I just received my first pair of ballet pointe shoes but have some fitting problems...?

It's a Freed Studio 7E (US 9.5) with standard insole. However the heel does tend to come off - seems a little loose, so I guess I should have gone with 6.5 instead. But the biggest problem is that the second I start walking with them on my big toe joints hurt and the big toes themselves don't seem to have enough room, they hurt on the side. Does that mean I should get an even wider shoe, or is it something else? Would a toe pad fix all my problems by shortening the shoe and cushioning my toes? Thank you!

I just received my first pair of ballet pointe shoes but have some fitting problems...?
i don't think you need a bigger size because you say the heel comes off, heres what you should do. instead of sewing the elastic from one side to the other get two pieces of elastic and sew both of them onto the back(there should be a semaing on the back, sew the two pieces on either side of that) then cross them over your foot and sew them like that, crossed over the front-part of your foot. that should fix the heel of the shoe coming off, if this still happens then i would sugesst going to a dance store (if you don't have some already) and get some rosin. now this is used to pout on the bottom of your shoes to make them less slippery, but if you slip the heel down and rub some of the rosin onto your heel and then put the heel over it again it should stick. as for your toe hurting, it sounds like what used to happen to mine i would suggest getting this little toe cushion things, the ones i have are call the big tip by bunheads, here is a link to discountdancesuppy that sells them so you can see what they are and to see what they look like, http://www.discountdance.com/frame_set.p...


now that shoulkd fix that problem, a toe pad will never fix all your pointe problems. most first-timers on pointe are supposed to wear lambs wool, which i don't know if thats the case for you but if your supposed to then wear it, you will survive without a toe pad for awhile. now if your studio does not care than i would suggest getting toe pads just because personally i think they feel better than wool. but the only thing is that the wool would probably shorten the shoe more than a toe pad because you can put the specific amount you nedd into your shoe. hope this helps and good luck with pointe! =)
Reply:I'm assuming you had them professionally fitted....if so chances are you shouldn't change size. Pointe shoes aren't too comfortable at first and you need to work them in.


Make sure you are using some form of toe pad or lamb's wool for your toes.


For the heel problem position your elastic to be sewn on the very back of the heel to keep it from slipping when your on pointe.





Any further questions should be taken up with your teacher, more experienced dancers, or the person who fitted them for you.
Reply:you should go to a dance store and talk to them. theyll have all the answers and help you find the right shoe to fit.


i would suggest the gel pads, just to help comfort your toes when dancing, and so they wont hurt as much. so make sure you have enough room for those.
Reply:Toe pads are a definite yes. Even if your shoes fit perfectly right off the bat, pads make dancing much more comfortable. Also, try adjusting the drawstrings to make the back of the shoe fit better. if that doesn't work, you should go down a size.


Have you broken in your shoes yet? That makes a BIG difference. Gently pressing the heal of one foot onto the box of each shoe until your foot just fits comfortably. Remeber to also break in the sole.
Reply:I've been dancing four years on pointe, and I must say toe pads are a ballerina's best friend. Try using the gel kind! Also, ribbons sewn onto the shoe which wrap up the leg might help (like an x pattern). When all else fails, go back and get new ones. Dancing on a wrong fitted shoe can injure your feet!
Reply:They are probably one of the most uncomfortable things out there!


However, you might want to go back to where you purchased them or talk to your coach, they can look at them and make sure they are fitted correctly.


It's too hard to say without seeing them.



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