Breaking In New Pointe Shoes: A Comprehensive Guide for Dancers

New pointe shoes are a dancer’s best friend and worst enemy all rolled into one. The promise of graceful lines and effortless balances is tantalizing, but the reality of stiff shanks, unforgiving boxes, and the dreaded ‘new shoe’ pain can be daunting. Breaking in new pointe shoes is an essential part of a dancer’s training, and it’s a process that requires patience, dedication, and the right techniques. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to transform those brand-new shoes into a comfortable and supportive extension of your feet.

Why Breaking In Pointe Shoes is Crucial

Before diving into the ‘how,’ let’s understand the ‘why.’ Pointe shoes are constructed with multiple layers of fabric, cardboard, and glue. They are designed to be rigid and supportive, enabling dancers to rise en pointe. However, this rigidity is precisely what makes them uncomfortable when new. Here’s why breaking them in is so important:

* **Improved Comfort:** New pointe shoes often feel stiff and unforgiving, leading to blisters, pinched toes, and general discomfort. Breaking them in molds the shoe to your foot’s unique shape, reducing pressure points and making them more comfortable to wear for extended periods.
* **Enhanced Performance:** Shoes that are too stiff can hinder your ability to articulate your foot properly. Breaking them in allows for greater flexibility in the shank and box, enabling you to achieve a fuller pointe and execute movements with more precision.
* **Injury Prevention:** Stiff shoes can force your feet and ankles to work harder, increasing the risk of injuries such as tendonitis, sprains, and stress fractures. By softening the shoe and allowing it to move more naturally with your foot, you can reduce the strain on your joints and muscles.
* **Prolonged Shoe Life:** While it might seem counterintuitive, breaking in your shoes properly can actually extend their lifespan. By gradually softening the shoe and reinforcing key areas, you can prevent premature breakdown and ensure they maintain their support for longer.
* **Better Aesthetics:** A properly broken-in pointe shoe will conform to the shape of your foot, creating a cleaner line and a more aesthetically pleasing appearance. No more bulky, boxy shoes that detract from your artistry.

Understanding Pointe Shoe Anatomy

Familiarizing yourself with the different parts of a pointe shoe will help you understand how to target specific areas during the breaking-in process. Here’s a quick overview:

* **Box:** The hard, reinforced tip of the shoe that supports the toes en pointe. It’s made of layers of fabric, glue, and sometimes cardboard.
* **Platform:** The flat surface at the very tip of the box that you stand on when en pointe.
* **Vamp:** The upper part of the shoe that covers the toes and instep. Vamps can be U-shaped or V-shaped, and their length can vary.
* **Throat:** The opening of the shoe where you insert your foot.
* **Shank:** The inner sole of the shoe, which provides support to the arch of the foot. Shanks can be full-length, three-quarter length, or half-length, and their stiffness can vary.
* **Sole:** The outer sole of the shoe, typically made of leather.
* **Heel:** The back part of the shoe that supports the heel.
* **Binding:** The fabric trim around the top edge of the shoe.
* **Ribbon and Elastics:** These are sewn onto the shoe to secure it to the foot.

Essential Tools for Breaking In Pointe Shoes

Before you begin, gather the following tools:

* **Pointe Shoe Knife:** A small, sharp knife (such as a seam ripper or a craft knife) for scoring the shank and box.
* **Hammer or Pliers:** For gently softening the box and shank.
* **Needle and Thread:** For reinforcing areas that are prone to wear and tear.
* **Scissors:** For trimming ribbons and elastics.
* **Foot Protection:** Toe pads, gel cushions, or lambswool to protect your toes from blisters.
* **Rosins:** To apply on the sole of the shoe in order to prevent from slipping.
* **Darning Thread/Floss:** For reinforcing and shaping the platform of the shoe.
* **Sandpaper (Optional):** For roughening the platform for better grip, only if rosining doesn’t give enough grip.
* **Heat Source (Optional):** Hairdryer for softening the box.
* **Water or Rubbing Alcohol (Optional):** For softening the box (use sparingly).

Step-by-Step Guide to Breaking In Pointe Shoes

Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. Here’s a detailed guide to breaking in your pointe shoes:

**Step 1: Preparation and Assessment**

* **Wear your usual toe pads and accessories:** Before you even think about breaking in your shoes, make sure you’re wearing the same toe pads, spacers, or other accessories you typically use during class or rehearsal. This will ensure that the shoe is molded to your foot in its ‘working’ condition.
* **Try them on and assess the fit:** Put on your pointe shoes and stand in first position, then rise to demi-pointe and full pointe. Pay attention to how the shoes feel. Are they too tight, too loose, or just right? Do you feel any pressure points or areas of discomfort? Make a mental note of these observations, as they will guide your breaking-in process.
* **Check the shank length:** The shank should support your arch without digging into your heel. If the shank is too long, it may prevent you from achieving a full pointe. If it’s too short, it may not provide enough support. Assess whether the shank length is appropriate for your foot.
* **Examine the box:** The box should be snug enough to hold your toes securely, but not so tight that it restricts movement or causes pain. Check if the box is too wide, too narrow, or too deep for your foot.

