Pointe Shoes

Pointe Shoes are a type of shoe that is worn  by ballet dancers while performing. Pointe Shoes are to enable dancers to dance en pointe (on the tips of their toes) for a period of time. Pointe Shoes enable the dancer to balance, spin, hop, pounce, slide and linger on the tips of their toes.

What is the pointe shoe made up of?

• The box or block at the end of the shoe that the supports the dancers toes en pointe. The front end of the box is flat to form as a platform so the dancer can balance. The fabric that covers from hte back o the box to the top of the foot is called the ‘vamp’. This contributes to the overall support of the shoe by holding the foot against the shank. The box is typically tightly as it enclosed the toes so the dances can stand up on the platform. The box is typically made from layers of paper, commonly known as papier-Mache. The box had many different widths to accommodate to your foot!
• The Shank which is typically made from leather. Presses snugly against the bottom of the foot on the inside of the shoe. The flexibility of the shank varies to the thickness of the shank and the version of the shoe. This material is to stiffen the sole to help provide support for the arch of the foot en pointe.
• Binding: Binding is the fabric that channels through the rim of the pointe shoe which is where the drawstring runs.
• Sock Liner: Sock Liner is the part of the fabric that runs underneath the foot inside the shoe and runs the length of the shoe.

Breaking in

Dancers typically “break in” new pointe shoes to reduce the discomfort they may receive. Every dancer will have different ways to ‘break in’ their pointe shoe. This will cause the box shape and shank to adapt to the dancers feet. Various methods have been used for breaking in pointe shoes.

We do recommend talking to your dance teacher if it is your first pair of pointe shoes, as she may know the best way for you to break in your shoes.

Accessories for your pointe shoes

• Toe Pads (Ouch Pouches or Pro Pads) are a pouch that cushions the toes from the unyielding box and prevent friction. Ouch Pouches are made of a thin layer of gel inside the fabric pouch. The Ouch Pouch offers coverage to the bunion areas, deep cut vamp to match the shape of the pointe shoes and sleek shape that hugs the foot and keeps pads from sliding or bunching in the shoe. The gel formulation helps prevent “wear spots or “bottoming out”. These toe pads are washable and reusable. The Pro Pads are designed with no gel under the foot so the dancer has only thin fabric offers coverage to the bunion areas, deep cut vamp to match the shape of the pointe shoes and sleek shape that hugs the foot and keeps pads from sliding or bunching in the shoe. These toe pads are washable and reusable
• Gel toe spacers come in various shapes and sizes. The purpose of these are the go in-between the toes. They serve to adjust toe spacing and alignment so as to alleviate pain at the bunion joint area between the big toes and the first toe.
• Lambs wool is placed around the toes to reduce chafing and the likelihood of blisters. Some dancers use this in “sore spots” of the shoe. These may become more prominent after a few uses of the pointe shoes and they place lambs wool to help reduce and cushion the “sore spot”.
• Suede Tips are attached to the platform of the shoe with glue. The purpose of suede tips are to prevent to satin from tearing and also provides a anti slip surface when en pointe. Suede Tips are commonly used when dancers dance on a wooden floor as this can tear the satin.
• Ribbons are a professional pre-cut single-faced pointe shoe ribbon allows for the natural flexion, movement and extension of your ankle and heel. They hold the ankle in the shoe better when en pointe in some cases. Even before you go on pointe, you may need to know how to sew ribbons. Some schools require ribbons on technique shoes for exams “pre-pointe” shoes. The more you dance, the more particular you will become about how and where to sew the ribbons on your pointe shoes. Their location and their angle determine how effectively they keep the shoe attached to your foot, and how attractively they do it. Because every foot is different, every dancer must determine the positioning that is right for her, and most dancers insist on sewing their ribbons themselves. But do not worry we do offer to sew your ribbons on for you!
• Elastic is used as well as ribbons to keep their pointe shoes from slipping off their heels. Pointe shoe elastic tends to be wider and more heavy-duty than technique shoe elastic.
• Deodorizing Pouches are used to keep the moisture out of the pointe shoe after a class. Especially if this is a first pair of pointe shoes the dance will need to get in the habit of taking them out their bag to air! Airing pointe shoes out after a class is a must. As pointe shoes are made out of papier mache and will soften from being damp.

We stock Bloch Pointe Shoes

• Hannah
• Heritage
• European Balance
• Sylphide
• Concerta
• Synergy
• Serenade
• Alpha
• Aspiration
• Amelie Soft
• Jetstream
• Axis
• Sonata

and many more.

Your fitter will determine the best fit for the dancers feet.