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Pointe Shoes | Bloch, Capezio, Grishko, Merlet & RP

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Understanding Ballet Pointe Shoes and Professional Fitting

Pointe shoes are highly specialised ballet footwear. The box, platform, wings, vamp, crown, width and shank must work together with the dancer’s individual feet, strength, technique and stage of training.

These technical features can help dancers understand the specification chosen during a professional fitting, but they cannot determine fit on their own. Two shoes with similar descriptions may feel and perform very differently, and the same pointe-shoe model will not be suitable for every dancer.

Professional Pointe-Shoe Fitting Required

Performance pointe shoes must be selected in person with a qualified pointe-shoe fitter and your teacher’s guidance. First-time pointe shoes should never be chosen from ordinary shoe size, foot measurements, online quizzes or another dancer’s recommendation.

Pointe Shoe Anatomy: Box, Platform, Vamp and Shank

  • Box

    The structured front section surrounding and supporting the toes and forefoot. Boxes differ in shape, taper, height, profile and construction.

  • Vamp

    The upper section covering the toes and forefoot. Vamps may be lower, higher, U-shaped or V-shaped depending on the model.

  • Platform

    The flattened surface at the tip of the shoe on which the dancer balances en pointe. Its size and shape vary considerably between models.

  • Crown and Profile

    The crown describes the internal depth or height of the box. It must correspond with the volume of the professionally fitted foot.

  • Wings

    The sides of the box extending back around the toe joints. Wing length, height and firmness form part of the shoe’s fitted support profile.

  • Shank

    The supportive structure beneath the sole and arch. Its construction, length, flexibility and resistance are specific to each manufacturer and model.

Bloch, Capezio, Grishko, Merlet and RP Pointe Shoes

  • Bloch Pointe Shoes

    Bloch pointe shoes range from traditional satin constructions to modern stretch-satin designs, with model-specific platforms, vamps and shank strengths.

    Known for: varied constructions • stretch satin options • standard and strong shanks • established ballet heritage

  • RP Pointe Shoes

    RP pointe shoes combine handcrafted construction with coordinated model families and clearly defined flexible shank options.

    Known for: handcrafted construction • consistent model families • Flexible Light • Flexible Standard • Flexible Medium Strong

  • Grishko Pointe Shoes

    Grishko pointe shoes use traditional construction with distinctive lasts, multiple widths and model-specific shank options.

    Known for: traditional craftsmanship • defined lasts • multiple widths • varied shank strengths

  • Capezio Pointe Shoes

    Capezio pointe shoes combine traditional satin styling with thoughtfully engineered boxes, platforms and cushioned internal details.

    Known for: supportive construction • stable platforms • soft linings • classic satin finish

  • Merlet Pointe Shoes

    Merlet pointe shoes are made in France using traditional and technical construction methods, with carefully developed boxes, platforms and insoles.

    Known for: French craftsmanship • technical insoles • traditional construction • standard and hard shanks

There Is No Single Best Pointe Shoe

Pointe Shoe Ribbons, Elastics and Accessories

Pointe Shoes FAQs

Can I buy pointe shoes online?

Online ordering is most appropriate when reordering the exact model, size, width and shank specification previously selected during a professional fitting.

First-time pointe shoes should be fitted in person.

How should pointe shoes fit?

Pointe-shoe fit cannot be confirmed through ordinary shoe size or a written checklist. A qualified fitter must assess the complete shoe while the dancer is standing, moving through demi-pointe and working en pointe under appropriate supervision.

What is the best pointe-shoe brand?

There is no single best brand for every dancer. Bloch, Capezio, Grishko, Merlet and RP use different lasts and construction systems, and the correct model depends on an individual professional fitting.

Should a stronger dancer wear the hardest shank?

Not automatically. Shank strength is only one part of the shoe, and harder does not always mean more suitable. The complete construction must correspond with the dancer’s feet, technique and movement.

Are pointe-shoe ribbons and elastics included?

No. Ribbons and elastics are sold separately and should be sewn in the position advised by your fitter or teacher.

Are demi-pointe shoes the same as pointe shoes?

No. Demi-pointe shoes are preparatory training shoes and must never be used for dancing en pointe. The Bloch Demi Pointe S0135 does not require the same professional pointe fitting, although visiting a store may make selecting from its different widths and converted sizes easier.

How do I reorder the correct pointe-shoe size?

Use the exact model name and the manufacturer size, width and shank markings stamped on your current professionally fitted shoes. Where the website shows a UK conversion and a manufacturer reference, follow the product-specific reordering note rather than choosing from UK size alone.

Pointe Shoe Care and Preparation

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