Leather ballet shoes are a staple of many professional and recreational dancers alike. When new, they are soft and pliable, allowing the dancer to move freely.
But as the shoes break in, they become stiffer and more comfortable – providing optimum support for the feet during dance movements. Breaking in leather ballet shoes may seem like an intimidating task for some, but with a few simple steps, you can have them fitting perfectly in no time!
Step 1: Softening the Leather
Leather is naturally stiff when new, so softening it is key to breaking in your ballet shoes. To do this, simply soak a cloth in warm water and wring it out before placing it inside each shoe. Make sure that the cloth completely covers the inside of each shoe and leave them on for around 10 minutes or until the material has softened.
Step 2: Wearing Them Around
Once your shoes have softened up, take them for a spin around your home! Start off by wearing them for short periods of time (around 10-15 minutes).
This will help to get your feet used to the fit of the shoes while also helping them to mould around your foot shape. As you become more comfortable with them, increase the length of time that you wear them.
Step 3: Breaking Them In with Dance Moves
Once you’re used to wearing your leather ballet shoes around your house, take them into class! Start out by performing basic dance moves like pliés and relevés while keeping an eye on how they feel. As they start to feel more comfortable, add in some jumps and turns to really emphasise the break-in process.
Conclusion
Breaking in leather ballet shoes takes patience and practice, but with these steps you will soon find yourself gliding across the floor with ease! So don’t be intimidated – all it takes is a little bit of effort to get those perfect fitting leather ballet shoes.