Pointe shoes…how to fit them

So after some hard work, lots of strengthening and physiotherapy, pre-pointe classes and your pre-pointe assessment you have finally come to the point where you are ready to get your pointe shoes (that’s a lot of points!). Its always good to ask your teacher to advise you where to go for pointe shoe fittings as they usually know who knows their stuff. Or failing that, ask your friends as well as they will have some good and bad experiences to share.

Something to note that when you do shop for a pair, always wear any inserts/padding you plan on using and stockings when you try them on. In addition, all pointe shoes are individually made, and as such, there is variability between shoes even of the same brand. So its a good idea to visit a shop that has a wide selection.

I’ve put together a checklist that you can use for when shopping for your pointe shoes.

Item 1: Wings

The wings run up the side of the shoe, importantly, it must stop at the joint line of your big toe. If it’s too high you won’t be able to rise up through demi pointe efficiently, and if its too low, it can cause rubbing on the inside of the toe leading to boney growths, irritations and bunions (if you’re genetically predisposed)..

Item 2: Box and Vamp length

The box is where the toes fit, and the vamp is the length from the end of the box to the seam. For longer toes, you’ll need a longer box, but again if it’s too long or short, rising up onto pointe will be hard and you won’t be able to use the muscles of your feet efficiently. Try the shoes on, and you should be able to fit a finger tip in underneath the seam, without any flesh coming out over the top.

Item 3: Length of shoe

This will orientate where the back of the shoe fits, if it’s too high it can rub on the Achilles tendon at the back of the heel, causing pain. If its too low, it will simply come off. Try putting the shoe on and going into second position demi plie. The toes should just touch the end of the box, clawing of the toes means it’s too short, and you won’t be able to use your foot muscles efficiently when you rise up.

Item 4: Shank

The backbone of the shoe, make sure it doesn’t stop too short down the foot, some shoe styles are designed this way, and when the shank breaks in, if it is too low in the foot, it can cause stress reactions in the bones of the foot. Also, try putting the shoe on, and go up onto pointe, (partial weight bearing) in parallel, the foot shouldn’t be twisted and you shouldn’t see gapping at the sides of the shoe. Also, the box should be comfortable, without flesh hanging out over the sides (if this is the case then it is too small), if your foot drops down into the box then it is likely too big. It should feel firm and comfortable.

Item 5: Type

There is debate about whether beginning pointe work should be done in firmer shoes for extra support. Having said this, all beginner pointe work is done at the barre, and in addition, no dancer should be doing pointe work without strong foot and ankle muscles. Try out different types and see what works best for you. The softer/more flexible the shoe, the harder your foot has to work to keep it on.

Remember, finding a good pair of pointe shoes is a bit like finding that perfect pair of jeans, and many ballerinas spend their entire careers shopping for that perfect pair.

Happy shopping!

Sam