SUMMER DANCE INTENSIVES
And How to Care for Your Pointe Shoes (And Make Them Last Longer)
After teaching and fitting dancers of all ages over two decades, one of the most common questions I hear is: "Why are my pointe shoes dying so fast?"
The answer almost always comes down to care — or the lack of it. Pointe shoes are a significant investment, and with the right habits, you can meaningfully extend their life and get the most out of every pair. Here's what I tell every dancer who comes through our doors at Your Dance Closet.
Let Them Breathe After Every Class
This is the single most important thing you can do. The moment class ends, your shoes are saturated with moisture — and if they stay sealed in your dance bag, that moisture breaks down the glue and cardboard that give your shoe its structure.
What to do instead:
- Take your shoes out of your bag as soon as you get home
- Store them in a mesh bag or leave them open to air out
- Never leave them in a hot car or sealed plastic bag, in the sun, or near a heat source
If you're dancing four or more hours per week, I strongly recommend rotating between two pairs. It sounds like an extra expense upfront, but both pairs will last significantly longer — and your feet will thank you.
Dry Them the Right Way
Heat is the enemy of a pointe shoe. I know it's tempting to speed up the drying process, but putting your shoes near a radiator, in a dryer, or in direct sunlight will break down the glue and warp the box faster than almost anything else.
The right way to dry pointe shoes:
- Stuff them loosely with newspaper or paper towels to absorb moisture and help them hold their shape or use Nikolay's Drying Inserts
- Place them in a well-ventilated area at room temperature
- Allow at least 24–48 hours between heavy use sessions if possible
Hardening and Maintenance: When (and How) to Use Jet Glue
Jet glue can be a dancer's best friend — when used correctly. A small amount applied to the inside of the box can significantly extend the life of a softening shoe. But there's a right way and a wrong way to do it.
Tips for using jet glue:
- Apply sparingly to the inside of the box only — a little goes a long way
- Let it dry completely before wearing (at least a few hours)
- Don't apply to the shank unless you kill shanks quickly — it can make the shoe too rigid and affect your articulation
One thing worth knowing: different brands respond differently to hardening treatments. Nikolay shoes tend to have a denser box that holds up well with minimal intervention. Bloch shoes often benefit from a light application of jet glue as the box begins to soften. Gaynor Minden shoes, made with synthetic materials, don't respond to jet glue the same way — and generally don't need it.
When in doubt, bring your shoes in and I'll take a look. Sometimes what feels like a dead shoe just needs a little attention.
Knowing When It's Time to Replace Your Pointe Shoes
This is where I see the most confusion — and the most risk. Dancing in dead pointe shoes isn't just frustrating, it can lead to injury. Here's what to look for.
Signs your shank is dead:
- The shoe folds in half easily with minimal pressure (the "pancake" test). This is a dead shank
- You can no longer feel support through the arch when trying to relevé or stay on pointe
- The shank has visibly creased or broken in the middle
Signs your box has collapsed:
- The box feels soft and squishy when you press on it
- Your toes are hitting the front of the shoe when en pointe
- The platform has lost its flat surface
- It is difficult to relevé from Demi-pointe
How long should a pair last? It depends heavily on your level and how often you dance:
- Recreational dancers (1–2 classes/week): 3–6 months
- Pre-professional students (daily class): 2–6 weeks
- Professional dancers: sometimes as little as 1–2 performances
If you're going through shoes faster than expected, it's worth having your fit reassessed — sometimes a different model or shank strength can make a real difference.
What We Carry at Your Dance Closet
We stock a full range of pointe shoes from the brands we trust most — Bloch, Nikolay, R-Class, Suffolk, FREED, RP Collection, and Gaynor Minden — along with everything you need to care for them: jet glue, toe pads, spacers, lambswool, and more.
Browse our full Pointe Shoe Accessories collection to stock up on the essentials.
Ready for a Fresh Pair?
Not sure if your current shoes still have life in them? Come see us. As a CBTS-certified fitter with over 15 years of experience, I'll assess your shoes, check your fit, and help you find your next perfect pair — whether that's the same model or something new.
