Ballet Pointe Shoes - Blisters and Arches

Ballet Pointe Shoes - Blisters and Arches

I was just wondering how you stop blisters in your shoes? I get them every time I go on Pointe and it is generally on the tops of every toe.

Also, how do you increase the arch in your shoe? As no matter how hard I point you can only see my arch in over point.

Thank-you!!!!!!!!!!
:D

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Reply by Odette
To:- Ballet Pointe Shoes - Blisters and Arches

Hello,
Thanks for your message, it's great to hear from you. I know blisters can be painful and very annoying, I will do my best to help you be pain-free!

Firstly, check your padding. I would most definitely get blisters all the time if I didn't protect my toes properly in my pointe shoes. You want to make sure your toes are covered with either tape, ouch puches or animal to make sure the friction from your shoe isn't going directly onto your toes.

Especially if you are getting blisters on the top of your toes, it is most likely a case of needing more padding to protect the skin. Give it a go and see if this helps. Otherwise, you can check the fitting of the pointe shoe and also the brand to see if there is another type that would cause less pain for your toes.

I think your arch will naturally improve as you keep training and practicing, but you have to keep very aware of your footwork and practice with 110% focus. As you feet get stronger with pointe work, your muscles should strengthen and your arch could possibly increase slightly. However, some dancers naturally have more of an arch than others so there is only so much you can physically practice yourself to see a difference.

There are good exercises with a theraband/ resistance band you can practice to strengthen your feet. It will really help for your pointe work too. Just take a look at my physical therapy equipment page and see the resistance band section.

Hope this helps! Keep in touch.

Best wishes,
Odette