Ballet Pointe Shoes

This page is intended to give general information only about the pointe shoes we stock. Pointe shoes should be specially fitted to suit the shape and strength of your feet. Wearing the correct pair of pointe shoes is vital to dancing en pointe. They need to fit like a glove, while giving the support and lift needed when dancing.

Even if you have stopped growing, your feet won't be fully formed until you are about 23 years old. Also, the strength of your feet will change as you gain experience en pointe. Therefore, you will probably need to be re-fitted every time you need a new pair of pointe shoes.

If you require a fitting for your first pair of pointe shoes, or if you are travelling some distance to be fitted, please call and check with us first. This way we can ensure that a properly qualified fitter will be available to serve you when you arrive. At busy times of the year (e.g. just before the year commences, or before exams), please allow plenty of time for your fitting. A particularly involved fitting can take up to an hour, and you may be obliged to wait while other customers are fitted too!

When coming to try on pointe shoes, please wear your stockings and bring any inner protection you normally use, as this will alter the fit of the shoe.

Pointe shoes are available by mail order only if you know the style and size you require.
We cannot guarantee the soundness of fitting advice given over the phone.

If you can't find what you're looking for, or would like any extra information about a product, please contact us.

BLOCH Amelie Soft

While suitable for dancers at any level, the Amelie soft is a particularly appropriate choice for beginners en pointe, with a wide platform that helps support the ankles and feet.

BLOCH Axis TMT

The Axis features a thermoMorphtechnology shank which can be moulded to fit your arch exactly. This is a beautiful, tapered shoe with cushioned pleats to reduce noise.

BLOCH Concerta

BLOCH European Balance

A professional strength shoe , the Balance is suitable for advanced dancers. As the name suggests, this shoe is designed to make it very easy to stay en pointe, with a very deep and wide platform for increased stability and a comfortable last. It also features a flexible shank to emphasise the arch, lower cut sides to show more of the foot, a diagonal side seam to reduce creasing, and a heel cushion to cup the heel.

BLOCH Heritage

The bloch Heritage has a V-shaped vamp and looks beautiful on most feet. Suitable for a wide range of dancers from beginner to professional, it is streamlined with a large platform for balance.

BLOCH Serenade

The Serenade is often used as a work shoe by advanced dancers. It has a snug heel and a broad oblong platform. The inner design of the shoe means that the foot is held back in the shoe, therefore providing more support. This shoe comes in extra-large sizes and in a stronger shank, both of which can be obtained by special order.

BLOCH Sonata

The Sonata is appropriate for dancers at all levels. It has a snug heel and a wide platform. It tends to soften faster than some other styles, and is therefore a suitable performance shoe. The Sonata has two unique features: it has a rubber toe cushion for increased comfort, and the insole is unsecured at the heel to allow the heel to arch away from the instep. This shoe comes in extra-large sizes and in a stronger shank, both of which can be obtained by special order.

BLOCH Suprima

The Suprima gives the foot a very streamlined look, and is used by dancers of all levels. It has a tapered toe shape, a small oval platform, and a snug heel. It is suitable for narrow or average feet. This shoe comes in extra-large sizes and in a stronger shank, both of which can be obtained by special order.

BLOCH Sylphide

The Sylphide is an excellent beginners' pointe shoe. It has a rounder toe shape to help the dancer roll up onto pointe. It is quite deep in the toe box, allowing the foot to be well inserted into the shoe, and also provides extra support. This shoe generally has a wider fit than other styles. It comes in the widest variety of size options, from a girls' 12 to a ladies' 8, and also comes in a stronger shank by special order.

BLOCH Synergy

With a solid box, deep and wide platform, and a stitched box for greater support, the Synergy holds the foot high and centred in the shoe to give a greater feeling of security. It also has a flexible shank at the arch, and is is mainly suited for advanced dancers. The shoe is smaller than other Bloch pointe shoes, so it should be fitted one size bigger.

GRISHKO 2007

This handmade Russian shoe suits a range of dancers - from beginner to advanced. The 2007 combines the best features of each Grishko pointe shoe. It features a ¾ shank (available in three strengths) which is designed to alleviate pressure on the first metatarsal, and a supportive u-shaped vamp. Flexible, lightweight and quiet, the Grishko 2007 is also very flattering on the foot.

GRISHKO 2007 Flexi-pro

The Flexi-pro is made on the same last as the 2007, but has an extremely flexible inner sole and latex glue in the box for additional elasticity. The supple nature of this shoe means that it requires minimal breaking-in, and is often used as a performance shoe for dancers who wear the 2007. However, it may be suitable as an everyday shoe for a range of dancers.

GRISHKO Coloured Pointe Shoes

All Grishko pointe shoes can be dyed to order. Please allow at least 6 - 8 weeks for delivery.

You will need to be fitted to a Grishko pointe shoe in-store before ordering.

Colours: White, Black, Bubblegum Pink, Coral, Yellow, Red, Bordeaux, Blue, Violet, Dark Green

For more information, please contact us.

The Gaynor Minden is renowned for its "unbreakable shanks" and long lifespan. The shoes can be heat-formed to readjust the shanks so they bend in the right place. This creates a flattering line and provides optimum support, and it also means that the shoes do not have to be "broken in".

Gaynor Mindens have a wide variety of shank strengths, box sizes, widths, and heel and vamp lengths.
Please make an appointment if you would like to be fitted for Gaynor Minden pointe shoes.

FREED Studio II

Similar to the Studio, the Studio II has smooth, elegant lines that give this shoe an appealing shape. This shoe features a broad, flat box and platform for better stability. The low profile and deep vamp tends to suit wider feet.

FREED Studio Pro - Round cut vamp

The Studio Pro (Round cut vamp) features an elegant box shape with a round cut vamp. The ¾ insole allows the foot to arch more easily. The shoe is designed to give a very quiet performance. It has fairly wide platform and an elastic draw cord.

FREED Studio Pro – V cut vamp

The Studio Pro (V cut vamp) has very similar features to the Studio Pro (Round cut vamp) - it has a ¾ insole allows the dancer to arch more easily, an elastic draw cord, and is designed to give a very quiet performance. However, this shoe has a V cut vamp and a more tapered platform to give the foot a beautiful line.