What size should I order?
S/M or L/XL?
We suggest that dancers with women's size 7, men's size 5, and larger order the L/XL size. Dancers with feet smaller than this should order the S/M.
You use silicone? Will it stick to my skin?
How does this work, exactly?
The silicone won't stick to your feet, and you don't need to apply anything specific to your feel to help the silicone release. When you take your feet out of the inserts for the first time, you may need to wiggle your toes a bit, but that's all.
Why do you call them "custom"?
Will they really be custom for my feet?
The process we use creates an insert that will only fit your feet, and only for the pointe shoes you use when you make them. They are completely custom to you! Not only that, but our silicone is specifically formulated for this product - you can't find it anywhere else, and no other silicone has the properties we developed to allow you to feel the floor, provide enough cushion, and provide firm support for your feet.
How are these different than traditional inserts/padding?
Will these really be different than anything else?
We worked to formulate our materials and develop our processes to work for ballet dancers in pointe shoes - nothing else. Our goal was to develop a product to protect a dancer's feet, keep the toes healthy, the foot bones growing right, and take the pressure off of only the two main toes of the foot. While they do provide cushion, the main benefit is the health of the toes and feet through the best support you can find.
It seems complicated. Is it?
How do I do it?
It's not hard at all! In fact, our instructions are modeled by a young dancer, en pointe for two years. There are several steps, but we break it down for you to make sure it makes sense. If you need any help, just contact us and we'll be glad to help out. Take a look at our instructions below to see how easy it really is!
Our Story
Pops, Dots, Socks, and Silicone
As our daughter [Dots] embarked on her journey en pointe, we found ourselves deliberating on the wear and tear that often plagues the feet of dancers. Desiring to spare her from the same fate, we explored various solutions, from pads to tape. It was during this quest that my wife turned to me with a simple question, 'Do you think you could make something for her?' Without much thought, given my experience as an inventor/designer, I responded, 'Probably.'
Delving into our makeshift workshop, I unearthed materials that seemed promising; I had different types of silicone available and I knew there would be a perfect balance of density required. Our first prototype emerged from a well-worn New Balance sock and silicone that was way too hard– not perfect, but a starting point. As we refined our creation, conversations about entrepreneurship for youth blossomed. Our focus shifted to not only alleviate our daughter's discomfort but also to assist her classmates in finding a more pain-free path en pointe while prioritizing the health of their toes.
This journey led us to develop our own materials, crafting what we believe is an extraordinary solution to pointe pain and foot damage. Here we stand, committed to preserving the beauty of ballet while ensuring dancers have healthy feet. We understand that you deserve a pointe shoe insert tailored to you – your skin, your toes, your style.
My daughter and I are passionate about helping you NEVER STOP DANCING!