Pointe shoes are stiff ballet shoes in which the foot rests on the toes. They contribute to the acquisition of greater eversion of the feet, and also immediately allow you to notice errors in the position of the body. Pointe shoes develop the ability to maintain balance of body weight, strengthen the foot. But this is not a dance shoe that you can buy and practice in it yourself. Standing on your fingers, as the pointe dance is also called, should be done only with an experienced teacher.
Instructions
Step 1
When buying pointe shoes, make sure that the shoes fit snugly around your foot. The box of pointe shoes is stiff and narrow, so you might be tempted to buy more pointe shoes, but you can't. If the pointe shoes sit tightly on the foot, then the load on the leg is evenly distributed, it will be easier to dance, and loose or large pointe shoes will lead to foot injuries. It is not yet possible to put on completely new pointe shoes, you can only try them on. They need some preparation before use.
Step 2
There are different views on how to prepare pointe shoes for use. Some instructors recommend that you take a hammer and break the toes of the pointe shoes to soften them. But if the box immediately has a relatively small stiffness, then you can knead it with your hands. The same tedious thing to do with the heel.
Step 3
You need to sew ribbons to pointe shoes. Usually, long satin ribbons are used, which would be enough for lacing the legs to the knee. Fold the back of the heel to the foot, the ribbons should be sewn just in the folds. If the pointe shoes are too wide for you (you have a very narrow foot), then the heel may slide off your foot a little. In this case, position the middle of the ribbon inside the pointe to support the heel.
Step 4
To make it easier for the leg to be in pointe shoes, there are special liners. They come in different types, but the softest and most comfortable ones are silicone ones. You can also purchase paper or fabric inserts.
Step 5
Now you can put on your pointe shoes. Insert the liner and slip on your shoes, then lace the bands up to the knee. The ends of the satin ribbons are tucked in so that they do not stick out. Usually, leggings are used for training, which are worn over the lacing of pointe shoes.
