This tutorial will give you some insight into some guidelines that will help you determine your perfect shoe.
- Throughout hours of practicing en point, Ballerinas develop preferences regarding their pointe shoes.
- If a pointe shoe is too big, your big toe will not be able to feel the floor when en pointe.
- If a pointe shoe is too small, your toes will feel curled and scrunched.
- At first, the pointe shoes will feel tight, but they will stretch with the combination of use and sweat. The shank of the point shoe (the sole), should support your foot to stand directly on the box (tip of the shoe). If the shank is too hard, it will pull you off of your toes. If the shank is too weak, your foot will bend over the box (tip of the shoe).
- If you foot is bending over the box (tip of the shoe), it may not only be a sign of a weak shank, but that your shoes are "dead." "Dead" means that your shoes are slowly falling apart due to the rigorous routine. The box of the pointe shoe may also become very soft because that is the most weight-bearing part of the pointe shoe.
- The vamp (front part of the shoe) is structured to support the front of your foot, in addition to the elastics.
- The sewing of the elastics and the material of the jaw-string is completely dependent on the preferences of the ballerina.
- Ouch Pouches/Lambs wool and smaller padding, will be distributed to you by your pointe shoe fitter.
- Your foot should feel snug in the pointe shoe.