Looking for a Ballet Foot Stretcher

[atacrossroads]

I know these are frowned upon, but my friend's Son has been recommended to use one but they can't find one at a price they can afford.

Would anyone happen to have a used one that they're prepared to sell at all? Many thanks

[Jan McNulty]

I've moved this post to Doing Dance where you are more likely to get a response.

[atacrossroads]

Thank you Janet

[Jan McNulty]

There was an earlier thread with links to other threads but they do not seem to be recommended:

 

http://www.balletcoforum.com/index.php?/topic/8144-foot-stretchers/?hl=stretcher#entry108152

 

 

Do you know who recommended your Son's friend to get one?

[dancemad]

VERY poor advice from whoever recommended he use one!! He might have 'poor' feet now but they will be better than damaged ones!!

[Dizzy dancer]

I know foot stretchers are not advised- it makes me shudder thinking about what they do to the developing bones and tendons!

However, have you looked at the Elgin Foot exerciser? This is actually a podiatrist designed piece that people can use for a number of things including plantar fasciitis. It is however said to be excellent for devloping foot strength and improving the arch secondary to that????

[Tulip]

How much are these foot stretchers on the market for at the moment atacrossroads, as I may know someone who has one.

[atacrossroads]

I think they're about £80 plus £25 international postage. Interestingly no one in the UK is selling them...

[atacrossroads]

Thanks so much Dizzy Dancer!

 

Tulip, do you know how much your friend might want to sell hers for?

[munchkin16]

Not recommending these at all but I came across this on Instagram, they are slightly cheaper: http://www.knk-miami.com/shop/original-archstretch

 

If you want a free way to stretch you feet sticking them under the gap under the sofa works simarlarly to the arch stretch things. Although the safest method is just using a theraband wrapped around the toes

[Anna C]

Not recommending these at all but I came across this on Instagram, they are slightly cheaper: http://www.knk-miami.com/shop/original-archstretch

If you want a free way to stretch you feet sticking them under the gap under the sofa works simarlarly to the arch stretch things. Although the safest method is just using a theraband wrapped around the toes

Please DON'T put your feet under the gap in the sofa/piano etc. to stretch them - all this does is damage your feet!

[Guest]

On ‎02‎/‎01‎/‎2016 at 09:11, Dizzy dancer said:

I know foot stretchers are not advised- it makes me shudder thinking about what they do to the developing bones and tendons!

However, have you looked at the Elgin Foot exerciser? This is actually a podiatrist designed piece that people can use for a number of things including plantar fasciitis. It is however said to be excellent for devloping foot strength and improving the arch secondary to that????

Just wanted to bump this thread as dd came home from (full time) school and demanded to have a foot stretcher as a Christmas present. She seems to be very worried about her feet especially arch height, although it hasn't troubled her before in 5 years on pointe. I am very sceptical about foot stretchers per se., since anything that applies enough force to change the shape of your foot must come with huge risk of injury. I did wonder about the Elgin foot exerciser though  - I don't just want to dismiss dds concerns out of hand and would like to be able to suggest a reasonable alternative. Any advice very much appreciated.

[taxi4ballet]

Before going ahead and buying one, maybe speak to her school, and ask them whether or not it's a good idea?

[hoglett]

My DD had really flat feet and has literally just been working them harder during her pointe classes and over her roller  - she's had amazing results. Really defined arches now.

[Kate_N]

Is it this?

 

Arch Exercise Elgin

 

This is called 'doming' and you can do it without fancy equipment!

 

Also try picking up tea towels from the floor with your feet, and progressively try to pick up heavier or more unwieldy objects.

[Guest]

Yes! that's it. At least it does not look harmful, but a tea towel is much cheaper

 

[Kate_N]

Indeed! As is simply learning the technique of coming your foot. 

[sarahw]

I would definitely speak to school.

[Kate_N]

Gah! I meant "doming" your foot. 

 

Darn autocorrect.