Ballet Shoes/Flats

ballet-shoesBallet Flats typically have no support when it comes to protecting your feet from injury. They have no arch or heel support and the little amount of cushioning can lead to various injuries and conditions such as Achilles tendonitis, shin splints, plantar fasciitis, bunion, calluses, corns, and metatarsalgia. Although all of this may sound bad, there are things you can do to reduce your chance of injury and continue wearing this trendy footwear. Inserts can help tremendously, especially those that support the balls of the feet and the heels. Other custom orthotic inserts may be used to support the arch of the foot, and a “shank” insert may be used to provide more padding and support. 

Wearing Pointe Shoes (shoes designed for dancers to perform mostly on their toes) can also increase your risk of developing injuries in the toes, the forefront of the foot, the heel, ankle, and Achilles tendon. The lack of support in the “box” or area where the toes are inserted means there is little support for the rest of the foot. The act of dancing pointe requires much skill and practice, and in itself is not one of the best ways to treat your feet. There are specific box inserts, shanks and other supportive measures you can take to lower your risk of pain or injury. If ballet or dance is an important part of your life, it’s worth the investment to seek out supportive measures to protect your feet whilst wearing ballet flats.