Maintenance of Pointe Shoes
Pointe shoes are a dancer's tool and so careful maintenance and preparation is key. Bloch pointe shoes are made in the traditional method, using natural fibres and pastes so the foot absorbs less strain through the breaking down of the shoe, helping to minimise discomfort. Before wearing new pointe shoes, some preparation is essential and recommended.
Pointe Shoe Preparation
While sewing ribbons onto your pointe shoes is essential, there is more you can do to enhance the performance of your shoe.
1. Sew your ribbons
Sewing ribbons onto your pointe shoes is the essential first step for any new pair. Learn how to master the art in our easy to follow tutorial.
2. Darning
Darning underneath and over the platform will buffer sound, give additional shock absorption and help resin to adhere to the platform.
3. Suede toe caps
Suede toe caps can be glued with a suitable adhesive onto and under the platform, making sure the suede is level with the platform of the shoe.
Don’t forget...
Humidity and dampness are a pointe shoe’s worst enemies so a dancer should always remove any protection or padding from inside their pointe shoes after wear. To restore the box shape, gently stuff this area with absorbent paper for a short period of time and place the shoes in a dry, warm and well ventilated area, remembering to change the absorbent paper frequently. This will prevent moisture remaining in the box of the shoe which can lead to the premature softening of the paste and the shoe drying out in a distorted manner.
If a dancer has a tendency to roll or if one foot is more flexible or stronger than the other, rotating the pair of shoes from one foot to the other can help them to wear more evenly. It is advisable for a more advanced student or professional dancer to use multiple pairs of shoes enabling one pair to dry out completely between wears.
Harden & Strengthen
Follow our pointe shoe hardening suggestions to increase the life span of your shoes.
Pointe Shoe Hardener
Pointe Shoe Hardener or French Polish can be used to retain shape and prevent moisture from entering the block. When the shoe is dry, apply two–three thin layers.
Pointe Shoe Glue
Pointe Shoe Glue can be used to strengthen the parts of your shoe that soften quickest.
Bloch does not advise the following
To retain integrity and promote longevity of your pointe shoes, the following practices are not advised.
Bending shoes manually
If you are not precise with where the shoe is bent in the shank, the shoe may no longer retain the integrity of their design and could become dangerous to wear.
Use of sticking plaster
The use of sticking plaster over the platform can cause moisture to be retained in the box and cause the platform to soften.
Use of calomine lotion
Using calomine lotion to take the sheen from satin can cause the block/box to collapse prematurely due to the moisture of the lotion. Instead use Pointe Paint.