Fitting Pointe Shoes

En Pointe

Dancing en pointe is a very elegant yet athletic talent and requires grace and strength. To compliment the form of this dance discipline, the pointe shoe is regarded as an extension of the foot and a continuation of the leg line.

However, regardless of a dancer's technical ability, a pointe shoe must fit properly in order to provide the support required to dance en pointe.

Seven Steps to a Good Fit

In fitting pointe shoes, always consider the dancer's preference as well as the preference of her teacher. It is common to have two different sized feet so be sure to treat each foot separately and remember to perform each step on each foot.

• Study the dancer's feet in a flat, standing position and note the general shape, width and length of each foot.
• Select a pointe shoe that best mimics the shape of the dancer's foot. Be sure to follow the fitting description for each different shoe style.
• Once selected, place the box of the pointe shoe between the palms of your hands. Gently apply pressure to soften the box. Do this for each shoe.
• Slip the shoe onto the foot. Using a criss-cross motion, lightly pull the drawstring and tie a loose knot. Note the overall fit of the shoe. The pointe shoe must fit like a second skin. It should not apply excessive pressure or allow for growing room.
• Make sure the dancer can feel the end of the box. If the dancer cannot feel the end of the box, select a smaller shoe until their toes touch the platform. Next, ask the dancer to plié while standing flat and watch the toes. The toes must never be in a curled position. To verify the correct length, you should notice a slight pinch of fabric at the top of the binding at the achilles while the foot is in the pointed position. This pinch of fabric should disappear when the dancer is in first position.
• Check the width of the shoe. The dancer should be able to feel all five toes flat in the shoe with slight pressure on the side of the foot. Try on different widths of the shoe until this is accomplished. To verify the correct width, ask the dancer to apply weight to the platform while keeping one foot flat on the floor. If the foot slides downward into the box while in this position, the shoe is too wide.
• A proper fitting pointe shoe does not allow for growing room. Depending on the dancer's age, it may be necessary to have the fit of their pointe shoes checked at six-month intervals. An exact fit is required to properly support the bones of the foot while en pointe. We advise that the teacher approve the shoe.

An adequate fitting will be accomplished by following these steps. Therefore, it is not necessary for the dancer to stand on full pointe during a fitting. If a dancer insists on standing on full pointe, the shoe may slip off the heel because there are no ribbons to keep the shoe in place during the transition from flat foot to full pointe. If this happens, it does not affect the proper fit of a pointe shoe.

The Parts of a Pointe Shoe

To get a correct fit, each dancer must know the parts of the pointe shoe...

Last

The last is the mold on which a pointe shoe is constructed. The shape of a last is designed to represent the dancer's foot. A different last is used for each size and width in every style.

Box

The box covers the toes and provides the support a dancer needs to stand en pointe. It is lined with a combination of natural materials and Capezio's specially formulated glue. The side wings are an extension of the box and provide lateral support.

Vamp

The vamp refers to the length of the shoe upper measuring from the platform to and including the binding at the center front of the shoe. A longer vamp can help draw the foot closer to the shank when en pointe.

Throat

It is the open area located from one side seam to the other through the center front of the shoe. The throat is the shape of the upper, which presents and flatters the arch.

Drawstring / Binding

The binding is the finished edge of the upper. The drawstring, which is encased in the binding, further secures the upper to the foot.

Platform

The platform is the outer, flat tip of the box, which allows the dancer to stand en pointe.

Crown

The crown is the vertical height between the vamp and the sole.

Pleats

The pleats are located on the underside of the box where the fabric is folded into the sole.

Stay

The stay is the fabric that covers the seam in the back of the shoe at the dancer's heel.

Side Quarters

The side quarters are the sections of satin from the side seams to the back of the stay.

Sole

The outer sole is made of either buffed or scored leather to provide traction. The sole is internally stitched into the upper.

Shank

The shank is made of either leatherboard or redboard and is the backbone of the pointe shoe. It is located under the socklining and provides support to the arch. Capezio shanks range in strength to accommodate the strength and technical ability of each dancer.