Let’s look at the Superior Arch Ballet Foot Stretcher, as I have been reading a lot of positive reviews about this product.
As a dance teacher, I am quite weary when it comes to foot stretchers because if you are not careful you can overstretch the ligaments in the ankles and feet.
However, the Superior Arch Ballet Foot Stretcher caught my eye as it is designed especially for beginners and it is elasticated so it won’t force your foot to do more than it can. It also gently trains the ankle to stretch, which a lot of the younger dancers don’t understand how to implement when they point their feet.
This ballet foot stretcher is great for beginners and gently stretches the foot comfortably and safely. The dancer must just make certain that the foot is not sickled when doing the stretches. The ankle should be in a nice straight line and I urge you to ask your ballet teacher to check that you are using this device correctly and in the safest way possible.
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Because dancers and gymnasts are always looking to improve the shape and flexibility of their feet, a couple of clever manufacturers have developed an interesting gadget called a ballet foot stretcher that dancers can use to improve their overall foot appearance.
The Superior Arch Ballet Foot Stretcher is proving to be very popular, and the best price I could find for this one was on Amazon.
- This foot stretcher is custom-designed and an incline is molded into the select wooden base.
- This allows room for the heel to rotate down thus avoiding impingement of the heel bones.
- This foot stretcher is completely covered with two-inch Memory Foam for total foot comfort.
- Velcro adjustable overlapping flap to properly secure any sized foot.
- A variety of designer fabric choices are available.
- It comes with an instructional video.
Dancers, gymnasts, and swimmers often need to stretch and strengthen the upper arch of the foot for correct positioning for their sport.
There are various exercises that dancers can perform without using a foot stretcher, but this makes it easier as you can do it while doing something else with your hands.
This is the exercise we were always taught when I was a child.
The dancer grabs the top of her foot with one hand and then pushes the heel forward with the other.
The idea here is to stretch the top of the foot and then improve the arch simultaneously. The only problem with this exercise is that sometimes the dancers stretch with a sickled foot, which weakens the ankle and develops bad habits.
Another common upper arch exercise is done by having a fellow classmate or your instructor hold down the foot, pressed to the floor, while the individual lowers the back of the leg toward the floor, thus stretching the upper arch of the foot. If not carefully executed this could also cause injuries.
Beware if you have a very flat foot, as too much pressure could overstretch and weaken this foot type, increasing the tendency to roll in – additionally, if you have a history of foot and ankle injuries, use a foot stretcher only in the presence of a health professional to ensure that you are not causing additional damage.
This exercise is quite difficult for a dancer to do without some assistance, and can also be quite painful, as the heel is pressed down against the hard floor.
The
Superior Arch Foot Stretcher above was originally developed for ballet dancers who were en pointe. Extensive design consultation was taken from two renowned professional Ballet Instructors, both former lead dancers in national companies and a Doctor of Physical Therapy specializing in Dance and Sports Injury.
This ballet foot stretcher dancers can use to exercise and stretch the upper arch of the foot before a performance, during regular class instruction, or as part of home stretching and exercise.
Serious dancers and other athletes will spend thousands of dollars each year on pointe ballet shoes, lessons, coaching, and equipment to help improve their technique. For just a few dollars, you can have the Superior Arch, the best Foot and Upper Arch Stretcher available anywhere.
Please feel free to comment below, especially if you have tried this foot stretcher, or have found a better one.
After stretching the feet, make sure to do some ankle circles in both directions to activate all those stretched muscles.
My daughter loves her ballet and this could be a great tool for her.
i have to admit, I’ve never heard of this device before, but it could make a difference to her flexibility.
I’m assuming this is completely safe for kids who obviously haven’t developed their home structure the same as adults?
Just ask her teacher to make sure she is using it properly, and it should be fine for her to stretch on her own at home.