It can be a challenging process to break in new pointe shoes. These shoes will provide stability, support and balance to the dancers when they are dancing on the tips of their toes. But as new pointe shoes can be quite uncomfortable, there is a careful preparation process that is undertaken so that the perfect fit can be achieved.
You need to make sure that the ballet pointe shoes are the correct size so that they fit your feet perfectly. You can visit a reputed store or consult with a professional fitter so that the right style and size can be determined for your foot shape and technique. You need to have the shoe be quite snug but it should not be very tight. This way, you can prevent foot injuries, bunions and blisters. The rigid toe area of the pointe shoe is called the box and this is the part that is the most stiff. To make the shoes more pliable, you need to soften the box. This way, it will be more comfortable to wear. You need to gently press on this and manipulate the toe area so that the box can be softened. Make sure to focus on the sides and the platform beneath the toes when you are doing this. Some ballerinas will use a mallet or hammer to tap the box so that stiffness can be reduced.
The supportive structure
That is inside the sole of the pointe shoe is called the shank and this is another element that has to be broken in so that the shoe can be more flexible. The shank has to be bent by flexing it. You can gently manipulate the shank using your hands. Make sure that you bend it along the natural flex points. It should not be bent too forcefully as it can damage the shoe. If this happens, the shoe will lose its shape. When you are breaking in new pointe shoes, you can use toe tape and toe pads to provide additional protection and cushioning. You can fund foam or gel inserts for toe pads and these will alleviate pressure and reduce the risk of getting calluses and blisters. You can apply toe tape around the bunion and toe areas so that extra support can be provided. This is a great way to prevent friction inside the shoes.
When you break in pointe shoes,
You need to gradually increase the time you wear them. This way, your feet will gradually adjust to the fit of the shoe. You can wear them for short periods during practice sessions or rehearsals and then gradually increase the duration once your feet become used to their fit and feel. It is not recommended to wear new pointe shoes for a long time or for intense rehearsals before they are fully broken in as it can cause injury or discomfort. You can also use pointe shoe accessories to aid the breaking-in process such as lambswool for additional padding and jet glue to reinforce the box.