How to Make Your Pointe Shoes Last Longer: Simple Tips & Tricks
Pointe shoes are a dancer’s most valuable (and often most expensive) tool. Whether you’re in the studio five days a week or preparing for an upcoming performance, taking care of your pointe shoes can help them last longer, support your dancing, and save you money. Here are a few simple tips and tricks to extend the life of your shoes and keep them performance ready:
1. Rotate Your Pairs
If you’re dancing multiple days a week, consider alternating between two or more pairs. This gives each pair time to dry out fully between uses, preventing the materials from breaking down as quickly.
Always take your shoes out of your dance bag after class or rehearsal. Letting them air dry naturally (not in a sealed bag) helps prevent moisture buildup, which can weaken the shank and box.
2. Pancake or Dye with Care
If you’re dyeing or pancaking your shoes for performances, use quick-drying products and avoid over saturating the fabric, which can lead to premature wear. Avoid products with a water base, as that tends to break down the shoe quicker. We recommend using a product similar to Suffolk Hues or Pointe People Pointe Shoe Paint, as both are specially formulated to provide even coverage and long-lasting color without compromising the shoe’s structure or fit.
3. Reinforce with Shoe Glue
Applying a small amount of jet glue, shoe glue or shellac to the inside of the box or shank (before they’re fully broken in) can add stiffness and extend your shoes’ usable life. Just be sure to use it sparingly and let it dry completely!
4. Tack it!
If your shoes start to feel soft in the shank but still have life left in the box, you can extend their wear by adding a small tack or nail through the heel of the shank into the platform. This helps secure the shank back in place and adds a bit of extra support for relevés and jumps.
Use a small tack (around ¾” or smaller) and gently hammer it in, being careful not to split the shank or puncture through the insole. This is a quick fix many professionals use to get a few extra rehearsals or performances out of their shoes, but it’s best done carefully or by a fitter if you’re unsure.
5. Darn Them
This extra layer of protection around the platform not only gives you more control when balancing on pointe but also reinforces the satin, keeping the shoe’s shape intact through extended wear. It takes some time to master, but many dancers find that darning makes their shoes feel more stable and durable.
6. Store Them Properly
Keep your pointe shoes in a breathable mesh bag, away from direct heat or sunlight. Avoid tossing them into the bottom of your dance bag, where they can get crushed or lose their shape. Consider purchasing pointe shoe drying inserts
7. Know When to Retire Them
Even with the best care, pointe shoes won’t last forever. Dancing on dead shoes can increase your risk of injury and negatively affect your technique. Learn to recognize the signs of wear like a collapsed shank or softened box and replace them when needed.
With just a little extra care, your pointe shoes can stay stronger, last longer, and support you through more classes, rehearsals, and performances!
