Expert Tips on Choosing the Perfect Pointe Shoes: What You Need to Know

Are you in the market for a new pair of pointe shoes?

Choosing the right pair of pointe shoes is a crucial step for any dancer, especially for beginners. It can seem overwhelming initially when you see how many different options there are for shoes, padding, and breaking in your shoes. Ultimately, the perfect pair provides the necessary support, comfort, and alignment to help you perform at your best while reducing the risk of injury. This guide will walk you through the essential factors to consider when selecting your pointe shoes, ensuring you make an informed decision.

Parts of the Shoe: Your pointe shoe has a few major components that impact its fit and functionality on your foot. These components include the box, shank, wings, vamp, platform, satin, and drawstring.

Functionality:

• Box, Vamp, Wings, and Platform: These parts are essential for supporting your toes and maintaining proper technique. The box provides the foundation for your toes and prevents sinking, while the vamp and wings ensure stability. It’s crucial that these elements match your foot shape to allow for smooth rolling through demi-pointe and enable proper technique.

• Shank: The shank supports your foot's alignment within the shoe and helps keep you centered on the box. A shank that either pulls you back or pushes you too far forward is not ideal. Choosing the correct shank strength is vital to providing the optimal support your foot needs during pointe work.

• Satin and Drawstring: While less critical to the fit, the satin and drawstring impact the shoe’s appearance and overall functionality. Consider the color and stretch of these materials when selecting a pair, as they contribute to the shoe's final look and feel. It’s also important to understand any preferences your studio or company may have regarding these details.

2. Importance of a Professional Fitting:

Why Get Fitted: A professional fitting ensures that your pointe shoes are perfectly tailored to your foot shape, optimized for your dance goals, and safe to dance in. At Pat’s Dancewear, we take pride in our team of fitters, each of whom has undergone extensive training and mentorship to provide you with the best possible experience.Learn more here.

What to Expect During a Fitting:At Pat’s Dancewear, we take great pride in being trusted with your toes. To ensure you receive the best possible experience, we recommend calling ahead to schedule your fitting at 801-292-7287. The initial fitting process can take up to an hour, so please plan accordingly. (We suggest checking out some nearby recommendations to make the most of your visit to Pat’s.) Subsequent fittings typically take less time and may eventually become unnecessary as the dancer stops growing and finds the shoe that best suits their needs.

To prepare for your fitting:

• What to bring: Come with bare feet, fitted clothing, and your most recent pair of pointe shoes (if applicable).
• Think ahead: Consider making a list of any issues or concerns you or your instructors have with your pointe shoes.

3. Factors to Consider When Choosing Pointe Shoes:

Foot Shape and Arch: Different foot shapes e.g. Egyptian, roman Greek, German, and Celtic feet are more successful in different box shapes. Feet with low arches may benefit from a softer shank and shoe, while a foot with a higher arch may find a harder shoe and shank keeps them more on their box.

Shank Strength: The optimal shank strength for your foot can vary depending on your experience level en pointe, as well as the flexibility and strength of your feet. However, it’s a common myth that a stronger shank indicates a more advanced dancer. In reality, many advanced dancers often transition to a softer shank as they progress. A softer shank allows for greater articulation of the foot, enabling more nuanced control and refined technique as their strength and precision improve.

Vamp Length: The shape and length of your toes play a crucial role in determining the most optimal vamp for your foot. The vamp, along with the box, provides essential support and structure, and it will naturally break in with wear. Because of this, there is some flexibility in finding a vamp that works well for your feet, allowing for different styles to potentially suit your needs over time.

Platform Size: Pointe shoe platforms come in various sizes and shapes, which can affect your stability on pointe. It's important to try on different shoes to ensure you feel secure while standing on the platform. Typically, beginning dancers find a larger, squarer platform to be more comfortable.

4. Breaking in Your Pointe Shoes:

Techniques: At Pat’s Dancewear, we generally recommend breaking in your pointe shoes by wearing them on your feet whenever possible. The heat and sweat from your feet help mold the shank and box to your foot without compromising the shoe’s integrity. If you find it necessary to bend, cut, or manipulate your shoes, be cautious with synthetic materials. Some shoes incorporate synthetic polymers that may not mold like traditional materials and could crack or snap, making the shoes unsafe for dancing. You can always ask your fitter or contact us if you are unsure about your shoe’s materials.

In-house adjustments: In certain cases, we recommend modifying your pointe shoes to enhance their fit and performance. Our in-house services include removing a nail from the shank to soften it or applying shellac or jet glue to strengthen the box and/or shank. If you have questions about these adjustments or are curious about how they might benefit your shoes, please ask your fitter or contact us for more information.

5. Caring for Your Pointe Shoes:

Daily Care Tips: Let your shoes dry completely between uses, to help them maintain their hardness as long as possible. To allow the shoes to dry remove all padding from inside the shoe and store them separately inside a mesh bag between wears.

Extending the Lifespan:

• Rotate Between Pairs: Use at least two pairs of shoes, alternating between them to reduce wear and tear on each pair.
• Box Liners and Toe Pads: Consider purchasing box liners or thicker toe pads to extend the fit of the box.
• Jet Glue or Shellac: Apply jet glue or shellac to the inside of the shoe to reinforce and protect the structure.

6. Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Overestimating Your Size: Loose fitting shoes will increase your chances of injury, so it is crucial that you purchase a properly fitting shoe. A shoe that is too tight may inhibit your dancing and lead to injury. Make sure to replace your shoes promptly as you grow out of them. If you’re uncertain about your fit, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with us; we’re happy to assess your shoes and help ensure they’re right for you.

• Ignoring Pain: Pointe shoes will never feel like our cozy house slippers… but they should never be so painful that you can’t dance. Listen to your body and consider coming in for a refit or a padding adjustment if significant pain persists. We offer a variety of options to help you find a comfortable fit because we want you to have happy toes.

At Pat's Dancewear, we're here to help you find your perfect shoe with expert fittings and a wide selection of top brands. Whether it takes 5 shoes or 65 shoes we are committed to finding the right fit that will keep you on your toes! Click here to browse our pointe shoe selection online or give us a call at 8012927287 to schedule your fitting today!