Fitting Your Ballet Shoes

Here is some information on how to fit your ballet slippers and pointe shoes properly.

When you start ballet dancing, you will wear comfortable ballet slippers.  These are normally a full sole, but you also get shoes that have a split sole.  Most people prefer the full soled shoe, as they say it gets you used to the shank of a pointe shoe and that they provide more support, but this point has much debate surrounding it.

The split sole is popular amongst experienced dancers, as they show the shape of the foot better and make the foot look more attractive, as they 'hug' the foot.

The best way to buy ballet slippers and pointe shoes is to fit them on personally.  Sizing is different on different makes of shoes, and can even vary between leather, satin and canvass shoes.  In most cases, your ballet shoe size will be 2 or 3 sizes smaller than your street shoe, as ballet shoes are meant to fit your feet like gloves.

If buying shoes for a growing child it is tempting to buy shoes that are a little big, but this is not recommended, as a ballet shoe that doesn’t fit properly can be dangerous.  Most ballet shoes wear out with a few months of use anyway and will need to be replaced regularly.

When fitting your soft shoe, make sure that you can stand flat in them without the toes curling under.  There should be no extra room at the toes.  When you point your foot, the heel must not slip off, and there shouldn’t be a gap between your arch and the inside of the shoe.

Pointe Shoes are a different kettle of fish to fit altogether.  The shank of the pointe shoe is usually available in different levels of stiffness.  If you need more support, you will need a stiffer shank.  You will also need to look at the vamp of the pointe shoe.  For instance, if you have long toes or a highly arched foot, you will need a longer vamp.  When you go and fit your pointe shoes, there should be somebody qualified there to help you to make the best choice.  The shoe must also fit snugly and not allow too much movement in the toe area.  Again, your toes mustn’t be squashed together.  When you plie in the pointe shoe, the shoe should not come off at the heel.  If you have tendonitis, you must order some elasticized ribbon for extra support.

Unfortunately most pointe shoes do not last very long, as body heat and perspiration break down soften the shoes.  As soon as they are not supporting you anymore, it is time for a new pair.

One last tip - when shopping for pointe shoes, never rush.  Take your time and try on many pairs.  Take your ballet tights with you, to get the right fit.  Ask your teacher for recommendations on the fitting and type of pointe shoe that would be best for you.

As a ballet dancer you should know that it is crucial to fit your pointe shoes properly.  This will help you perform to the best of your ability, and will also prevent you from getting injured which can happen so easily in the wrong shoes or ill fitting pointe shoes.

Buying Ballet Pointe Shoes by Nadine Williams in Dance

Ballet pointe shoes are the reward for every good ballerina. She begins taking ballet classes as a young girl and always looks up to the older dancers as they float seemingly weightless across the floor. The time finally comes to get her first pair and during this exciting time there are many misconceptions in the mind of the dancer and the parents as to what is entailed in both that first pair of pointe shoes and each pair after that.

The first misconception is that a certain brand must be used or is preferred over another. While it is true that there are good brands and bad brands as with anything else, you should never let someone tell you that you must go with a certain brand. I have heard of studios that require that all their dancers use the same brand. If you dance with one of these studios then you need to find a new studio. Every girl's feet are different and so their shoes should be different too. Some brands are better for girls with wide feet, some with narrow, girl's with a narrow heel will be drawn to a different brand just as girls with little arch will be drawn to a different brand than girls with a very pronounced arch. A bad pointe shoe is not only painful, but downright harmful to a dancer's foot. When shopping for the first pair of shoes you should try on as many brands as you can and go to a speciality shop with someone who has been fitting pointe shoes for years. A good fitter will be able to guide you in your search for the perfect fit. Your pointe shoes will become an extension of your body and it is important that they are as unique as you are.

Another misconception is that one pointe shoe fits all, meaning that one pair of pointe shoes is sufficient for a dancer. When starting out this may be true, but as you progress you will learn that you need different shoes for different dances. In some dances you will need more support, in others you will need a lighter shoe. Experience will guide you as you select pointe shoes for each individual piece you dance. It is also important to note here that you will go through pointe shoes at an alarming rate. The first pair will probably last you the longest, but after that, depending on the intensity and frequency of your dancing, it is possible that you will go through shoes in a matter of weeks, and at the top spheres of technical dancing, a matter of days. It is very important that when your pointe shoes are dead you do not use them anymore except for barre work if you would like. Dancing on a dead shoe to save money is incredibly harmful to your feet and may eventually lead to surgery or removal from ballet altogether. When you get a new pair of shoes it is important that you try on each pair and not just order them online to get better prices. All pointe shoes are made by hand, which means they are all different. Once you've determined you favorite brand, size, and style you will still find that the shoes will vary. Sometimes the variances won't be noticeable, other times they can be painfully obvious. Just keep in mind that these shoes are not made on an assembly line, each a carbon copy of the one before. Whenever possible try on each shoe you intend to buy to make sure that it fits properly and provides you with the support you need.

Hopefully this little guide will help you find your first pair of pointe shoes and many pairs after that. Don't rush the process, take your time and find the right shoe. Listen to an experienced and fitter and most importantly listen to your own feet. Your pointe shoes should give you the support you need while still being light enough to feel the floor and maneuver gracefully.

About the Author

Nadine enjoys writing about a myriad of subjects with different areas catching her fancy at different times. Check out her recent project, http://www.violinstring.org which gives general info about the violin string.