The Science of Pointe Shoes Explained by a Master Fitter | Josephine Lee

Master pointe shoe fitter Josephine Lee (The Pointe Shop) joins Dr. Caroline Simpkins to demystify pointe shoe fitting: from shoe anatomy (box, shank, vamp, wings, platform) to how fit impacts technique, foot health, and injury risk. We cover common fitting mistakes, why pain is a red flag (not a rite of passage), spotting dead shoes, drying/rotating pairs, when jet glue helps, and why a professional fitting (in person or virtual) matters. Plus: trends in materials and emerging tech. Timestamps: 0:00 🩰 Welcome To The Ballet Science Podcast 0:30 👋 Meet Josephine Lee, Master Pointe Shoe Fitter & Founder Of The Pointe Shop 2:55 🧠 The Art And Science Behind Pointe Shoe Fitting 5:38 🥿 Anatomy Of A Pointe Shoe Explained 7:35 💪 Why Proper Fit Matters For Alignment & Injury Prevention 9:42 ⚠️ Common Fitting Mistakes And How To Avoid Them 13:00 🩵 Pointe Readiness: Balancing Safety And Strength 15:29 🔬 New Materials & Technology In Pointe Shoes 21:18 🩰 Dead Shoes 101: Care, Rotation, & Replacement Tips 26:22 🌟 Advice For Aspiring Pointe Shoe Fitters + Closing Thoughts ⭐ Join Ballet Science Backstage Early access, exclusive videos, member-only content, community perks, and FREE access to Adult Ballet Fundamentals. Join here:    / @ballet.science   📬 Join the Ballet Science Newsletter Get new podcast episodes, science-backed ballet tips, exclusive resources, and updates delivered directly to your inbox. 👉 Join here: https://mailchi.mp/ballet/sign-up-for... Follow Ballet Science: Website: https://ballet.science Instagram:   / ballet.science   Facebook:   / ballet.science   X: https://x.com/ballet_science Follow The Pointe Shop: Website: https://thepointeshop.com Instagram:   / thepointeshop   Facebook:   / thepointeshop   YouTube:    / @thepointeshop   Hosted by Caroline Simpkins, Ph.D., the Ballet Science podcast brings science into the studio to help dancers of all ages and abilities give their best performances both onstage and off, and reveals how the science of ballet can benefit anyone who moves. Each week, we will explore the intersection of science and ballet—from injury prevention and biomechanics to nutrition, mindset, and everything in between. If you enjoyed this episode, please hit the subscribe button, leave a review, and share it with your friends and dance community. You can also follow Ballet Science on social media and visit our website for additional information. Filming Equipment: Microphone: https://amzn.to/494YG94 Pop Filter: https://amzn.to/3J7LYMi Mic Stand: https://amzn.to/477wqAp Prompter: https://amzn.to/47qALyP Large Key Light: https://amzn.to/3KIEn7w Small Key Light: https://amzn.to/3IJbCHg Eve Flare Light: https://amzn.to/48ICDoT Logo Photo: Richard Calmes Additional Photos Provided by Josephine Lee Please note that some links may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. All proceeds are reinvested back into Ballet Science.