Pointe shoe padding?

Question:I'm about to start pointe, but what kind of padding do i need. Please be very specific, THANKS

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: I'm about to start pointe, but what kind of padding do i need. Please be very specific, THANKS

If you want absolutely no pain but the inability to feel the floor (which is pretty risky if you're doing more difficult things) get gel pads.

If you want to be comfortable but not numb, get Ouch Pouches or lambs wool pads.

Pointe will feel wierd and uncomfortable at first and will probably hurt moderately, but it gets better as your feet get calluses and you adjust to the feeling. After 3 years, all I use for padding is tape and a little gel thing on my big toes. You just have to find what's right for you.

You really only need toe gaurds and tape for your joints. Also lots of Band-Aids. Your toes will bleed at first if you are taking traditional 1hr 30min classes. Don't get discouraged when you first start out. Your feet will be killing you the first couple times. Just make sure you tape your big toe and pinky toe.

i have never used actual padding myself. i just taped my toes. but have heard from others that lamb wool is a very nice padding to use

When I first started pointe, they gave me free lambs wool toe pads with my shoes. Whatever you do, do NOT take these if they offer you them. They are fine at first, but after a month or so they flatten out and are useless. In my opinion, Ouch Pouches are the best, period.

May many years of fun and blisters lie ahead! Good luck!

Discount Dance Supply has some really good pads, but most other local dance shops will also carry the good name brands. There are some extra thick pads by Eurotard that provide extra cushion for beginners and hard core dancers! Gellos Pillows for Pointes are also really nice. Depending on your foot type, you may need toe separaters or toe pouches. Have a professional fitter at a dance store help you find the right shoes and pads. Be sure to try on your pads with your pointe shoes to make sure they fit perfectly!! have fun! :)

Just want to correct on what Sara said: "They are fine at first, but after a month or so they flatten out and are useless."

That is not entirely correct, because every week or so your supposed to "stretch," out the wool by pulling it and fluffing it... otherwise it flattens out and does not help you at all. Lambs wool is to help you get the "ideal," foot because the "ideal," foot would have all toes the same length (which is pretty much not going to happen).

It really depends on what you prefer. I would recommend you try ouch pouches when you're beginning pointe. Afterwards, if you want to "feel the floor" more, you could try a bit of lambs wool.

Get ouch pouches its like a sock thing that goes over your tights for your toes. (you can get them at any shop that sells pointe shoes.