Whether your pointe shoes are worn out or you’ve simply outgrown them, it’s important you get professionally re-fitted before buying a new pair. We’ve outlined signs to look out for to know when your shoes should no longer be worn for pointe work.

3 signs you have outgrown your pointe shoes

As you grow, your feet – and their needs – change. It’s important to get professionally re-fitted throughout your pointe shoe journey to ensure you continue to wear a style that supports and facilitates the development of your strength and technique. Here are three signs to look out for that you’ve outgrown your pointe shoes.

1. Your toes are curled

When standing flat in your pointe shoes, you cannot lengthen your toes and feet.

2. The heel digs in

If you notice the heel or binding of the shoe applying pressure to your heel, the shoe is now too short for your foot.

3. The heel is slipping off

As your foot grows, the heel of your shoe will sit lower, causing it to slip off easily.

3 signs that your pointe shoes are worn out

Every pair of pointe shoes is hand crafted using the traditional method with natural materials, and are intentionally designed to break down as you wear them. But there comes a time when the shoes become unsafe to wear and you’ll need to buy a new pair. Look out for these three signs to know when your pointe shoes are worn out – or "dead", as it's also known.

1. You can feel the floor

When the platform loses its integrity, you’ll be able to feel the floor through the shoe more intensely. This can cause bruised toenails and joint pain due to the shock absorption being reduced.

2. The shank no longer retains an L-shape curve

When en pointe, if the shape of your shank looks more like a C than an L, it’s time to replace your pointe shoes. This can cause stress on the ligaments and tendons of your feet and lower legs as the instep and arch are no longer supported.

3. The box and wings no longer lift you

When the box becomes too soft, you may notice your feet sinking further into the shoe when en pointe, this means that the box and wings have lost their support. This will affect the alignment of your foot and ankle causing stress in the intrinsic muscles of the foot and inhibiting your ability to control the shoe.