Softening the Boxes

To aid in "breaking in" the box, it may be softened with rubbing alcohol (preferred because it evaporated and dries quickly) or water.

To apply, lightly soak a cotton ball in rubbing alcohol and dab across the box of the shoe at the place where it should bend on demi-pointe. Never pour the alcohol or water directly onto the shoe as that could weaken too much of the shoe and make it unwearable.

After softening the boxes in this manner, it is especially important to allow them to dry out completely before wearing. Dancers' tendency to just toss their pointe shoes in their dance bags can be fatal to damp, alcohol softened shoes crushed under a pile of warmers, leotards, and other paraphernalia.