Pointe Shoe Facts & Info for Parents
Fitting & Care
Each and every dancer's feet and toes are unique to them, and as such, each dancer will be fitted or recommended a style of shoes that best fits their needs.
Shoe fittings should take into consideration: dancer's longest toe, whether spacers are needed, the type of toe pads used, the shape of the box, the height of the vamp, and the hardness of the shoe's shank. Below, we've outlined these terms and more, along with how to find your best pointe shoe fit, how to sew your shoes, and several pointe shoe Frequently Asked Questions.
Shoe fittings should take into consideration: dancer's longest toe, whether spacers are needed, the type of toe pads used, the shape of the box, the height of the vamp, and the hardness of the shoe's shank. Below, we've outlined these terms and more, along with how to find your best pointe shoe fit, how to sew your shoes, and several pointe shoe Frequently Asked Questions.
Pointe Shoe Vocabulary
Toe pads: these should cover toe joints and web spaces between toes, and do come in sizes (neoprene, silicone, lamb’s wool)
Spacers: generally made of silicone, spacers provide alignment between toes (generally the big toe) and the long bones (metatarsals) of the foot, limiting deviation toward the midline of the foot and stress on the first toe joint (bunion)
Toe Pads: made of neoprene, silicone, or wool; these provide protection from blisters and padding
Shank: the inner and outer soles of the shoes, made up of layers of cardboard, glue, and leather
Box: the part of the shoe that encases the dancer’s toes; may be more rounded or flattened (rise), tapered or wider, depending on maker and style; boxes may be pleated or flat on the bottom
Vamp: the fabric edge at the top of the box; it may be U or V-shaped, short, regular, or long
Platform: the oval shaped part of the box on which the dancer stands while en pointe
Drawstrings: like ballet slippers, some pointe shoes will have drawstrings to give a better fit around the foot; they should not cut into the Achilles tendon above the heel.
Spacers: generally made of silicone, spacers provide alignment between toes (generally the big toe) and the long bones (metatarsals) of the foot, limiting deviation toward the midline of the foot and stress on the first toe joint (bunion)
Toe Pads: made of neoprene, silicone, or wool; these provide protection from blisters and padding
Shank: the inner and outer soles of the shoes, made up of layers of cardboard, glue, and leather
Box: the part of the shoe that encases the dancer’s toes; may be more rounded or flattened (rise), tapered or wider, depending on maker and style; boxes may be pleated or flat on the bottom
Vamp: the fabric edge at the top of the box; it may be U or V-shaped, short, regular, or long
Platform: the oval shaped part of the box on which the dancer stands while en pointe
Drawstrings: like ballet slippers, some pointe shoes will have drawstrings to give a better fit around the foot; they should not cut into the Achilles tendon above the heel.
Fitting
General Fit
Pointe shoes do not have a right or left until the dancer chooses the R/L after purchase. They should lie snuggly against all parts of the foot they cover, in order to provide correct support. You should have a small tug to slide the shoe onto your foot. You should not be able to slide a finger between your foot and the shoe.
Your Fitting
Pointe shoes do not have a right or left until the dancer chooses the R/L after purchase. They should lie snuggly against all parts of the foot they cover, in order to provide correct support. You should have a small tug to slide the shoe onto your foot. You should not be able to slide a finger between your foot and the shoe.
Your Fitting
- Wear transition tights to your fitting.
- Spacers and toe pads fitted under your tights, covering joints and web spaces.
- Slide your foot into the shoe, and expect a small tug; check for any gaping that cannot be taken up with drawstrings; the heel should come up over the heel bone (talus).
- While standing, plie in second and on one foot: your toes should not bend or overlap; your longest toe should be touching the end of the shoe; the box should be snug, but not cutting into or squeezing the big toe joint
- Step onto the platform in parallel. Your foot should not slide down into the shoe. The entire platform should be flat on the floor. The vamp length should not push your toes and ankles too far forward (knuckling over). The shank should follow the sole of your foot (not wing to one side) and should sit against the sole of your foot with minimal gap. If the shank wings-try a different width or style. If you are too far forward, try a different vamp or a style with wings.
