Introduction
Pointe shoes are a vital part of the dance world. However, there’s more to them than meets the eye. To ensure that you get the best pointe shoes for your dancer, it’s important to consider several things before making a purchase. Here are some factors to remember while shopping for pointe shoes:
The shoe manufacturer.
The quality of pointe shoes is largely dependent on the manufacturer. A good manufacturer will usually make sturdy and durable shoes since they have been tested for years by professionals.
A poor-quality pointe shoe will not only break quickly but also cause injuries. So, when purchasing your first pair of pointe shoes, choosing a reputable brand that has been around for many years and produces high-quality products is important.
The type of dancer you are.
The type of dancer you are is also a crucial factor to consider before buying pointe shoes. If you have flexible ankles, choosing a shoe with less elasticity in the shank is best. However, if your ankles and calves are very flexible (or if your flexibility is inconsistent), then it might be worth choosing a shoe with more elasticity in its shank.
The support needed for each foot varies based on an individual’s level of flexibility; this is why some dancers prefer softer shoes while others prefer stiff ones. Those who need more support can try on firmer models with rigid shanks—these will provide better lateral stability and support than soft or medium-stiff models give them on their feet.
The type of sole you need.
The type of sole you need depends on the type of dance you do. You will want to consider the type of flooring you will be dancing on and what dance style. For example, if you plan to do a lot of ballet work, it would make sense to get a flexible shoe with hard leather soles. If your dance involves an athletic element, a split sole may be best for your needs (this is also great for ballerinas who perform en pointe). As mentioned before, this may vary from dancer to dancer, so there is no definite answer here. However, when making this decision, it is important that there is consistency between all the factors mentioned above.
Hardness or softness of the shank and box.
The hardness or softness of your pointe shoe depends on a few factors. The shank, the part of your pointe shoes that connects to the box, should be hard enough to support you while you’re in releve (pointing). But if it’s too hard, it can cause foot pain over time. The box itself should be soft enough to support your heels while resting on releve but not so soft that it collapses under pressure. For beginners who have not yet developed strong, flexible arches and tendons, a harder shank with a slightly softer box is recommended because these shoes tend to last longer than their softer counterparts.
How long will the shoe last?
You should not see any signs of wear or tear after three months. The pointe shoe should not break down under normal use and should not be too soft or hard. If you need to buy new shoes every month, consider buying a different brand or style of pointe shoe.
The same goes for size: if they’re too big or small, they will break down quickly and might cause injury, which is why the sizing is so important.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many factors to consider when buying pointe shoes. However, all these factors should be considered before buying any shoes.
