Let's Talk... Pointe Shoes...

Pointe shoes are an amazing part of every Ballet Dancer's life. We all wish.. dream about, and work hard for that final nod or approval that we are finally ready! It's a huge deal... and trust me all the work it takes to achieving such an amazing goal (although the process can be very hard) in the end pays off. After all the effort, you can fully enjoy your reward... that rewarding, yet, PAINFUL pointe shoe experience.




Surprise! Pointe shoes hurt! Guess what... most likely.. you WONT enjoy every moment with these beauties. They hurt! They will hurt even worse if you take it upon yourself to find the "perfect" shoe without your teacher's help. Sorry... but teachers DO know better..., they know your foot... they know your strengths... they have experience fitting themselves (plus many students before you) ..they can and will guide you appropriately.

(I really hate to inject this cautionary part, but it seems that a lot of students still think they can determine when THEY are ready for pointe shoes..... and honey.... Frankly.... you cant. I know it really sucks...but please...please wait for your teacher to give you the O.K. If you wanna know how far away it is... ASK....... ask your teachers.)

Pointe shoe Troubleshooting Experiences ( I am not a pro by any means.. I'm simply listing my own personal growth process and the  experiences I've come across while attempting  to find my "PERFECT" pointe shoe, for MY feet)


Side of the foot Bunion pain - Well this could be a couple reasons...The box of the shoe may be too narrow for your foot, which leads to increased pressure on your bunion. This would probabaly hurt the worst with people that have bunions already.

  Possible Solutions :

• Get fitted in a wider box

• crush your current pointe shoe by stepping on the box with the middle of your foot, so that it "gives" a bit... always be very careful... (lighter is always better to start)
• Use extra padding,. padding forms and cushion points of pressure (i.e: to prevent bunions = cushions between toes in  order to maintain toe joint alignment and lessen any side pressures from the squeezing of the shoe.)
• Select a shoe that is designed for feet WITH bunions already  In these shoes, the wings of the platform are designed to support, yet, not apply pressure to bunions already formed in the foot. (I don't have bunion problems.. so I can't say how helpful this may be)

Top of the Toes Pain/Burning/Scraping

Possible Solutions:

• Wearing a higher profile pointe shoe. (profile refers to height of the foot..from the floor to the  top nail of big toe) Any bulging outside of the shoe drawstring could indicate a profile too short for the width of the foot...as well as, gaps could mean too big a profile.) 

• You may also not be fully extending the toes through the length of the shoe and possibly "gripping" with your toes against the shank of the shoe... This would create pressure on the toe joints and pain. 

 

 

•  Some shoes with wear do expand and cause "sink age" into the box of the platform as it expands.... this can be fixed my adding another "protective" layer. Cutting off the toes of a thick sock and/or slipping it over your toe undeez may help  add width and keep the foot elevated.

• Taping toes may also help with some toes that seem to bend or scape/grip  for no reason causing blisters/sore spots due to friction.

Pointe shoe slipping off heels OR digging into heels

•  If you find your shoes slipping off your heel, you may have a shoe that's too big for your foot
• OR your heel may be smaller then the width of your toes

• If you find pain at the back of your heel, numbness, aches  it may be because your elastics are too tight.

Possible Solutions:

• Be fitted in a shorter pointe shoe, or select a shoe that has the narrow heel design which takes into account a foot with a smaller heel = less material
• Position the elastics farther back on the heel of the shoe to keep it on, being mindful of the Achilles, allow enough space so that it is not too short and cuts into the dancer's heel.

• Sew elastics on the outside of pointe shoes so that there is no irritation at the back of the dancers heels. (Something I plan on doing next time I have to sew elastics)
• Release the tension on any drawstring in the pointe shoe. Sometimes we have one foot slightly, bigger and will need to loosen the drawstring in accordance.

EXTRAS!

 LAMBS WOOL: 

I've never tried it....but I think I've heard it does work well with students attempting to build up the resistance of the pointe shoe and lessen the need for any padding. It comes in pads or simple tuffs of wool.

Toe PADS - OUCH POUCHES

I do use these.. in large... I just cant't handle the rough texture of the pointe shoe... (even though deep down I long to go without any protection like the pro's  -yet, I'm realistic enough to know I could never be that strong)    They come in gel form, lambs wool form.. or a plastic-type gel.. (which doesnt seem to last quite as long,and may be prone to splitting/cracking)

BUNION GUARDS - My current  fav.

I love these babies... I believe they are somewhat new on the market... (they seem to relieve the side pressure of the toes which leads to bunions PLUS (cushion between big toe and 2nd)

  These will as relieve any pressure felt on the side of the foot from  "too-tight" shoes.

GEL PADS

I've haven't needed to use these yet.. but I can see how they would be very helpful to alleviate some of the pressure any individual toes may feel. They come in all sizes, and are customizable. Although I haven't picked up these yet.... I have considered grabbing them more then once.

Pointe shoe experience comes with time. Your very first  pair will most likely NOT be your best or favorite, yet, with time, experience, and knowledge of your own body.. you will eventually find what works for you feet. Be Patient.