For aspiring dancers, watching professional ballerinas perform can be mesmerizing. Their effortless movements and beautifully silent, soft pointe shoes might tempt students to mimic their break-in techniques. However, what works for seasoned professionals can actually be harmful for students still developing strength and technique. I see a lot of you mimicking what you see your idols doing to their shoes on social media and it makes me CRINGE! Here’s why students should avoid breaking in their pointe shoes the same way professionals do.
1. Professionals Have Different Needs
And budgets! Professional dancers go through multiple pairs of pointe shoes in a week—sometimes even in a single performance. Their break-in methods are designed for short-term wear, ensuring maximum comfort and performance for a limited time. Students, on the other hand, need their shoes to last longer and provide adequate support for developing foot strength. It's important to note that most ballet companies pay for their dancers shoes...don't forget about the financial sacrifices your family makes to keep you on pointe!
2. Risk of Prematurely Weakening the Shoe
Techniques like aggressively bending the shank, crushing or stepping on the box, or wetting the shoe can significantly weaken its structure. While professionals know exactly how to manipulate their shoes to fit their individual needs, students almost always overdo it and make their shoes unsupportive or unsafe for dancing. I see this all the time, just a few weeks ago one of my fittings came back THREE DAYS after buying new shoes with a pair I simply could not resuscitate.
3. Injury Prevention
Pointe shoes provide critical support for alignment and balance and your fitter has carefully chosen the proper amount of support for your needs. Over-softening the box or shank can lead to instability, increasing the risk of ankle rolls, stress fractures, and other injuries. Students should allow their shoes to break in naturally through wear.
4. Developing Strength Is Fundamental To Your Training
A major part of your training is building the necessary foot and ankle strength. A shoe that is too broken-in too soon does not provide the necessary resistance or support to help dancers strengthen their muscles properly. This can slow progress and even lead to injury and/or long-term weakness.
5. Break-In Techniques Should Be Individualized
Every dancer’s foot is unique, and break-in techniques should be guided by a knowledgeable fitter. Professional dancers have years of experience understanding their own needs, whereas students are still learning what works best for their feet. The best way to break in pointe shoes is gradually through proper use, not by force.
The Right Way to Break In Pointe Shoes
Instead of aggressive break-in techniques, students should focus on:
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Wearing them during barre exercises to allow the shoe to mould to your foot.
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Using your hands to GENTLY manipulate the shank only under the heel for a little more flexibility.
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Executing basic exercises to help shape the box without crushing it.
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Consulting a knowledgable fitter who can guide you on the best break-in methods for you specific shoes and feet.
Hope that helps!
Xo Kristin
