Why are my Pointe Shoes Twisting?

Common advice to correct twisting is to try a wider size. Anatomically, however, many of us will twist regardless, albeit to a lesser degree. If we do not find ways to correct how our shanks sit, we are more prone to Achilles tendonitis and ankle sprains, as well as difficulty coordinating pointe work.

The exercise at the end of this post details a simple manipulation of the shank's position that has been incredibly beneficial for me. 

Why Isn't My Shank Sitting Straight?

There are many factors influencing the alignment of your shank. Think through which best applies to you.

• Wide toes + a disappearing heel
• Feet with a high profile (high arches and more bony structures at the top of the foot)
• Poorly sized pointe shoes
• Improper muscle memory in the ankle, both sickling and winging

In one brand of shoes, I had to stretch the instep with every wear because of how ingrained the twisting was in the shank's alignment against my foot. In my current shoes, however, I only need to manually adjust the shank with my hands when they are brand new. Otherwise, I can use my foot against the floor to "remind" the shoe not to twist.

Diagnose The Root Cause

• First, check the basic alignment of your ankle in a pointed position (plantar flexion) to see if you are winging (pronating). Placing too much weight over the big toe and not enough over the outer edge of the foot can cause the shank to twist towards the outside of the foot. Be aware that your pronation muscle memory is most likely infused into the rest of your technique and will take focus and patience to correct.

 

• Consider if you tend to sickle (supinate) instead. Does it feel like your ankles give way to the outer side slightly? Is there more wear on the outer edges of your shoe than the big toe area? Does your shank twist towards the inner side of the foot? Supination muscle memory may be something you need to address in your overall technique.

 

• From a fitting standpoint, your shoes may be too small. Consider booking another pointe fitting to try on a different size.

If your pointe shoes are too wide, you will sink into the box, allowing the shank to shift.

If your pointe shoes are too narrow or too tapered, your toes can not settle squarely into the shoe. This forces the shank to adjust accordingly.

 

• You may have too much padding in your shoes. Make sure you wear your toe pads and spacers, as well as any lamb's wool or tape to your pointe fitting.

 

Solutions

If your shank twists to the outside of your foot:

• Sew the inside ribbon slightly closer to your instep than the outside ribbon. 
• Pull tighter on the inside ribbon each time you tie your pointe shoes.

If your shank twists to the inside of your foot

• Sew the outside ribbon slightly closer to your instep than the outside ribbon.
• Pull tighter on the outside ribbon each time you tie your pointe shoes.

 

Before sewing, try each shoe on each foot. Pointe shoes do not have a designated right and left because they are made on a straight last. However, minor differences between each shoe are common. So are minor asymmetries between each of your feet. Test your shoes on both feet, even if you have worn that model before.

 

Exercises to Try

Hands-On Manipulation

Mold the shank of brand new shoes, aligning it with your heel and arch. 

Place your foot into the shoe, but fold back the heel section of fabric. Hold deep in the arch of the shank with one hand and bend the top of the shank with the other. Bend the shank at the top crease of your arch, using your stationary hand to ensure you don't bend too close to the ball of the foot. You may need to press forward over the platform of your shoe, letting the shank settle deeply into the arch.

Instep Stretch Exercise

Stretch to imprint the shank's new shape after hands-on manipulation. This exercise is perfect to do at the beginning of each class to re-establish a straight shank and neutral ankle.

Once the foot is crossed at the ankle, guide the shank in line with your heel (you may need to use your hands the first time) and then fondu. Repeat this several times in the early stages of your shoe's life cycle.

What to Take Away

Think through the root cause of your twisting, then test out these sewing tips and shank adjustment exercises. Further, experiment with different brands of shoes to minimize the issue, improve your safety en pointe, and find comfort. You should not have to feel as though your heel is in a constant fight with your shank.

 

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