The Sane Way to Break in Pointe Shoes (For Beginners)

Hey dancers! If you’ve just received your first pair of pointe shoes, congratulations! You’re probably eager to hit the dance class and start your pointe journey. But before you dive into dancing (not literally, of course), there’s one critical step you can’t skip—breaking in your pointe shoes.

Breaking in pointe shoes is an essential process that ensures your shoes fit perfectly to your feet, offering the support you need for safe and graceful dancing. If the thought of breaking in pointe shoes sounds intimidating, don’t worry—we’re going to walk you through the best (and safest) ways to do it. Let’s get you dancing like a pro in no time!

What Does It Mean to Break in Pointe Shoes?

When we talk about breaking in pointe shoes, we mean softening and molding them so they fit your feet like a glove. Pointe shoes are typically stiff and firm when new, especially around the box (the part where your toes go) and the shank (the supportive "spine" of the shoe). By breaking them in, you allow the shoes to flex and bend in the right places, making them more comfortable and better suited to your foot’s shape.

Why Is Breaking in Pointe Shoes Important?

Breaking in your pointe shoes is crucial because it helps the shoes adapt to your foot's unique structure. Without this process, the shoes can feel like bricks—uncomfortable, stiff, and difficult to dance in. Properly broken-in shoes will move with you, providing the right amount of support for your demi-pointe and full pointe positions. While you might see professionals using extreme methods to break in their shoes quickly, those techniques can shorten the shoe’s lifespan. Instead, beginners should focus on safer, more gradual methods to get the most out of their shoes.

Best Exercises to Break in Pointe Shoes

Below are the most effective and gentle exercises to help you break in your pointe shoes without compromising their longevity. These moves will help the shoes mold to your foot while improving flexibility and strength.

1. Demi-Pointe Prances/Walks

How to do it:

• Stand in parallel facing the barre with both hands gently resting on it.
• Lift one heel and push onto the demi-pointe of that shoe.
• Alternate feet by lowering one heel and raising the other.

What to focus on:

• Spread your toes inside the shoe and push them strongly into the floor.
• Ensure proper alignment between your ankle and knee as you move.

Why it helps: This exercise helps soften the shank, the supportive part of the shoe, while improving the flexibility of your demi-pointe. Strong elastics and ribbons will also help keep the shoe snug against your foot as you move.

2. Roll Through

How to do it:

• Begin in parallel facing the barre, and start with a plié.
• Lift both heels evenly to demi-pointe.
• Smoothly roll through to full pointe, pushing over the box of the shoe.
• Straighten your legs, staying on pointe and over the platform before rolling down smoothly.

What to focus on:

• Keep your heels as far forward over the toes as possible, ensuring they don’t pull back.
• Focus on lengthening through the front of the ankles as you plie on pointe.

Why it helps: This exercise ensures smooth transitions through the shoe, helping break them in while maintaining alignment.

3. 3/4 Pointe Rises

How to do it:

• Start on full pointe in parallel when facing/holding onto the barre.
• Begin to roll down toward demi-pointe, but stop just before reaching it.
• Push back up to full pointe using your toes.

What to focus on:

• Imagine growing taller and lifting yourself out of the shoes as you begin to roll down.
• Repeat 5 times, and try this in both 1st and 2nd positions to work on your turnout.

Why it helps: This movement helps articulate the roll-down through your shoes and strengthens your feet, making them more responsive to your movements.

Final Tips for Breaking in Pointe Shoes

• Focus on alignment: Always ensure your feet, ankles, and knees are in proper alignment during these exercises. Your shoes should follow the natural line of your legs.
• Distribute your weight evenly: When on pointe, avoid rolling toward your baby toes—keep your weight evenly distributed on the platform.
• Practice regularly: Continue practicing rises and relevés in class, as these will also help break in your shoes naturally over time.

Wrapping Up

Breaking in pointe shoes is an exciting yet essential step in your ballet journey. With the right exercises and techniques, your shoes will soon mold to your feet, providing both comfort and support. Take your time, focus on good alignment, and soon enough, you’ll feel like you’re dancing on clouds.

Happy dancing!