As Pointe Shoe fitting specialists, we have witnessed lots of unusual situations over the year. It's crucial for dancers to steer clear of these mistakes when it comes to your pointe shoes. If you have any inquiries about these points, then your Pointe Shoe fitter should be your go-to person.

As a Pointe shoe fitter, we go to lots of training sessions with our different suppliers and are continually acquiring knowledge on diverse fitting techniques, foot anatomy, shoe specifications, and so much more.

Now, let's delve into five actions that dancers who dance en Pointe should avoid at all costs.

AVOID USED HAND ME DOWN SHOES

Please do not buy a second-hand pair of shoes that someone else has worn, even if they say they have only worn them once. Wearing someone else’s Pointe Shoes can lead to injury, discomfort and can potentially damage your feet. Pointe Shoes that have not been fitted properly can cause a dancer pain and more importantly can cause them to injure themselves. Pointe Shoes worn by someone else have moulded to their foot and not yours and therefore not fit you correctly, causing potential injuries. Protect your future by declining offers of old shoes politely.

DO NOT MANUALLY BREAK IN YOUR POINTE SHOES

We often observe and hear that dancers are manually breaking in their shoes, influenced by professional dancers on platforms like TikTok or YouTube. Please remember, their feet are unique to them, and they are provided shoes by the professional company that they work for.  Your parents purchase your Pointe Shoes for you and therefore you need to remember that they need to be broken in naturally with your feet so that last for more than one lesson.

NEVER GUESS YOUR SIZE

If you have outgrown your Pointe Shoes and need a new size, please avoid assuming that going up half a size will suffice. Going up in length may necessitate adjusting the width. As your feet grow, their shape might also change, requiring you to switch to a different model. It is best to seek professional fitting assistance rather than guessing.

AVOID BUYING SHOES BASED ON SHAPE OR COLOUR OR TEACHERS’ PREFERENCES

Opting for shoes solely based on shape or colour or your teachers preferred preference can lead to pain and foot damage. While a tapered shoe may be visually appealing, it may not suit your square foot. Matching a particular brand to your tights is irrelevant if they don't offer you a securely fitted shoe. Please prioritize proper fit over aesthetics!

DO NOT WAIT TOO LONG TO REPLACE

Please do not wait too long to replace your Pointe Shoes. Pointe Shoes that no longer support your foot whilst you are up en Pointe can cause serious damage to a dancer. If the box on your Pointe Shoe has softened or flattened or the platform becomes too soft or the shank no longer supports you whilst up en Pointe you can sustain an injury.  Dancing in Pointe Shoes that are too small can also cause pain and injury to a dancer. Wearing worn out shoes can compromise foot support and lead to injuries. If it has been six months since your last replacement, bring them in for inspection to ensure they are safe for dancing.