Pointe shoe laces inside out?

by Beth

Hi,

I've heard that some dancers sew their pointe shoe laces so that the dull side faces out. Does it really matter which way they're sewn? Isn't it just kind of how it looks?

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Hi Beth!

Thank you for your question! The answer is yes and no.

Yes because the only time to sew laces on inside out is to get that dull, mat look for a performance. A choreographer might want the laces, but not the shine.

No because the shiny side of the laces is much more slippery than the inside. So, unless instructed, I would definitely keep the dull side in so that the laces aren't moving around and bunching up.

If you do ever have to sew them inside out, make sure that you have plenty of support from the shoe, with or without laces, and that you don't tie them too tightly. Tight, slippery laces will work their way tighter around the ankle as you dance. Ouch!

Make sure you read more about finding the right pointe shoe for your foot on my Pointe Shoe Information page!

Hope that helps Beth!

Ashleigh