So you've heard me complain that I'm not too fond about my Capezio Duro-Toe pointe shoes. You've heard me say that my favorite pointe shoes are (for now) Capezio Contemporas. On this page, I'm just going to expand on those "pointes" (ha! a pun!) and more...
What's up with me and Duro-Toes?
I'm sure I've mentioned a few times about how I can't stand Capezio Duro Toes. I know that statement is one someone else's web page. Why do I dislike them so much? Simple: they are very rough on the feet. Okay, I don't hate them. They've actually grown on me. However, I don't think I'll ever buy another pair.
I bought a pair of these shoes 7 years ago. I don't even know why I bought them. Perhaps it was just a whim. I was going through a phase where I preferred a strong shank. When I first tried them on, I noticed how hard they were. I figured that wasn't a problem because I can just soften them. HA! These suckers were meant to last! I stomped on them, slammed them in doors, hammered them, wet them with water, soaked them in alcohol, kneeded them with my hands, and removed the nails from the shank. I also scrapped the soles. I wore them around the house for hours, trying to soften them. It didn't happen. Those shoes remained firm. In a way, that's good. Pointe shoes aren't cheap, and that really sucks when they don't last long. Normally, a pair of pointe shoes lasts about 7 (give or take a few) months worth of classes before they become extremely worn out. Did I mention that these Duro toes have lasted for seven years and are still strong? Duro Toe is Capezio's oldest continued line of pointe shoes. They were created during the Great Depression, when it was neccessary for shoes to last longer. I'm willing to bet that an old grandmother still has her first pair of duro toes and they are in tip top shape.
I don't really hate them, but I'm not terribly fond of hard shoes. I like mine to be nice and soft, so I can roll onto pointe easily. I use my Duro Toes for practicing at home. They are the only shoes that I use lamb's wool in most of the time. Another thing I like about the shoes is that they have maintained their shape (except for the box) and they still look pretty. That's why all the photo's on my web pages that show my feet, are of my Duro Toes. I guess I don't hate them as much as I say....
Breaking my shoes in
Every ballerina has her own methods for breaking her new pointe shoes in. Some simply mash the box and vamp with their hands. Others have large male friends jump on them several times. I've been to both extremes. The method of breaking in depends on the brand and make of the shoe. Right now, my favourite shoe is Capezio Comtemporas. Thankfully, I don't have to break them in that much. I always mash the box and vamp with my hands. I usually remove a nail from the shank. Occassionally, I dab some rubbing alcohol on the box to soften it. I wear them around the house the day before I go to class. The platform doesn't make a lot of noise when I dance in them. On the rare occassion that the platforms do make noise, I lightly hammer them which gets the noise out. The people in my neighborhood have grown quite accustomed to seeing me crouched on my front steps, scraping the soles of a new pair of shoes against the concrete. I do this to prevent slippage.
Making my shoes last
With all the abuse ballerinas put their shoes through, it's no wonder they have a short life span. Pointe shoes aren't exactly cheap, so making them last as long as possible is crucial. I never let my shoes mold themselves to my feet. Most Pointe shoes don't have a definite left or right. Instead, they can mold to a dancer's foot. Not mine. I always alternate my shoes. I find that this makes them last longer. After a class, pointe shoes are literally soaked with sweat. It is important to let them dry. Many, many dancers make the mistake of shoving their wet shoes into their dance bags. This leads to a shorter life span and the possibilty of the shoes becoming mis-shapen. I stuff a plastic bag with paper and then shove the bag into the shoe. This keeps the shape. I have a mesh bag for my shoes, they NEVER go into a regualar dance bag. The mesh bag allows them to air out. On nice days when the humidity is low, I have been know to tie my shoes onto the hook in my car, open the window halfway, and let them air out on the drive home. It usually takes my shoes three days to dry. Once home, I place them near a vent or an open window in my room where they stay until they are dry. Some dancers place them in the oven or on a radiator. Dancers who take more than one class a week usually need more than one pair of pointe shoes, in order to allow them to dry out properly. When I used to take five classes a week, I would use five pairs of shoes.Not to brag, but my shoes lasted longer than any others in my class. Even after the usual ten months, my shoes are still good for light pointe work. I've saved a great deal of money by taking care of my shoes properly.
There is a lot more to come so please check back soon. Also, take my poll!
