Everything a Dancer Needs — and Why It Matters
Whether you're preparing for your first pointe class or you're a seasoned professional, having the right accessories can make the difference between a comfortable, productive rehearsal and one cut short by pain or damaged shoes. At BalletPro, we've been fitting dancers since 2003, and we know that the shoe itself is only part of the story.
This guide walks you through the essential pointe shoe accessories every dancer should know about — what they do, when you need them, and how to choose the right option for your feet and your level.
1. Toe Pads: Your First Line of Defence
Toe pads sit between your toes and the inside of the pointe shoe box, cushioning the pressure that builds when you're en pointe. If the shoe fits well, you should not need much padding and some dancers wear none at all. If you 'need' a large toe pad in your shoe, your shoe does not fit well. Choosing the right type of pad is crucial — the wrong pad can actually alter the fit of your shoe and cause more problems than it solves.
Gel Toe Pads
Gel pads are popular with beginners and dancers with bony or sensitive toes. They mould to the shape of your foot and provide excellent shock absorption. However, they can make the shoe feel slightly wider, so always try them in your shoe before committing. Most gel pads can be cut down to size so they don't stick out of our shoe- a real no-no! the best pads are those that have just its fabric underneath- as you don't need padding under your foot! Look out for pads that are too bulky. Some gel pads have a fabric coating- others don't. The important bit is that they do not take up too much space in the shoe, and allow you to feel the floor.
Wool/Lambswool
A traditional choice favoured by many professional dancers, lambswool wraps around the toes and can be shaped precisely to your foot. It's breathable, lightweight, and doesn't alter the shoe's fit significantly. Many dancers prefer it once they've built up strength and their feet have toughened.
Individual Toe Socks or padded tapes
In our opinion the best way forward- just cushion which toes need it rather than simply using a whole full pad.
BalletPro tip: Always bring your toe pads when you go for a fitting. The pad you use will affect how the shoe fits, and your fitter will work with you to find the best options.
2. Ribbons and Elastics: Getting the Fit Right
Ribbons and elastics are not decorative — they're functional. Properly sewn ribbons hold the shoe securely to the ankle, while elastics prevent the heel from slipping. Both need to be attached correctly to avoid injury. Watch our videos on the product pages to show you how
Choosing Your Ribbons
Most pointe shoe ribbons are made from satin and come in a standard width of around 2cm You need at least 2 metres for a pair- usually 2.6m is enough depending on how you like to sew them. narrow ribbon is usually only used n soft ballet shoes Colour matters too — most schools require pink to tone with your shoes, but theatrical productions may call for other shades.
Elastics
A single elastic sewn across the front of the ankle is the most common configuration, but some dancers use a cross-elastic (two pieces sewn in an X shape) for additional security. Your teacher will usually advise on the preferred method for your school Orto fit your shoes. You can choose barely visible mesh elastic or stronger thick smooth elastic.
How to Sew Them
See this video https://youtu.be/Tbhx5iqq7eQ?si=-5UqWd1ZxvZVyktC
3. Pointe Shoe Glue or Shellac: Extending the Life of Your Shoes
Pointe shoes are an investment, and for many dancers — especially those dancing frequently — they can wear out faster than expected. Pointe shoe glue (also called hardener or Jet Glue) or Shellac can be applied to the inside of the box and along the inside shank to restore stiffness and extend the shoe's working life.
It's particularly useful when the box begins to soften but the shank is still supportive. Applied correctly, it can add several weeks of use to a pair of shoes.
How to apply: Open the shoe out flat, apply the glue evenly inside the box, and leave to dry completely (usually overnight) before dancing in them. Never dance in shoes with wet glue.
4. Protecting Your Platforms- Darning Thread or Suede Tips
The platform — the flat tip of the pointe shoe — takes enormous wear, especially on hard studio floors. Darning your platforms can give you more grip and stability. Suede tips are covers that protect the platform and improve grip, reducing the risk of slipping when you're en pointe. They are glued on using a strong fabric glue such as Tendu Suede Tip glue. For your dancing thread, look out for a good cotton such as tendu Darning thread which can be purchased on its own or in a sewing kit- also a bag essential!
They're particularly recommended for dancers who work on sprung wood floors or who find their shoes wearing through at the tip quickly. They're easy to apply and can be replaced as they wear down.
5. Foot Care Essentials
Healthy feet are the foundation of good pointe work. A few key products can make a significant difference to your comfort and longevity in the studio.
- Blister plasters and tape: Protect vulnerable areas — particularly the little toe and the back of the heel — before they become a problem.
- Foot cream: Regular moisturising keeps skin supple and prevents cracking, especially important during intensive training periods.
- Toe spacers: Help maintain natural toe alignment and can relieve pressure between toes during and after class.
- Exercise Bands and foot massage balls- to keep your foot strong and flexible
6. Dance Bags: Keeping Everything Together
A well-organised dance bag means you're never caught without what you need. Look for a bag with a dedicated shoe compartment (ideally ventilated to let your pointe shoes air out), separate pockets for accessories, and enough room for a change of clothes and water.
Tendu dance bags are designed specifically with dancers in mind — practical, durable, and stylish enough to take from studio to stage.
Building Your Accessory Kit: A Checklist
Here's a quick reference for dancers at different stages:
Beginners
- Gel toe pads if necessary
- Toe tape
- Convertible Tights
- Double sided ribbons and elastics
- Dance bag
Intermediate/Advanced
- Lambswool or preferred toe pads
- Pointe shoe glue
- Suede tips
- Foot cream and toe spacers
- Spare ribbons and elastics
Intensive/Professional
- All of the above
- Multiple pairs of shoes at different stages of wear
- Rosin (for grip on stage)
- Needle and thread for emergency repairs
A Note on Fitting
No accessory can compensate for a poorly fitted pointe shoe. If you're unsure whether your current shoes are right for your feet, or if you're buying your first pair, we strongly recommend a professional fitting. At BalletPro, we spend a lot of time training dance shops around the country to not just sell shoes, they ensure that they work for your individual foot shape, strength, and level.
We offer fitting training for dance teachers and retail staff who want to develop their own expertise. Find out more about our fitting courses here.
Have a question about pointe shoe accessories? Get in touch with our team — we're always happy to help.