When to Buy Your Second Pair of Pointe Shoes (And Why Waiting Too Long Is Risky)
Many dancers ask, when do I buy my first pair of pointe shoes?—but an equally important question is when to buy your second pair of pointe shoes. Most dancers wait too long before replacing their first pair, often due to cost or uncertainty about how quickly shoes break down. However, dancing in dead pointe shoes increases injury risk and can delay training progress, especially for teen and adult beginners whose feet are stronger and break shoes faster.
Quick answer: Most dancers should get fitted for their second pair of pointe shoes within 2-3 months of their first pair. Waiting too long to get fitted or have your shoes delivered increases injury risk and can slow your technical progress.
Why Waiting Too Long to Buy Your 2nd Pair of Pointe Shoes is Risky
My first pair of pointe shoes died in 6 weeks. It took another month for my second pair to arrive. This delayed my training and created the muscle memory of overusing my Achilles tendon to stay over the very soft shoe. Had I ordered my shoes earlier, my risk of Achilles tendonitis would have been significantly lowered.
When Should You Buy Your Second Pair of Pointe Shoes?
Two months into your first pair of shoes, talk to your teacher about what they would like to see in your next pair. Then, go ahead and get fitted. Talk to your local dance store about how quickly your shoes can be delivered and if that brand is likely to get backordered. If they are easily available in stock, you can wait on purchasing your second pair of pointe shoes. But, you have to stay on top of how your shoes are breaking down. Notice when you begin to lose support and familiarize yourself with what dead shoes feel like.
Pointe Shoes for Teen and Adult Beginners
Teen and adult beginners need their second pair of pointe shoes sooner because their feet tend to be stronger, breaking shoes down faster than younger students. Advocate for yourself with your teacher and fitter and be prepared.
Pointe Shoes for Younger Dancers
As a younger student, buying your second pair of pointe shoes is daunting because of how quickly your feet are growing. In this case, I would still talk to the teacher two months in and have a fitting within 3-4 months. Then, when the shoe starts to soften, you already know which shoes to order and their expected delivery time. Your first pair of pointe shoes may last 6 months to a year, but with growing feet it is best to be prepared.
To learn how to extend the life of your pointe shoes, visit the Dancing Feet Digital Guide.
Understanding pointe shoe replacement timing is a key element of smart training—our online resources help parents and students make informed decisions. Subscribe to our email list to stay up to date with the "Dancer's Blog" to support every season of your training.