The Anatomy of Pointe Shoes

Pointe shoes are carefully hand crafted to fit the needs of a ballerina perfectly. There are many different shapes, sizes, strengths, and styles of pointe shoes, but each have a few things in common. When they are made each is created with a durable shank that lies under the arch of the dancers foot and is the main piece for support in my opinion. The platform is the square piece on the toe of the shoe. This is where the dancer will stand when she is on relive. The box is what is underneath the platform. It is what the dancer's toes touch while dancing. It is the ground for the ballerina's feet while up on her toes. The vamp is the piece of shoe that begins directly behind the toes and runs down and around the box/platform. It is there for toe support and to ensure that your foot is pointing properly. The wing is the side of the pointe shoe. It holds everything together and helps hold your feet in the proper position while you're rising up. All parts of the pointe shoe are essential for the ballerina's health and the durability of the shoe.