Self-customized, moldable, weight-distributing insert for ballet pointe shoes
View Patent ↗A customizable pointe shoe insert is provided. Such an insert achieves a “perfect fit” that is customized to each dancer's foot by using a moldable material to substantially fill the voids within the box of the shoe, so weight is optimally distributed across a greater percentage of the surface of the forefoot when en pointe. An insert may be constructed from an impression material that when applied, precisely contours itself to the foot and then quickly chemically cures into a rubbery, resilient solid. The design allows a dancer to self-mold the insert and apply the material according to her personal preferences. The insert may further be associated with a fabric covering that serves to hold the moldable material in place during molding and/or to provide structural support in areas of thin moldable material. The insert may further be integrated with one or more spacers for positioning in between adjacent toes.
1. A method for customizing an insert for a ballet pointe shoe of a dancer, the method comprising:
preparing a moldable impression material;
applying the moldable impression material to a portion of a forefoot of a foot of the dancer, wherein a portion of the applied moldable impression material conforms to a shape of the portion of the forefoot;
layering a supportive cover over and surrounding the applied moldable impression material prior to inserting the foot and the applied moldable impression material into the ballet pointe shoe, bonding and impregnating the supportive cover with the applied moldable impression material, the supportive cover providing structure and support to the applied moldable impression material;
inserting the foot and the applied moldable impression material into the ballet pointe shoe of the dancer, wherein a portion of the applied moldable impression material conforms to a shape of the ballet pointe shoe;
adjusting the foot of the dancer into one or more positions while the applied moldable impression material cures, wherein the applied moldable impression material fills one or more voids between the portion of the foot and the ballet pointe shoe; and
trimming a resulting molded insert formed by the applied moldable impression material after the applied moldable impression material is completely cured, the insert is held in place on the foot of the dancer by the supportive cover.
2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising layering a protective plastic bag over the applied moldable impression material prior to inserting the foot and the applied moldable impression material into the ballet pointe shoe.
3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising positioning a spacer between two adjacent toes in the portion of the foot of the dancer prior to applying the moldable impression material to the portion of the forefoot.
4. The method of claim 3 , further comprising adapting the spacer by placing the spacer in a sleeve prior to applying the moldable impression material to the portion of the forefoot.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the moldable impression material includes silicone rubber.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the moldable impression material includes two putties, each putty having a different color and wherein preparing the moldable impression material comprises mixing the two putties together until the colors are blended.