01

Air Them Out

After every class or rehearsal, remove your pointe shoes from your dance bag immediately. Take out your toe pads as well, and lay everything in an open, well-ventilated space to dry. This is the single most impactful habit you can build.

Moisture is a pointe shoe's biggest enemy. The glues and materials that give your shoe its structure break down significantly faster when trapped in a damp environment. Sweat left inside a closed bag accelerates this process every single time. We recommend using Nikolay Pointe Shoe Dryers — developed with Eco silica gel granules especially for pointe shoes, they have high absorption properties that draw out moisture and prolong the life of your shoes. Especially valuable in humid climates like Houston.

02

Store Them Properly

Once your shoes have aired out, store them in a breathable mesh bag — never a sealed plastic bag or a tightly packed dance bag. Good airflow during storage prevents the residual moisture that lingers even after airing from becoming a problem overnight.

If you have multiple pairs, keep them separated so they can each breathe and fully recover between uses.

03

Reinforce Weak Areas

As your shoes break in, you'll start to notice areas that soften faster than others — typically the platform and the shank. Reinforcing these areas proactively can meaningfully extend the life of your shoes.

• Pointe Shoe Glue — Apply to the inside of the box or platform to re-harden softening areas. Let dry completely before wearing. We carry both Suffolk Pointe Shoe Glue and Bunheads Shoe Glue.
• Pointe Shoe Shellac — Brush onto the outside of the box and platform for a harder, longer-lasting surface. Popular with dancers who go through shoes quickly.
• Shank support — If your shank is breaking unevenly, speak with one of our fitters. Sometimes a different shank strength is the real solution.

Not sure which product is right for your shoes? Our staff can walk you through the options the next time you're in the store.

04

Rotate Your Pairs

For dancers training multiple days per week — or anyone dancing en pointe for more than a few hours at a time — rotating between two or more pairs is one of the most effective ways to extend the life of each shoe.

When a shoe is worn repeatedly without adequate drying time, the materials never fully recover between uses. Rotation gives each pair 48+ hours to dry completely, which preserves the integrity of the box and shank far longer than wearing the same pair every day.

05

Breaking In Your Shoes

How you break in a new pair matters as much as how you care for them afterward. Improper break-in can create uneven wear patterns that shorten the shoe's life significantly.

• Never bend the shank aggressively by hand — let your foot do the work gradually over the first few wears.
• Some dancers lightly score the sole near the ball of the foot with scissors for better grip — ask your teacher if this is appropriate for your shoe.

Every brand and model breaks in differently — give each new pair time to adapt to your foot before relying on them for heavy rehearsal or performance.

06

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Even well-intentioned care habits can damage pointe shoes. Here are the most common mistakes we see — and what to do instead.

• Getting your pointe shoes wet. Never put pointe shoes in water, a washing machine, or expose them to rain. Water dissolves the glues in the box and shank instantly — even brief exposure can cause irreversible damage.
• Leaving them in a hot car. Heat warps the box and melts the adhesives that hold the shoe together. Always bring your shoes inside.
• Wearing them outside. Even a few steps on pavement or concrete will shred the satin and damage the sole. Use warm up booties if you need to walk any distance off the studio floor — they protect your shoes and keep them clean between classes.
• Ignoring uneven wear. If one shoe is dying faster than the other, that's information about your technique or fit — not just bad luck. Talk to your teacher or fitter.
• Dancing in dead shoes. A shoe that has lost its support is not just less effective — it increases your risk of injury. When in doubt, get them checked.

07

Knowing When To Replace Them

One of the most important — and most overlooked — aspects of pointe shoe care is knowing when a shoe is past its useful life. Dancing in worn-out shoes is one of the leading causes of foot and ankle injuries in ballet dancers.

Not sure if your shoes are still supportive? Bring them in. Our fitters are happy to take a look and give you an honest assessment — no pressure to buy.

08

Consult Your Teacher Or Fitter

Your teacher sees you dance every day. If you're experiencing unusual discomfort, developing blisters in new places, or noticing that your shoes are wearing out faster than expected, bring it up at your next class. These details are often early signs of a fit issue or a technique adjustment that's needed.

Our professional fitters at Backstage Dancewear are also always available to help. Whether you need advice on reinforcement products, help evaluating whether your current shoes are still supportive, or guidance on your next pair — we're here for the long term, not just the sale.