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Children’s Sizes: Sizes in 29 – 32 are available in a single model for each collection. These shoes reflect the features of the collection, but due to the smaller sizes they are available in one toe platform and medium vamp only. In-between sizes: Try a narrower width in a larger size or a higher vamp in a larger size.

Examine the width standing on flat and on pointe. Choose a width that hugs the foot snugly without pain. Any gapping or excess fabric indicates the need for a narrower width or smaller size. Keep in mind that the shoes will stretch slightly, widening slightly at the metatarsal, as the dancer breaks them in. The photo shows the smooth, comfortable fit of a shoe with a properly selected width.

Each model is available in three vamps. The preferred vamp may be chosen without affecting any other feature or measurement of the shoe. The precise length of a short, medium, or long vamp increases or decreases proportionally with shoe size. A correctly chosen vamp provides support without restricting movement. If the vamp is too low, the toes show, which is unattractive and uncomfortable, and compromises support. If the vamp is too high, it cuts into the foot, often painfully, and movement is restricted especially during roll-through.

When fitting all dancers, including beginners, Russian Pointe suggests focusing first on selecting the properly fitting toe platform, size, width, and vamp, and then choosing the shank. Many professional instructors favor lighter shanks for beginners. Lighter shanks allow beginners to experience roll-through and develop foot strength without over-reliance on the shoe as a prop. All dancers should learn that pointe shoes are meant to provide support, but that strength in the feet must be developed from the beginning if proper technique is to be achieved. Even in the first year, however, different dancers have different needs. For example, a dancer with very strong, high arches may require a stronger shank as a beginner than a dancer with flatter arches. Ultimately, shank choice for beginners is the same as for more advanced dancers: choose the shank that best matches the dancer’s needs. The right shank strength provides adequate support while allowing proper placement on full pointe and the desired level of flexibility for roll-through.