- You will also (likely) need to purchase ribbons and elastics.
- PLEASE HAVE YOUR FIT CHECKED WITH A BALLET CALIENTE TEACHER BEFORE SEWING.
Sewing
Ribbons: please choose satin for your first shoes. Ribbons hold the shoe up under the dancer’s foot arch and help keep the shoe on the foot.
Elastics: These hold the shoe, especially the heel, on the dancer’s foot.
Thread: upholstery weight, non-waxed dental floss, or stitch kit thread
HOW TO:
Ribbons
Elastics
Elastics: These hold the shoe, especially the heel, on the dancer’s foot.
Thread: upholstery weight, non-waxed dental floss, or stitch kit thread
HOW TO:
Ribbons
- cut the ribbons into 4 equal length ribbons
- fold over the end to be stitched twice
- fold the heel of the shoe onto the inner shank and align the ribbons in the fold or with outer side seams
- whip stitch secure to the inside.
Elastics
- cut the elastics into two equal length pieces
- whip stitch one end of the elastic about one finger width from the back outer heel seam*
- put the shoe on, snugly pull the elastic into a loop around your ankle and mark where to stitch the free end
- stitch but do not trim until you have worn the shoes
FAQs
How long will my shoes last?
This will vary depending on the dancer’s foot shape, strength, how often she wears her shoes, and the brand/style. The range can go from one performance week to several months.
Will I always need to be fitted in person?
Initially for dancers still growing, in-person fittings are recommended. You may also need a different shoe as you develop strength.
Should I tape my toes?
Toe tape comes in many varieties and may be purchased online, in a pharmacy or at a dance store. As you wear your shoes, you will learn whether your toes need tape, so it is a good item to have in case.
How should I trim my toenails?
Trim your nails straight across and shorter than the end of your toe to avoid bruised toenails and ingrown toenails.
How should I store my shoes?
We recommend a mesh bag that allows wet shoes and toe pads to dry between classes; dry shoes tend to last longer than shoes stored damp.
How do I know when I need new shoes?
If you feel the floor, if the shank breaks, if your feet grow and the shoe feels too tight, and if you cannot stay en pointe because the shoe is too soft to support your foot safely-you may need new shoes. Ask a teacher if you have any concerns.
What is Jet Glue?
Jet Glue is similar to Super Glue and can be used to temporarily stiffen very soft shoes in the box or shank. It is toxic, so ask a teacher for help. Dancers newly en pointe will not likely need jet Glue.
This will vary depending on the dancer’s foot shape, strength, how often she wears her shoes, and the brand/style. The range can go from one performance week to several months.
Will I always need to be fitted in person?
Initially for dancers still growing, in-person fittings are recommended. You may also need a different shoe as you develop strength.
Should I tape my toes?
Toe tape comes in many varieties and may be purchased online, in a pharmacy or at a dance store. As you wear your shoes, you will learn whether your toes need tape, so it is a good item to have in case.
How should I trim my toenails?
Trim your nails straight across and shorter than the end of your toe to avoid bruised toenails and ingrown toenails.
How should I store my shoes?
We recommend a mesh bag that allows wet shoes and toe pads to dry between classes; dry shoes tend to last longer than shoes stored damp.
How do I know when I need new shoes?
If you feel the floor, if the shank breaks, if your feet grow and the shoe feels too tight, and if you cannot stay en pointe because the shoe is too soft to support your foot safely-you may need new shoes. Ask a teacher if you have any concerns.
What is Jet Glue?
Jet Glue is similar to Super Glue and can be used to temporarily stiffen very soft shoes in the box or shank. It is toxic, so ask a teacher for help. Dancers newly en pointe will not likely need jet Glue.