Pointe Shoe Fitting
Buying Pointe Shoes is costly, and time consuming.
The fit of shoes will change over time depending on age, training and the amount of pointe work being done.
We at the Pointe Clinic understand this and have designed a “scientific, anatomic Pointe Shoe Fitting” Service to ensure safety, comfort, strength and injury reduction.
Pointe Shoe fitting is very specialist and dancers should be fitted by an experienced fitter who has knowledge of classical ballet and anatomy of the lower limb and foot.
The fit of the shoe is essential in preventing injuries en pointe.
Dancers should never be fitted for pointe shoes too young, due to the vulnerability of the growth plates of young bones and the pressure going en pointe creates, at the ankle and foot.
Dancers should have a pre pointe assessment .
This ensures the dancer is looked as an individual, this is difficult to achieve in weekly classes.
Each brand of shoes has its own merits, there is no perfect shoe right for everyone.
No amount of talent can change the anatomy of the body.
What happens at a fitting
You should wear convertible ballet tights to the fitting, this is for the fitter to see your foot shape and structure.
If you intend on wearing toe pads, be sure to have the shoe fitted with them in place as they will make a difference to the fit of the shoe.
It may take quite some time to find the ‘right’ pointe shoes, and several pairs will be tried on to ensure the correct fit.
If you have already been en pointe, please bring your old pointe shoes to the fitting to explain to the fitter how they have broken down, what problems they may have occurred, and what you liked or disliked about your shoes.
Try to get pointe shoes fitted in the afternoons when the foot is warm from walking around. Feet can be significantly smaller in the mornings.
Dancers can come to the clinic or Lisa can visit your school or company to fit several dancers.
