HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR FIRST POINTE SHOES? A FORMER PROFESSIONAL DANCER'S GUIDE
Getting your first pointe shoes is a little girl's dream come true… and a pair that's never bought on a whim. Foot shape, toe box, shank, strength: here's everything you need to know to take that first step safely.
I still remember my first pointe shoes. The smell of satin, the ribbons I sewed in the evenings in the living room, and that immense emotion when I stepped onto the platform for the first time. Forty years later, and nearly ten years advising dancers in the boutique, I'm convinced: the first pair is the most important of all.
It is the toe that creates the right sensations, protects the working foot, and instills confidence. Conversely, a poorly chosen toe can cause pain, unbalance, and discouragement.
So, how do you find your way around? Follow the guide.
First of all: are you ready for pointe work?
The transition to pointe shoes doesn't depend on a specific age, but on your teacher's approval. That's the golden rule, and I never bend it in the shop.
Generally, this green light comes around 11-12 years old, when several conditions are met:
Several years of regular classical dance , often 3 to 4 years with at least 2 to 3 classes per week.
Sufficiently bony feet : before this stage, the bones are still too fragile to support the weight of the body.
Real strength in the ankles, calves and core, with sustained and well-placed rises on demi-pointe.
Proper positioning of the pelvis and knees, so as not to "sit" on the toes.
Parents, don't worry: if the teacher asks you to wait a few more months, it's a sign of seriousness, not a failure. This time is used to prepare strong feet for years of dance.
Anatomy of a pointe shoe, in all simplicity
Before choosing, you need to know what you're talking about. A spike consists of a few key elements:
Element | What it is | Why this is important |
The box | The rigid front that wraps around the toes | It supports the foot and must conform to the shape of the toes. |
The platform | The small, flat surface on which one stands | The wider it is, the easier it is to balance. |
The upper | The top of the box, which covers the metatarsus | Too short, the foot slips forward; too long, it struggles to go up |
The snout | The rigid insole | It supports the arch of the foot and accompanies the instep. |
The cord | The slide that adjusts the opening | He keeps the satin close to the foot |
For a first pair, we are looking for a balance: enough support to protect, enough flexibility to feel the ground and build technique.
The 5 criteria for making the right choice
1. The shape of your foot
This is the starting point for any fitting. There are three main shapes:
Shape | Special feature | What we are looking for |
Egyptian foot | The big toe is the longest | A rather tapered, slanted box |
Greek foot | The second toe protrudes | A box with a bit more volume at the front, and good protection |
Square foot | The toes are almost the same length | A wide, square box, ideal for distributing the weight |
2. The width and volume of the box
The foot should be snug but not compressed. If the box is too narrow, it will crush the toes. If it's too wide, the foot will slip and sink in at the toes: that's where blisters appear.
3. The length of the vamp
It depends on the length of your toes. Long toes require a higher vamp for proper support. Short toes are more comfortable with a lower vamp, which makes it easier to walk on tiptoe.
4. The strength of the shank
Shanks come in a range of strengths from soft to hard. For a beginner, I usually recommend a soft to medium strength: this allows the foot to roll smoothly and for practicing relevés correctly. A shank that is too hard makes it difficult to ride; one that is too soft no longer supports the arch.
A very high instep will need more support; a stiffer foot will appreciate a more flexible shank.
5. The right size (with no room for growth!)
This is the most common mistake, often made for budgetary reasons: buying a size up "so it lasts." A pointe shoe must be adjusted to the millimeter. If it's too big, it no longer provides support and becomes dangerous for the ankles.
Please note: pointe shoe sizes do not correspond to your regular shoe sizes and vary from brand to brand. Only trying them on will determine the correct size.
Fitting: how it works at All That Dance
A first pair of pointe shoes isn't something you buy online . You try them on, test them, and adjust them. Here's how a fitting in a store works:
We observe your foot , barefoot: shape, toe length, instep, flexibility.
We choose your toe protection first, because they change the fit.
We try several models , feet flat in parallel: the toes touch the end of the box, flat, without being curled up.
Bent in second position : the toes must remain flat, without sliding forward.
Ascending on pointe, at the barre : we check the balance on the platform, the support of the upper and the absence of space at the heel.
We confirm your sensations together: a pointe shoe feels firm but never painful.
Our top tips for the big day:
Come in the afternoon, when your feet are slightly swollen, like at the end of class.
Allow approximately 30 to 45 minutes: we take as much time as necessary.
The essentials that go with your first pair of pointe shoes
The tip never works alone. For optimal comfort, plan to purchase:
Gel, silicone or fabric toe protectors , depending on the sensitivity of your toes.
Toe separators if the big toe tends to deviate.
Ribbons and elastic bands .
Strong thread and a sewing needle.
A mesh bag , to allow the pointe shoes to dry after each class and prolong their lifespan.
Sewing your own ribbons: a pro tip
1- Fold the heel from the toe inwards, against the sole. The crease formed on the side indicates the ideal placement of the ribbons.
2- Sew them slightly angled forwards, inside the satin, without going all the way through to the outside.
3- Add an elastic band to the heel for a perfect fit.
And most importantly: cut the cord at 5 cm, tie it firmly and tuck it in.
The 4 mistakes to avoid
Buying too big to anticipate growth.
Order online without trying on your very first pair.
Choosing a model from a friend : every foot is unique.
Dancing on pointe without the teacher's permission , even "just to try" at home.
A word for the parents
Wondering how long a pair of shoes will last? For a beginner doing their first exercises at the barre, a pair generally lasts several months. The lifespan then decreases with skill level and the number of class hours.
We are here to guide you on size, budget and maintenance, without jargon.
Come and experience your first fitting with us!
Choosing your first pointe shoes is a unique moment. At All That Dance, I support it as I would have liked to be supported myself: with patience, expertise and a lot of kindness.
Not sure which style to choose? Come to our store in Hautrage (Saint-Ghislain), and we'll adjust it together. For a truly personal experience, book your fitting appointment.
Virginie – All That Dance
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