How to Make Your Pointe Shoes Last: Essential Tips for Extending Their Lifespan

Today we’ll be answering the burning question every pointe dancer (and parent of pointe dancers) wants to know – How do I make my pointe shoes last longer??

Understanding Pointe Shoe Construction

Pointe shoes, the beautiful footwear that lets dancers achieve breathtaking movements on the tips of their toes. Pointe shoes are handcrafted works of art, combining materials like satin, canvas, burlap, and a special paste. This construction creates the perfect balance of strength and flexibility for dancers. These materials are also prone to breaking down over time, but luckily, with proper care, you can extend the life of your pointe shoes.

The constant pressure of dancing en pointe, along with moisture and sweat from your feet, breaks down the materials over time causing them to soften and stretch leading to the eventual loss of their original shape and supportive qualities. When this happens, dancers say that their shoes have ‘died’ meaning they’re no longer supportive and cannot be worn any longer.

But fear not, aspiring ballerinas! With some TLC and the following tips, you can maximize the life of your pointe shoes, lengthening peak performance and saving you time and money!

Do's and Don'ts for Long-Lasting Pointe Shoes

Do:

• DO Let them breathe! After use, tie your pointe shoe ribbons together and hang them outside your dance bag for at least 24 hours (ideally 48 hours) to dry completely. Then, store them in a breathable mesh bag for continued drying. Pro-Tip: Attach the mesh bag to your dance bag exterior with a carabiner clip. Keeping it inside you dance bag defeats its purpose!
• DO Use pointe shoe dryers! These handy tools absorb moisture and expedite drying. They're perfect for summer intensives or frequent use. Look for pointe shoe dryers from Nikolay, Gaynor Minden, and Pillows for Pointes.

• DO Rotate your shoes! Intermediate and advanced dancers can benefit from switching between multiple pairs of pointe shoes. This allows each pair more drying time, extending their lifespan. If you have frequent pointe classes (3+ times a week), consider this tip!
• GENTLY bend the shank at the three-quarter point (if needed). For dancers experiencing low and mid-shank breakage, carefully bend the shoe by hand at the three-quarter point. This creates support and prevents the shank from breaking further down.

How to Gently Bend Your Shank:

1. Put on your shoe.
2. Flip the satin away from your heel to locate the spot where your heel ends, and your arch starts.
3. Take the shoe off and GENTLY bend the shank with your hands. Remember you can always bend your shoes more, but you cannot UN-bend pointe shoes.

Don't:

• DON’T Store toe pads inside your shoes. This traps moisture and accelerates breakdown.
• DON’T Wrap ribbons around a damp shank. Wait at least 48 hours for complete drying before wrapping the ribbons if you choose to store your shoes this way.
• DON’T Store shoes heel-to-toe. Same as above! Avoid this space-saving technique for at least 48 hours, as it hinders proper drying.
• DON’T Forcefully break in your shoes! Refrain from stepping on them, slamming them, or forcefully bending them. These methods, often seen on social media, can lead to injury and shorten your shoes' lifespan. Professional dancers have the experience and foot strength to manage softer shoes. Additionally, they often receive a free supply of pointe shoes, allowing them to break them in quickly without worrying about damaging them or replacing them.

As Needed:

Pointe Shoe Glue/Jet Glue: This special pointe shoe hardener is ideal for dancers who have specific areas needing reinforcement or wear their shoes unevenly. Jet glue typically targets the shank or box of the shoe. For a rock-hard feel, apply before breaking in. Otherwise, wait until the shoes are almost at their peak performance level.

Helpful Reminders for Using Jet Glue:

1. Start small and add more as needed.
2. Use a designated workspace to avoid damaging surfaces.
3. Avoid applying glue to the outer satin, as it will leave visible darkened spots.

Several brands offer Pointe Shoe Glue including: Bloch, Capezio, Pillows For Pointes, and Suffolk

Pointe Shoe Shellac: For a more flexible hardening option, consider shellac. It can be layered for increased rigidity and is easier to reapply compared to jet glue. Shellac is ideal for dancers who want to strengthen the wings of their shoes while maintaining the ability to roll through demi-pointe, but it may also be applied to the shank and box depending on the dancer’s needs. For application details, check out this video from Les Cygnes on how to apply pointe shoe shellac.

Bonus Tips for Pointe Shoe Care:

• Beware of Curious Canines: If you have a dog, keep drying pointe shoes out of reach. They're tempting chew toys, but not ideal for your shoes or your pup!
• Separate Your Water Bottle: Leaky water bottles in your dance bag can damage your pointe shoes. Store them in separate compartments.
• Skip the Shortcuts: Avoid using ovens or hair dryers to dry your shoes quickly. Let them air dry naturally for optimal results. In a pinch, you can place them near a heating vent in the winter.

By following these tips and using the appropriate maintenance techniques, you can significantly extend the lifespan of your pointe shoes, save money, and get the most out of your pointe shoe investment!

Shop Pointe Shoes at Linden Dancewear!

Looking for the perfect pair of pointe shoes? Visit Linden's Dancewear! We carry a wide selection of pointe shoes from top brands to help you find the perfect fit for your feet and dance style. 

Shop our selection of Pointe Shoes online - Our website features real time inventory, if you can add it to your cart we have it in stock!

Have questions? Contact us! Our expert staff can also answer any questions you have about pointe shoe care and maintenance.