| As a ballet dancer you know that it is crucial to fit your | | | | stand flat in them without the toes curling under, |
| pointe shoes properly. This will help you perform to the | | | | although there must be no extra room. When you point |
| best of your ability, and will also prevent you from | | | | your foot, the heel must not slip off, and there shouldn't |
| getting injured which can happen so easily in the wrong | | | | be a gap between your arch and the inside of the |
| shoes or ill fitting shoes. | | | | shoe. |
| When you start ballet dancing, you will wear | | | | Pointe Shoes are a different kettle of fish to fit |
| comfortable ballet slippers. These are normally a full | | | | altogether. The shank of the shoe is usually available in |
| sole, but you also get shoes that have a split sole. | | | | different levels of stiffness. If you need more support, |
| Most people prefer the full soled shoe, as they say it | | | | you will need a stiffer shank. You will also need to look |
| get you used to the shank of a pointe shoe and that | | | | at the vamp of the shoe. For instance, if you have long |
| they provide more support, but this point has much | | | | toes or a highly arched foot, you will need a longer |
| debate surrounding it. | | | | vamp. When you go and fit your pointe shoes, there |
| The split sole is popular amongst experienced dancers, | | | | should be somebody qualified there to help you to |
| as they show the shape of the foot better and make | | | | make the best choice. The shoe must also fit snugly |
| the foot look more attractive. | | | | and not allow too much movement in the toe area. |
| The best way to buy ballet slippers and pointe shoes | | | | Again, your toes mustn't be squashed together. When |
| is to fit them on personally. Sizing is different on | | | | you plie in the pointe shoe, the shoe should not come |
| different makes of shoes, and can even vary | | | | off at the heel. If you have tendonitis, you must order |
| between leather and canvass shoes. In most cases, | | | | some elasticized ribbon for extra support. |
| your ballet shoe size will be 2 or 3 sizes smaller than | | | | Unfortunately most pointe shoes do not last very long, |
| your street shoe, as ballet shoes are meant to fit your | | | | as body heat and perspiration break down soften the |
| feet like gloves. | | | | shoes. As soon as they are not supporting you |
| If buying shoes for a growing child it is tempting to buy | | | | anymore, it is time for a new pair. |
| shoes that are a little big, but this is not recommended, | | | | One last tip - when shopping for pointe shoes, never |
| as a ballet shoe that doesn't fit properly can be | | | | rush. Take your time and try on many pairs. Take your |
| dangerous. Most ballet shoes wear out with a few | | | | ballet tights with you, to get the right fit. Ask your |
| months of use anyway and will need to be replaced | | | | teacher for recommendations on the fitting and type |
| regularly. | | | | of pointe shoe that would be best for you. |
| When fitting your soft shoe, make sure that you can | | | | |
