Pointe Shoe Care, Fit & When to Replace Them – What Every Dancer Needs to Know
📅 Published by: La Pointe Boutique
📍 Categories: Pointe Shoe Advice, Ballet Tips
🩰 The Heart of Every Ballet Dancer’s Bag: Pointe Shoes
Pointe shoes are more than just part of the uniform — they’re a dancer’s connection to the floor, their support system, and their tool for artistry. Whether you’re just starting pointe or dancing en pointe daily, understanding how to fit, care for, and replace your shoes is essential to your technique, comfort, and injury prevention.
At La Pointe Boutique, we’re proud to stock a carefully curated selection of pointe shoes from leading brands including Bloch, Merlet, Capezio, and R-Class, offering personalised fittings and advice for every dancer.
👟 How to Know When Your Pointe Shoes Are “Dead”
A pointe shoe is considered “dead” when it no longer offers the necessary support — particularly in the shank, box, or wings. Continuing to dance in dead shoes can lead to poor technique and potential injuries.
🔍 Signs your pointe shoes need replacing:
- You feel your arch sinking or wobbling when en pointe
- The shank bends too easily or has snappedThe box is soft or squishy, no longer holding your toes securely
- You feel less support under the metatarsals or heel
- The satin or outer material is torn and compromising structure
Even if the shoe still looks okay, always listen to how your body feels in them — fatigue, soreness, or instability are big red flags.
🧼 Caring for Your Pointe Shoes
Proper aftercare can extend the life of your shoes — especially important for dancers wearing multiple pairs each term.
✅ Pointe Shoe Aftercare Tips:
- Air them out after each use — don’t leave them in your dance bag!
- Alternate pairs if you're dancing often, to let shoes dry fully between uses
- Use mesh storage bags to allow breathability
- Avoid water or sprays — moisture breaks down the structure quickly
- Use toe pads and spacers correctly to reduce internal friction
Some dancers also use pointe shoe hardeners on specific areas, but we recommend speaking to a fitter before applying anything that alters structure.
👣 Why You Need a Professional Fitting — Every Time
No two pairs are the same — even within the same brand and model, small differences in sizing, foot changes, and wear pattern mean each new pair should be professionally checked.
At La Pointe Boutique, our fittings focus on:
- Assessing current foot strength and development
- Matching your arch, width, and toe shape to the right model
- Adjusting padding, ribbon placement, and drawstring tension
- Testing balance and box fit when en pointe
🩰 Pointe Shoe Brands We Stock
We carefully select pointe shoes that perform beautifully, fit various foot shapes, and support dancers through all stages of training:
🔸 Bloch
A trusted brand known for its consistency and durability. We stock models like:
- Balance European
- Serenade
- Amelie
- Eurostretch
- Aspiration and more
🔸 Merlet (💫 Exclusive to us in Leeds!)
Elegant, lightweight, and crafted in France — perfect for dancers who want softness and support in one. Models include:
- Cloe
- Belle
- Lena
🔸 Capezio
Refined pointe shoes with beautiful shaping and moderate profiles:
- Cambre
- Kylie
- Developpe
- Phoenix Strong
- Airess
- Glisse
🔸 R-Class
A professional favourite known for precision, comfort, and clean lines. Ask about:
- RC-22
- RC-32
📅 Ready for Your Next Pair?
Whether it’s your first pointe shoe fitting or your fifteenth, we recommend booking a professional fitting every time you change pairs. Your feet evolve — and your shoes should too.
📍 Visit La Pointe Boutique in-store to find the perfect pair, ask our expert team questions, and experience the most supportive fit possible.
💬 Final Thought
Pointe shoes aren’t just equipment — they’re personal. With the right fit, aftercare, and awareness, they’ll support every rise, pirouette, and performance with grace.