Why are my Pointe Shoes Twisting?

Personally, my combination of wide toes and disappearing heels makes twisting a problem with the fit of my pointe shoes, particularly on my left foot. 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, rolling an ankle, and 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. 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.

To get your twisting under control:

• First, check the basic alignment of your ankle in a pointed position (plantar flexion) to see if you are 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.
• For me, pronation or "winging" is the muscle memory I had to correct with my alignment, but it may be supination or "sickling" for you. 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. You also could have too much padding in the shoe. Consider booking another pointe fitting to try on a wider size, and be sure to wear all of your padding for that appointment.
• 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. Minor differences between each shoe are common, as are minor asymmetries between each of your feet. Because my left foot is my problem foot for twisting, I always pick the shoe that my left foot feels best aligned in to go on that foot.
• Try sewing the inside ribbon slightly closer to your instep than the outside ribbon. Additionally, pull tighter on that inside ribbon when tying your shoes.
• Manipulate the shank of new shoes, aligning it with your heel and arch, then stretching the instep in an attempt to imprint that position.
• Instep Stretch in Pointe Shoes:

Beyond being a nice way to work the shoes at the beginning of class, this stretch is an opportunity to adjust the shank's alignment. 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. This may need to be repeated several times in the early stages of your shoe's life cycle.

If you have wide metatarsals and a narrow heel, like me, or your feet have a higher profile, then twisting is a consideration with your pointe shoes. Test out these tips and experiment with different brands of shoes to minimize the issue, improve your safety en pointe, and find comfort in the shoe. You should not have to feel as if the shank and your heel are in a constant fight.

Comment below if any of this advice resonated with your situation, and ask any pointe shoe questions.