We’ve received a lot of questions about the life span of pointe shoes and we thought we’d use our “Studio of the Month” flyer to help clear up some of the confusion.
How long should pointe shoes last? Unlike other dance shoes, pointe shoes are very unique in their fit and care. You can usually expect about 12-15 hours of wear from a pair of pointe shoes. To get the most out of that time, there are some things you can do:
Pointe shoes breakdown when they are wet, therefore:
1. use a mesh bag to carry your pointe shoes
2. remove toe pads immediately after use
3. store the pointe shoes and toe pads separately
4. set shoes out to air dry between classes – ideally for at least 24 hours
When should you replace your pointe shoes? There are several reasons:
1. foot growth
2. change in foot shape
3. technical development
4. worn-out
Because pointe shoes have to fit precisely, they are “out grown” much more quickly than street shoes. Wearing shoes that are too tight or no longer the right shape can damage the feet.
What are the signs that the pointe shoe is worn-out? There may be a lack of support in the toe box or platform and/or over-flexing in the shank. Appearance of the pointe shoe can be deceiving – the shoe may look new but structurally worn-out or it may appear dirty and worn but still functional. Dance teachers are usually the 1st to notice if the shoe is no longer functional – don’t hesitate to ask and don’t be surprised if the teacher makes that determination prior to your asking.
Many beginners, being on pointe for a short time each week, are able to wear shoes until they are outgrown and may need only a pair or two in their first year on pointe. However, many dancers – especially professionals – wear each pair only once! If your dancer is a more advanced student, you should be prepared for the expense of frequent shoe replacements.
(Part of our "Studio of the Month" series - February 2011)
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