POINTE AT PAT'S
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Pointe Shoe Fittings at Pat's Dancewear
Why an Appointment?
To deliver an excellent fitting experience, we ask that you schedule your fitting in advance when possible. Pointe Shoe Fittings are available from 11 am to 4 pm, Monday through Saturday. (Pointe Shoe fittings, particularly initial fittings, can take up to an hour, so please plan accordingly.) You can can even consider making a whole event out of your vist, check out everything you can do around bountiful main street here. There is Food, shopping, rich history and so much more!
Why Book a Fitting with Us?
Certified Training: Our fitters undergo a thorough training and apprenticeship process led by our veteran fitter Jennifer Maxwell. Jennifer is a certified Gaynor Minden Pointe shoe fitter, a Suffolk pointe shoe affiliate, and has received additional instruction from brands including Freed, Capezio, and Nikolay. With 13+ years of experience, she is a valuable asset to our pointe shoe team and to each fitter's training.
Extensive Selection: Pat's Dancewear offers Utah's most extensive pointe shoe selection. We stock over 25 styles of pointe shoes, including selections from Bloch, RP, Nikolay, Capezio, Freed, Mirella, and Suffolk. Some of our shoes are even available in various nudes, black, and colored satin. If you don't see the shoe you're looking for, call us at (801) 292-7287 or fill out this contact form, and we can order, ship, or help you find a similar pointe shoe.
Bulk Orders: Receive a FREE pair of pointe shoes with every 5 pairs purchased on one transaction.
Pat's Pointes Rewards Program: All Pat’s Pointes Rewards Members enjoy a free pointe shoe shoe after purchasing 10 pairs at full price. This reward is redeemable only in-store or by phone Sign up here.
Free Complimentary Sewing: The icing on top at Pat's is our complimentary standard sewing on all pointe shoes purchased with us. (We also sew other pointe shoes for a small fee.) At Pat's, we see this service as a way to say THANK YOU for trusting us with your toes.
5 Things to Know Before Your Fitting
1. Teacher/Studio Guidelines
-Most studios require that your pointe shoes be approved by an instructor before you wear them in class. Often, teachers will attend your fitting, but if your teacher doesn't attend, make yourself aware of any requirements, preferences, or suggestions they have for your shoes.
-Do NOT sew ribbons on your shoes or allow them to be worn or get soiled before you get your teacher's approval.
-Ask your teacher or one of our fitters for tips on attaching ribbons or elastic once the shoes have been approved. You can even take us up on our complimentary standard sewing mentioned above!
Shoes that have been sewn, are dirty, or have been worn during class cannot be returned.
See our extended return policy here.
2. Prep Yourself for Your Fitting
-Wear fitted clothing to your appointment and be barefoot or in convertible tights. This will allow your fitter to assess your body alignment and make appropriate adjustments.
-Consider clipping your toenails and washing/drying your feet to allow your feet to sit properly in the shoe. If time permits, gently warm up your feet and ankles to avoid any excess strain while en pointe.
3. A Proper Fit
-Pointe shoes should be snug and supportive, but
not painful. The toe box sits smoothly against your toes, with the big toe nestled comfortably in the
end of the toe box when in plié. All five toes should lie flat against the insole.
-The heel is snug when standing flat; en pointe, there will be a pinch in the heel fabric. Your weight is evenly distributed on the toes and balanced on the center of the platform while en pointe.
-Loose shoes increase the chance of injury, so it is impossible to buy a properly-fitting shoe "to grow into." The fitter will ask questions to determine the fit of the shoes and provide you with language to describe what you feel in the shoe. We know we have found your shoe when you and the fitter agree that the shoe fits properly, looks good, and is comfortable enough to dance in.
4. Padding the Shoe
-Most dancers pad inside the toe box for comfort. Beginning dancers should use padding designed for the type of shoe being worn or lamb's wool.
-Toe spacers, heel pads, etc., should be used only if the teacher or fitter considers them necessary. Ultimately, your padding will be unique to your foot, so be open to experimenting until you find the right combination.
5. Monitoring Shoe Wear
-You can usually expect about 15-20 hours of active wear from a traditional pair of pointe shoes. Pointe shoes must be replaced as soon as they are outgrown or become structurally unsound because they fit so precisely and provide important support for the dancer.
Reasons to replace your Pointe Shoes:
-Your shoes are uncomfortably tight.
-Your foot shape has changed, so the foot is no longer supported properly and comfortably.
-You have a technical need for a different shape of shoe or different shank strength.
-Your shoes start to lose their supportive qualities (are "dead").