Kitty :-)
pointe shoes are basically my life ;-) don't you just love the feeling of breaking in new pointe shoes and finding that sweet spot where instead of dancing you feel like floating on air? that is like the greatest feeling in the world.
there are so mmany different types of pointe shoes in different colours and brands and shapes (seriously, how many shades of pink can there be?) you may not know if the shoe you are getting is the right one for you. here are a few tips that you should bring with you to your next pointe shoe fitting (please note, you should never buy pointe shoes, unless you are a professional, without a professionals opinion)
Foot Type
know your feet. thats basically the only thing i can say. shape, size, arch, toes, everything. even if you think you know enough, you don't.
the shape of your toes will decide what kind of box your shoe will need. personally, i need a very tapered (kinda pointy) box as square boxes hurt my feet and if i danced on them it would cause severe injury. the height of you arch will decide what type of shank to get. a super high arch will need a different strength shank (which is the sole) than a flatter arch. the strength of you feet will also determine the shank strength, so make sure you are strong enough to start pointe work. you also want to make sure that your ankles are aligned as shown above. Here are some diagrams to help you better understand your pointe shoesThe Great Drawstring Debatemany dancers aren't sure whether or not to use the drawstring on the shoe or pull it out completely. honestly, it depends on the dancer and what feels good to you. don't buy a pair of pointe shoes for the sole reason that the drawstring is easier to pull out. i have tried it both ways and while i personally prefer to keep it in, many people have their own opinion when it comes to their shoes. Vamp Lengththe vamp of the shoe is the part that makes you taller when you go on pointe. having the wrong size in your shoe can seriously injure you. always make sure your pointe shoes fit correctly by making your all toes are flat on the ground when standing flat footed and that they feel snug but don't pinch. My Shoes <3I use russian pointe shoes, which are known for the very taperd boxes and the very light, almost white satin colour. i specifically use the aleksandra model, because those are the ones they have in supply at my local dance store. (totally kidding, these just work best for me and are pretty cheap) i understand pointe shoes can be expensive, so dont just go and waste your money on a pair that don't fit or will give you trouble. IT'S NOT WORTH IT! trust me |
I really hope this has helped all you aspiring ballerina's out there :-) i want to know what shoes you guys recommend!
Stay sparkly <3
Stay sparkly <3