Pointe Shoe Padding

Besides foam toe pads, ballet dancers have several options for padding their pointe shoes. Pointe shoe padding is a personal preference, and varies among dancers depending on foot type and special needs.

Pointe Shoe Padding: Less Is More

One important point to remember is that all padding added to your feet will change the overall fit of your pointe shoes. Even though you don't want to be in pain while you are dancing, make sure you don't use so much padding that you can't feel the floor.

Feeling the floor with your toes will help improve your balance and overall technique. Most teachers will instruct you to use the least amount of padding as possible, as your feet will toughen over time.

Pointe Shoe Padding Options

• Paper towels
• Loose lambswool
• Gel pads
• Foam pads
• "Ouch Pouches"
• "Jelly Toes"
• Cotton balls
• Sponges
• Socks
• Bubble wrap