As you advance through ballet classes, you'll eventually need to switch from soft slippers to pointe shoes. This special type of footwear is designed to hold your full body weight once you start standing on your toes, making routines and movements easier. Below is more information about the various sections of pointe shoes to help you find the right type for your needs.

What Components Comprise Pointe Shoes?

1. Platform

During ballet classes, you'll learn how to stand on your toes, which is known as "en pointe." To do this safely, the shoes need reinforcement to hold your body weight. The platform is the primary component that does this. It is a hard, flat material in the toe box that gives you a stable surface to stand on.

2. Box

The box sits atop the platform and it is where you place your toes. The walls of the box are reinforced with layers of fabric, glue, and paper to provide stability. These layers create a strong barrier around your toes to support and keep them in place. The box should be snug and secure without pinching your toes. 

3. Vamp

The vamp is the fabric that runs from the platform's bottom to the aperture in which you place your foot. It should be long enough to accommodate the platform and box and cover the toes entirely. Vamps come in three main sizes: short, medium, and high. A medium vamp is the most common, but if you have shorter or longer toes, you may need a different size.

You may also need to select a vamp size based on technical considerations. For example, as you start out, you may not be able to reach full pointe, and opting for a shorter vamp provides more room. Conversely, if you overextend the toes, a higher vamp will provide the extra support needed.

3. Wing

The wings refer to the two sides surrounding the vamp. They encompass the toe knuckles and keep them snug and secure. The firmness of the wings varies between brands; some are softer, and some are harder. This choice depends on what is most comfortable for you, so try different styles to find an option that is supportive and flexible.

5. Shank

The shank is a layer of reinforcement that goes from the box to the inside of the shoe's sole. The stiffer the shank, the most support it will provide. As you start out in pointe classes, opting for a stiffer shank helps you develop strength in your feet and ankle. As you progress, switching to a more flexible shank provides greater roll through.

If you're interested in taking pointe classes, contact South Coast Performing Arts in Tustin, CA. For almost 20 years, this reputable local studio has offered ballet classes to students of all skill levels throughout Orange County. They also offer jazz, tap, and hip hop lessons. Call (714) 832-8785 to ask about enrollment, and visit the website to learn more about their class schedule.