**Step 2: Softening the Box**

The box is often the stiffest part of a new pointe shoe. Softening it will allow your toes to move more freely and reduce the risk of blisters.

* **Manual Softening:**
* **Pinching and Squeezing:** Gently pinch and squeeze the box with your fingers, focusing on the areas that feel particularly stiff. Work your way around the entire box, paying attention to the sides and the platform.
* **Bending:** Hold the shoe firmly in both hands and gently bend the box back and forth. Be careful not to bend it too much, as you don’t want to damage the shoe. Focus on softening the area around the platform.
* **Using Heat (Optional):**
* **Hairdryer:** Use a hairdryer on a low setting to gently warm the box. Focus on the areas that feel stiff. Be careful not to overheat the shoe, as this can damage the glue. After heating, immediately manipulate the box with your fingers to shape it. Work with the shoes until they cool down.
* **Using Water or Rubbing Alcohol (Use Sparingly):**
* **Dampen the Box:** Lightly dampen the inside of the box with water or rubbing alcohol. Use a cotton swab or a small spray bottle to apply the liquid. Be careful not to saturate the box, as this can weaken the glue.
* **Mold the Box:** After dampening the box, put the shoes on your feet and mold the box to the shape of your toes. You can do this by gently pressing your toes into the box and flexing your feet.
* **Let it Dry:** Remove the shoes and let the box dry completely before wearing them again. This may take several hours.

**Step 3: Breaking the Shank**

The shank provides support to your arch, but it can also be too stiff in new shoes. Breaking the shank allows it to bend more easily, enabling you to achieve a fuller pointe.

* **Manual Breaking:**
* **Arching:** Hold the shoe firmly in both hands and gently arch the shank back and forth. Focus on the area where your arch naturally bends. Be careful not to break the shank completely, as you still need it for support.
* **Rolling:** Place the shank on a hard surface and gently roll it back and forth with a rolling pin or a similar object. This will help to soften the shank and make it more flexible.
* **Scoring the Shank:**
* **Locate the Pressure Points:** Put the shoes on and rise to demi-pointe. Feel where the shank is pressing against your arch. These are the areas you need to target.
* **Score the Shank:** Use a pointe shoe knife or a seam ripper to carefully score the shank in the targeted areas. Make small, shallow cuts, being careful not to cut through the entire shank. The number of cuts will depend on how stiff the shank is. This makes the shoe more flexible by weakening those areas.
* **Walking and Demi-Pointe Work:** The best way to break the shank is to simply wear the shoes and dance in them. Start with simple exercises at the barre, such as pliés, tendus, and relevés. Gradually increase the intensity and duration of your practice sessions. Focus on articulating your foot properly and allowing the shank to bend naturally. Also do rises to demi-pointe.

**Step 4: Shaping the Platform**

The platform is the flat surface at the tip of the shoe that you stand on when en pointe. Shaping the platform can improve your balance and stability.

* **Darning (Optional but Recommended):**
* **Prepare the Darning Thread:** Cut a long piece of darning thread or floss and thread it through a needle.
* **Start Darning:** Starting at the edge of the platform, begin sewing small, tight stitches in a circular pattern, working your way towards the center. Overlap each stitch to create a dense, even surface.
* **Build Up the Platform:** Continue darning until the platform is built up to your desired shape and thickness. You can focus on specific areas to create a more customized platform.
* **Secure the Thread:** When you’re finished darning, tie off the thread securely and trim the excess.
* **Sanding (Optional):**
* **Roughen the Surface:** If the platform is too slippery, you can lightly sand it with fine-grit sandpaper to create a rougher surface. This will provide better grip and prevent you from slipping.
* **Apply Rosin:** Before each class or rehearsal, apply rosin to the platform to further improve your grip.

**Step 5: Adjusting the Ribbons and Elastics**

The ribbons and elastics are essential for securing the shoe to your foot. Adjusting them properly will provide support and prevent the shoe from slipping off.

* **Sewing Ribbons:**
* **Placement:** Traditionally, ribbons are placed at the highest point of the arch. However, the exact placement may vary depending on your foot shape and personal preference. A good starting point is to fold down the heel of the shoe to find the natural indentation, and then attach the ribbon there. Experiment with different placements to find what works best for you.
* **Sewing Technique:** Use a strong needle and thread to sew the ribbons securely to the shoe. Use a whip stitch or a backstitch to create a strong, durable seam. Be careful not to sew through the drawstring casing or the shank.
* **Angle:** Angle the ribbons slightly upwards towards the ankle to provide better support.
* **Sewing Elastics:**
* **Placement:** Elastics are typically sewn across the arch of the foot, connecting the two sides of the shoe. The exact placement may vary depending on your foot shape and personal preference.
* **Sewing Technique:** Use a strong needle and thread to sew the elastics securely to the shoe. Use a whip stitch or a backstitch to create a strong, durable seam. Be careful not to sew through the drawstring casing or the shank.
* **Tension:** The elastics should be snug enough to hold the shoe securely to your foot, but not so tight that they restrict movement or cause discomfort. Adjust the length of the elastics as needed.
* **Tying the Ribbons:**
* **Proper Technique:** When tying the ribbons, start by crossing them over the ankle. Bring the inside ribbon around the front of the ankle and the outside ribbon around the back. Tie the ribbons in a square knot on the inside of the ankle. Tuck the ends of the ribbons into the knot or trim them to the desired length.
* **Avoid Tight Knots:** Be careful not to tie the ribbons too tightly, as this can restrict circulation and cause discomfort. The ribbons should be snug but not constricting.

