Collection: Womens Pointe Shoes

Why We’re Your Destination for Ballet Pointe Shoes

There are numerous advantages of purchasing your pointe shoes at Movement Connection, including:

• Our knowledgeable staff all come from dancing backgrounds, and we’re here to help provide exceptional customer service
• We’re dedicated to handling every order for ballet pointe shoes and our other products with the utmost care
• As a small business, we supply quick and efficient shipping compared to our large-scale competitors
• Our team has decades of experience and multiple industry certifications, such as a certification in pointe shoe fitting

Pointe Shoe FAQs

What are the most important measurements to take when fitting a dancer for pointe shoes, and how do they differ from regular shoe sizing?

Fitters should measure the length of the dancer's foot, the width, and the arch length. Fitters also need to consider where a dancer's foot is wide or narrow, the volume or height of a dancer's foot and the length of their toes.

How should a properly fitted pointe shoe feel when a dancer is flat versus on pointe?

When the dancer is flat, the pointe shoe should feel snug but not binding. Toes should make contact with the end of the shoe but be able to lay flat. On pointe, a shoe should feel snug and supportive with no intense pain or pressure spots.

How much does foot width and depth (vamp depth) matter, and what happens when a dancer wears the wrong width?

When a dancer wears a shoe that is too wide, they may "sink" in the box, causing more pain and pressure on their toes and joints because the shoe is not providing proper support. When a dancer wears a shoe that is too narrow, their toes/feet are not able to work properly and they may be "pulled back" in the shoe (not able to be flat on the platform when en pointe.) A low vamp can allow for more movement for a foot — especially one with shorter toes - to achieve getting flat on the platform. A dancer who tends to "overpress" (go beyond being flat on the platform) can benefit from a longer vamp because it can provide more support and keep a dancer better placed while en pointe.

Should dancers size up or down to accommodate the padding they'll wear inside their shoes?

Dancers should be fit with the padding they will be wearing. A change in padding may require a change in shoe size.

How long does it typically take to "break in" a new pair of pointe shoes, and what does that process look like?

Each dancer breaks shoes in differently:

1) If done manually by hand, shoes can "break in" within minutes, bending the shank and stepping on the box of the shoe.

2) If done naturally through dance class, shoes should last approximately 20-40 hours. Sometimes longer, sometimes shorter based on heat and moisture of a dancer's feet, and how hard the dancer is working in class.

Experienced dancers often have rituals to break in their pointe shoes, to make them feel more comfortable and function better quickly. This works well for dancers who need to have optimal functionality and be ready to perform, but it does decrease the life of the pointe shoes.

Dancers are known to squeeze, step on, bend, smack, and hammer shoes. Professional dancers who do this often do not pay for their own shoes. As fitters, we recommend students break in their shoes by wearing them in class. This process can take much longer — depending on how often they are being worn -— but can help students build strength and control. 

Start Your Order with Movement Connection Today!

Whether you’re at rehearsals or recitals, you need the the best pointe shoes available to perform optimally, and our experts are ready to help. Start your order with us today, or contact our team members with any questions!