What brands of pointe shoes can be de-shanked?

De-shanked pointe shoes can be worn like flat ballet shoes to strengthen and challenge the feet during class exercises. Some schools even require advanced students to wear de-shanks instead of flat shoes. Dancers can make de-shanks by removing the shank (hard insole) of already worn out pointe shoes. However, some brands of shoes are much easier to de-shank than others, and some are impossible to de-shank altogether. In this post I will explain which popular pointe shoe brands are easy, difficult, and impossible to de-shank. (Please note that while my experience is broad, I am not intimately familiar with every brand and model of pointe shoe available around the world.)

Only advanced ballet students should de-shank their old pointe shoes. Do not attempt to de-shank new pointe shoes. If you are young or have never de-shanked shoes before, have an adult and experienced dancer help you.  Also, never rise to full pointe in de-shanks as the shoe is now too soft to support you. Going to full pointe in de-shanked shoes could easily result in you falling and getting injured. 

Grishko: difficult but possible. I usually wear Grishko pointe shoes, so I have been through the de-shanking process a few times here. You will need pliers to pull the small nails out of the shanks and outer soles, and the cardboard material in the shank usually comes out in many pieces. One of Grishko's newest models, the dream pointe, is made with a plastic shank that is not supposed to wear out and should not be de-shanked. 

Capezio: pretty easy. You will need pliers for the nails, but well-worn Capezio pointe shoes almost de-shank themselves. The shank can begin to peel away from the shoe at the toe or heel end, so all you have to do is grab one end and peel it out. Just make sure you pull out the nails completely. (Note: the new Capezio Airess has a wood shank instead of cardboard, which may behave differently.)

Bloch: pretty easy. Same as Capezio. The Eurostretch split sole shoe will behave differently, but it appears this model can be de-shanked though it may be more difficult. 

Freed: insanely easy. Same as Capezio, but shanks often peel almost completely off on their own once the shoe is dead. 

Russian Pointe: only some models can be de-shanked. Entradas and other models from the spotlight collection (the outer sole is light tan and is glued to the sole of the shoe) can be de-shanked with some difficulty. Models from the jewels collection like the Sapfir and Almaz (the outer sole is darker brown and sewn to the sole of the shoe) cannot be de-shanked. If you try to remove the shank, you will have to cut stitches that also go through the outer sole. (Note: very broken in Russians from the Jewels collection can be worn like de-shanks, and Russian Pointe manufactures demi pointe shoes of the Almaz and Rubin, two of the most popular models in the jewels collection.)

Sansha: can be de-shanked, but you will need to put some sort of lining in the shoe afterwards. Sansha uses a thin plastic shank in most models to increase durability. (The toe boxes are made of the traditional paste material.) The shanks are glued in, so they can be removed with difficulty. There are also nails in the shank that need to be pulled out, and once it is removed the inside of the shoe will be covered in rough glue. (Note: Sansha sells demi pointe shoes.)

Gaynor Minden: should not be de-shanked. That would really defeat the purpose of a Gaynor, which is supposed to be unbreakable and impossible to wear out. However, the soft lining and plastic shank and box actually peel out of the shoe with relative ease. Note that if you attempt to peel the shank out of a Gaynor, you will be removing the box as well. You will be left with a totally soft and floppy shoe. If you wear Gaynors and need a de-shanked shoe, you will probably want to purchase a demi pointe shoe from another brand. 

I hope this information is helpful. If you have any specific de-shank related questions, please comment below. I may do a de-shanking video later if you think it will be helpful.