When do I Buy my Second Pair of Pointe Shoes?

Most dancers wait too long before buying their second pair of pointe shoes. This is understandable because of the financial investment and uncertainty about how/when your feet will break shoes, but waiting too long increases your risk of injury and can delay your training. My first pair of pointe shoes were dead for a month before anyone mentioned how unsupportive they were, and then it took another month for my second pair to arrive. This delayed my training and created the muscle memory of overusing the Achilles’ tendon to stay over the very soft shoe. 

A month or two 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. This is essential for teen and adult beginners because our feet tend to be stronger, breaking shoes much quicker than the younger students in class with us.

As a younger student, buying the second pair is daunting because of how quickly the feet are growing. In this case, I would still talk to the teacher two months in and have a fitting. Then, when the shoe starts to soften, you already know which shoes to order and their expected delivery time. 

To read about your many options for extending the life of your shoe, visit the Dancing Feet Digital Guide.

Be sure to check out our other free resources for dancers located under "Dancer's Blog." Why pass up crucial information right at your disposal?