Please find below a fantastic video from the Australian Ballet Company about the care of pointe shoes. We have also put some further reading about the  care and structure of a pointe shoe and the terms most commonly used. 

CARE OF POINTE SHOES

It is essential for the prolonged life of your pointe shoe that you always allow the shoes to be well aired in a dry atmosphere and never left damp in your bag. The shoe will absorb perspiration while dancing and retain moisture. If allowed to remain damp it will weaken the structure and the blocking in the toe. Remove from your dance bag and hang them over a doorknob when you return home. You can stuff the shoe with tissue paper after use, which will allow it to retain its shape. Not vital but again will help prolong the life of the shoe. More experienced dancers have been known to Shellac the inside of the shoe when dry, in order to prevent moisture re-entering the block and to harden the toe. It is far wiser to apply a couple of thin coats rather than one thick coat.

There is no definite length of time a pointe shoe will last. Obviously it will depend on how many hours you dance, the quality of flooring you dance upon and how strong your technique is. Some dancers go through their shoes quickly while others can have the same pair for months. Possibly a good idea is to rotate your shoes when wearing them. Mark the inside with an R and L and alternate them each class. This enables you to not favour your stronger foot and the shoes have a chance of being worn evenly. Another great idea is to actually have two or three pairs and rotate the usage that will allow the shoe life to be extended. Also if nearing an exam or eisteddfod you will never be in the position of the night before “breaking” your pointe shoes and not having a spare pair ready to go!

The toes of the shoe left unprotected will eventually tear and be dangerous when dancing. They can be protected in a couple of ways. You can either hand darn the ends or glue either a crotchet toecap or suede cap for protection. Some makes of shoes already have the suede ones attached.  It is vital when attaching yourself you do not use super glue, as it will eat into the satin. A fabric glue is far wiser or else sew around the edges. Do not be lazy and use sticking plaster as this will retain moisture and as discussed earlier any moisture will weaken the shoe.

The use of a wider ribbon is advisable for pointe shoes and they are sewn in approximately the same place as your previous shoes. However sometimes you can slightly move the position back and angle towards the toe so when tied it allows the heel of the shoe to stay on better. Remember do not sew on the binding as this will prevent the cord being tied or adjusted.

Wearing toe pads or wrapping your toes in lambs wool can help in protecting your toes from becoming sore and blistered. Never use cotton wool as it will absorb moisture and become lumpy. You must remember to remove any protective item you have used inside the shoe after use so you are able to air and dry the shoe. Extra help may be obtained in hardening the skin of the toes by rubbing them with medicated methylated spirits to toughen the skin. This will help prevent blisters but should be done only before a blister has occurred.

All these hints will help you in prolonging the duration of your shoes and enable you to obtain the best from your purchase.

FEATURES OF A POINTE SHOE

As elegant as dancing on pointe may appear, it is an athletic talent which requires strength as well as grace. The shoes involved are truly considered to be part of the foot and a continuation of the leg line. It absolutely must fit properly to provide the support dancing on pointe demands. To create a shoe, all the fabric, leather and other components need to be shaped on a form.

The LAST is a wooden mould over which every shoe is made and shaped on. It is designed to create that shape by replicating the form of a dancer’s foot. Every style, size and width requires its own last.

The BOX is the sturdy compartment for a dancer’s toes, which provides the support standing on pointe requires. It is made from layers of special fabric materials and special glues that are pasted together layer after layer and formed to the toe when the shoe is on the last.

The VAMP is the length of the top part of the shoe that encases the toes and is measured from the platform back to and including the binding. A longer vamp can help draw the foot closer to the shank for more support on pointe, so the foot doesn’t over extend.

The PLATFORM is the exterior, flat end of the box that allows the dancer to stand on pointe.

The PLEATS occur where the fabric folds into the sole and are located on the underside of the box.

The BINDING/DRAWSTRING. The drawstring is encased in the binding and allows you to tighten up any slack from the sides of the shoe. It is advisable to cross the drawstrings before pulling on them, as there is a possibility of tearing the binding.

The WINGS are an extension of the box and provide lateral support.

The SHANK created from leatherboard or redboard is the backbone of a pointe shoe. It is located under the sock lining and provides support to the arch. A dancer’s strength and technical ability determine shank preference.

The SOLE made of buffed or scored leather to provide traction, is either glued or internally stitched into the upper.