**Step 6: Reinforcing Vulnerable Areas**

Pointe shoes are subjected to a lot of wear and tear, especially in certain areas. Reinforcing these areas can help to prolong the life of your shoes.

* **Platform:** The platform is prone to wear and tear, especially if you’re darning it. Reinforce the darning by adding extra stitches or applying a thin layer of glue.
* **Box:** The box can start to break down over time, especially around the edges. Reinforce the box by applying a thin layer of glue or sewing extra stitches around the edges.
* **Shank:** The shank can start to crack or break, especially in the area where it bends. Reinforce the shank by applying a thin layer of glue or sewing extra stitches in the targeted areas.

**Step 7: Gradual Wear and Maintenance**

The key to successfully breaking in pointe shoes is to wear them gradually and maintain them properly. Don’t try to break them in all at once, as this can lead to injuries.

* **Start Slowly:** Begin by wearing your new pointe shoes for short periods of time, such as 15-20 minutes per practice session. Gradually increase the amount of time you wear them as they become more comfortable.
* **Focus on Technique:** When wearing your new pointe shoes, focus on maintaining proper technique and alignment. This will help to prevent injuries and ensure that the shoes are breaking in properly.
* **Listen to Your Body:** Pay attention to how your feet feel when wearing your new pointe shoes. If you experience any pain or discomfort, stop and take a break. Don’t push yourself too hard, especially in the beginning.
* **Store Them Properly:** After each use, store your pointe shoes in a well-ventilated area to allow them to dry completely. Avoid storing them in a bag or a locker, as this can trap moisture and lead to mildew.
* **Regular Maintenance:** Inspect your pointe shoes regularly for signs of wear and tear. Repair any damage as soon as possible to prevent it from getting worse. Replace your pointe shoes when they no longer provide adequate support.
* **Rotate Shoes:** If you dance frequently, consider rotating between two or three pairs of pointe shoes. This will allow each pair to dry completely between uses, which can help to prolong their lifespan.

## Common Mistakes to Avoid

* **Breaking the shank completely:** While you want the shank to be flexible, you don’t want to break it completely. The shank still needs to provide support to your arch.
* **Saturating the box with water:** While dampening the box can help to soften it, saturating it with water can weaken the glue and cause the shoe to fall apart.
* **Ignoring pain:** If you experience pain while breaking in your pointe shoes, stop and take a break. Ignoring pain can lead to injuries.
* **Wearing them for too long too soon:** It’s important to gradually increase the amount of time you wear your new pointe shoes. Wearing them for too long too soon can lead to blisters and other injuries.
* **Not maintaining them properly:** Regular maintenance is essential for prolonging the life of your pointe shoes. Inspect them regularly and repair any damage as soon as possible.

## Alternative Breaking-In Methods

While the above steps are generally effective, some dancers prefer alternative methods for breaking in their pointe shoes. Here are a few options:

* **The Doorway Method:** Place the box of the shoe in a doorway and gently close the door on it. This can help to flatten and soften the box.
* **The Car Door Method:** Similar to the doorway method, but using a car door. Be very careful not to damage the shoe or the car.
* **The Steaming Method:** Hold the box of the shoe over a steaming pot of water. The steam will help to soften the box. Be careful not to burn yourself.

## Tips for Different Foot Types

* **High Arches:** If you have high arches, you may need to break the shank more aggressively to allow it to bend properly. Consider using a three-quarter shank instead of a full shank.
* **Low Arches:** If you have low arches, you may need to reinforce the shank to provide more support. Consider using a full shank or adding extra layers of glue to the shank.
* **Wide Feet:** If you have wide feet, you may need to choose a wider box to accommodate your toes. You may also need to stretch the box to make it more comfortable.
* **Narrow Feet:** If you have narrow feet, you may need to use toe pads or spacers to fill up the extra space in the box. You may also need to choose a narrower box.

## Conclusion

Breaking in new pointe shoes is a process that requires patience, dedication, and the right techniques. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can transform those stiff, uncomfortable shoes into a comfortable and supportive extension of your feet. Remember to listen to your body, focus on technique, and maintain your shoes properly. With a little bit of effort, you’ll be gliding across the stage in no time!