
1. You can feel the floor
When your pointe shoes have "died", the platform and box loses its integrity, you'll be able to feel the floor through the shoes in a painful way.
2. The shank no longer supports you
A broken shank or a shank that has become too soft is a sign of "dead" shoes.
3. The box or wings no longer hold you up
When the box becomes too soft or "mushy", you might feel like you are sinking or feeling the floor more.
Why it's important to get new pointe shoes
While some dancers prefer the feel of a more pliable shoe, it is important to distinguish between a broken-in shoe and one that is 'dead.' Once the structural integrity of the shoe is compromised, it is no longer safe for use. Continuing to dance in worn-out shoes significantly increases the risk of bruised toenails and joint inflammation, as the materials lose their capacity for shock absorption. Furthermore, losing support in the box or wings directly compromises your alignment, placing undue stress on the intrinsic muscles of the feet and reducing your overall control. When the shank or platform can no longer hold your weight, your feet and joints absorb the full force of the floor, which can lead to chronic injury and hinder your technical progress.
When to replace pointe shoes
If you're experiencing anything mentioned above, that means it's time for your next pair! Getting fitted professionally is the best way to make sure your pointe shoes fit correctly and are safe and comfortable for use.