A brand new pointe shoe is stiff by design. Breaking it in gently helps the shoe mould to the foot so it is easier, quieter and safer to dance in. Done too roughly, though, breaking in can destroy the very support you paid for. Here is the safe way to do it.
Why break them in at all?
The box and shank of a new pointe shoe are firm so they can support the dancer's full weight on the tips of the toes. Straight out of the box that stiffness can feel hard to work through. The goal of breaking in is not to soften the shoe, it is to help it bend where the foot bends, so it works with the dancer rather than against them.
The golden rule: gently, with your feet
The safest tool for breaking in a pointe shoe is the dancer's own foot, used slowly and with control. Slamming shoes in doors or under furniture bends the shank in the wrong place and unevenly, which weakens support and can shorten the life of the shoe dramatically. Patience wins here.
Step by step
- Warm up first. Warm feet and warm shoes are more pliable and less likely to crack. Do a few rises and foot exercises before you start.
- Work the arch by hand. Gently flex the shank at the point where your arch naturally bends (roughly under the arch, not the middle of the shoe). Small, controlled bends only.
- Use the demi pointe. Standing, roll slowly through demi pointe with your hands on the barre, letting the box and shank ease to the shape of your foot.
- Rise at the barre. Work through some slow rises to full pointe, holding on for support, so the shoe moulds while you stay in control.
- Pad and adjust. Add your toe pads and check comfort. Small tweaks now save blisters later.
What not to do
- Do not slam shoes in a door or under a chair leg to soften the shank.
- Do not soak them in water; excess moisture weakens the paste and the box.
- Do not over soften the shank, or you will lose the support that keeps you safe on pointe.
- Do not rush. Break in one pair over a few sessions rather than all at once.
Make them last
Let shoes dry fully between classes, ideally out of the bag, and rotate pairs if you can. When a shoe goes soft in the shank or box and stops supporting you on pointe, it is done, and dancing on dead shoes risks injury. You will find toe pads, spacers and accessories to keep you comfortable in our foot and shoe accessories range.
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Book a Pointe Fitting Browse pointe shoesFrequently asked questions
How do you break in pointe shoes?
Gently, using your own feet. Warm up, flex the shank by hand at your natural arch point, then roll through demi pointe and slow rises at the barre so the shoe moulds to your foot. Avoid forcing or crushing the shoe.
Can I use a door to break in pointe shoes?
We do not recommend it. Slamming a shoe in a door bends the shank in the wrong place and unevenly, which weakens the support and can ruin the shoe. Break them in with your feet instead.
How long does it take to break in pointe shoes?
Usually a few sessions of gentle work rather than one go. Ease into a new pair over class rather than trying to soften them all at once.
Should I wet my pointe shoes to break them in?
No. Excess water weakens the paste that holds the box and shank together and can leave you without support. Keep them dry and break them in gently by hand and on the barre.
Why are my new pointe shoes so hard?
They are meant to be. The box and shank are firm so they can support your full weight on pointe. Gentle breaking in helps them bend where your foot bends without losing that support.
New pair not sewn yet? See how to sew ribbons and elastics. Not yet fitted? Start with what to expect at your first fitting.
