3 Ways to Extend the Life of your Pointe Shoes
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As soon as you realize those $80 pointe shoes are only going to last a few months (or weeks depending on your training schedule), you’re bound to start asking: “Can I make my pointe shoes last longer?”
To a certain extent, yes!
Here are three tips to help you squeeze just a little more life out of each pair:
Rotate two (or more) pairs of shoes
One of the main reasons pointe shoes break down is because of moisture (aka sweat). If you only have one pair of shoes, they may not have a chance to dry out before your next class or rehearsal. By rotating a few pairs, you give your shoes a chance to dry completely before you slip them on again, thus extending their life span.
Store your shoes in a breathable bag
One of the worst things you can do for your pointe shoes is throw them into the bottom of your dance bag. Again, they won’t get a chance to dry out and die quickly from the moisture trapped in your bag. One great solution is to use a mesh bag to store your pointe shoes. It allows your pointe shoes to air out and dry more quickly. I found that while a mesh bag helps, my shoes still end up squished together and not fully dried out.
Then a friend taught me a trick that changed my life - store your shoes in a wine tote! It is breathable AND it keeps your shoes separated so they are organized and safe. (Curious? Check out this video to see how I do it!)
Use a hardening agent
One last trick to make your shoes last longer - bust out the glue! (If you’ve never done this before, ask your teacher or an older dancer to show you the ropes!) A lot of dancers swear by jet glue. It is SUPER strong and only takes a little bit squeezed in the tip of the shoe or shank to help harden them back up. If you like your shoes extra hard, jet glue is a great option. I
f you’re like me and hate the feeling of brand-new/super hard shoes, another option is to use a wood hardener. You just pour a small amount in the box (it comes out fast, so go slow!), and then leave your shoes propped against the wall toes down to dry overnight. I find that it stiffens my shoes up just enough to get me through a few more rehearsals without feeling like I’m back to square one. Either way, make sure to only use these products in well-ventilated areas - the fumes are strong!
By being proactive with these tips, you will get a little more longevity out of your shoes! But eventually, they will need to be replaced. Traditional pointe shoes are made of layers of glue and cardboard that break down due to moisture and the sheer pressure of standing on your toes all day - they were not meant to last forever!
Pointe shoes break down in two places: the box and the shank. When your box is dead, it will feel squishy to the touch. When your shank is dead, the shoes won't be able to support your arch anymore and you will push too far over the box.
Dancing on dead shoes can cause injuries, and as hard as it is to keep shelling out for new shoes all the time it will pay off to prioritize your health and safety. Use these tips to help get you through, but ultimately learn to recognize when it’s time to replace your shoes, and always have a backup on hand!
P.S. For my dancers or instructors getting ready to start pointe themselves or with their students - check out The Brainy Ballerina Guide to Pointe Shoes. I’ve got loads more information all about pointe shoes (anatomy and history of pointe shoes, sewing and tying your shoes, FAQs, pointers for parents, and more!). It’s the perfect introduction for beginning pointe students!
Meet the Author
Caitlin Sloan is a Dance Educator and Career Mentor based in Madison, WI.
Caitlin received her Bachelor of Arts in Dance from Grand Valley State University and Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management from the University of Missouri.
She danced professionally for nine years with companies including Ballet Tucson and Missouri Contemporary Ballet (now Mareck Dance). Caitlin has taught at schools all over the Midwest, most notably serving as Director of The School of Missouri Contemporary Ballet and Youth Company Director for Central Indiana Dance Ensemble. She is currently on faculty at the School of Madison Ballet.
Caitlin founded The Brainy Ballerina® in 2019, a virtual resource providing support and guidance for aspiring ballet dancers. Follow @thebrainyballerina on Instagram for your daily dose of dance career guidance and inspiration.
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