Pointe shoes are the very essence of ballet. Whether you're taking your first steps into classical dance or preparing to begin your pointe work, this guide is filled with everything you need to know — from the anatomy of a pointe shoe to the different styles suited to each foot type.
Handcrafted satin pointe shoes balance superior construction with dancer comfort. A properly fitted pointe shoe takes every aspect of its anatomy into account to ensure correct alignment and a beautiful line.
Pointe Shoe Anatomy & Terminology
First things first — let's get to know the anatomy. What is the typical structure of a pointe shoe, and which key terms do you need to understand?
Glossary of Terms
Binding
The tape that finishes the top edge of the upper and through which the drawstring is threaded.
Block / Box
The stiffened section of the shoe that includes the vamp, wings and platform, and encases the front of the foot. The block/box is created from multiple layers of specialized fabrics, each cut to a different shape and bonded together with paste — a process similar to papier-mâché.
Drawstring
A cotton or elastic cord hidden within the binding that allows the upper to fit snugly around the foot.
Heel Strap
A satin strap sewn over the joining seams at the back of the shoe.
Last
The foot-shaped mould around which the pointe shoe is constructed.
Outsole
The outermost sole of the pointe shoe is made from leather.
Paste
A specially formulated adhesive is used both to harden the block/box and to secure the insole.
Platform
The flat surface at the tip of the shoe allows the dancer to balance en pointe.
Pleats
The carefully calculated folds that draw the satin over the box where it meets the outsole.
Shank / Insole
A combination of layered materials in a unique profile that forms the structural backbone of the shoe, working much as the spine supports the human body. Shanks are made in different profiles to create varying levels of flexibility.
Side Seam
The seam at the side join is a double French seam, ensuring durability and connecting the front and back of the upper.
Sock
A thin suede or cotton lining that covers the insole.
Upper
All parts above the sole are joined together into a single unit and then attached to the outsole.
Vamp
The lower front section of the upper, covering the front of the foot and incorporating the block/box and platform.
Vamp (Modified)
The distance from the center of the drawstring to the edge of the platform.
Vamp Shape / Throat Line
The shape of the entry area for the front of the foot. On pointe shoes, the vamp shape is either "U"-shaped or "V"-shaped.
Wing
Each of the two symmetrical sides of the vamp extends towards the heel. It is the outer edge of the stiffened box, containing less material and paste. Wings vary in shape and stiffness depending on the shoe style or the dancer's preference.
Different Types of Pointe Shoes
There is a wide variety of constructions in pointe shoes. Combining different shank flexibilities, platforms, vamps, and pastes creates options to suit every dancer. You can explore pointe shoes by foot type or by dancer level to find your ideal pair.
Pointe Shoe Types by Foot Shape
Depending on the shape of your foot, certain styles may suit you better than others. For example, Greek or Egyptian foot shapes may prefer one particular style, while another foot type suits a different one. If you're unsure of your foot shape, take a look at the illustration below.
(Note: please verify the exact foot-shape names against the original source — some of this detail came from an image I couldn't fully read.)
Pointe Shoe Widths
Pointe shoes are typically available in three different widths: narrow, average, and wide. Depending on the style, width can be indicated in different ways — some older styles use the A, B, C, D, E format, while newer styles use the X or Y format.
Pointe Shoe Sizing
We strongly recommend that every dancer visit our store for a professional fitting by our experienced staff. This is essential to avoid potential injury caused by an ill-fitting shoe.
If you're beginning your journey en pointe and would like to book a fitting, get in touch — the Meliz Dance Shop team is here to guide you every step of the way and ensure the perfect fit.
Ready to find your perfect pair?
Explore our pointe shoe collection and begin your ballet journey with confidence and comfort.
👉 https://meliz.gr/a/search?q=bloch
Order for your studio
Give every dancer in your studio the support and quality that professionals trust. Browse the full Bloch collection at www.meliz.gr, or get in touch for team and bulk orders:
📩 info@meliz.gr