Point Shoe Appointment

TRUST US WITH YOUR TOES
 
Our trained, professional fitters offer years of experience in matching a dancer's unique foot shape and her individual technique with the best-fitting, properly supportive shoe.

If you are planning on purchasing pointe shoes, please call and set up an appointment with one of our professional pointe shoe fitters.

801-292-7287
Each fitting can take up to an hour or possibly even longer. Because a fitting can take an hour or longer, we take our last appointment 1 hour before closing. Ribbon and elastic are available for purchase.  Sewing of the ribbon and elastic, in the most common way, is complimentary when shoes are bought in-store. If you have any questions, please let us know when you call to make your appointment.
What to Expect:
  • Some teachers like to attend the first pointe shoe fitting with their students.
  • Most teachers require approval of a student's first pair of pointe shoes before allowing them to be sewn or worn in class.
  • Do NOT sew ribbons on the shoes or allow them to be worn or get soiled before you get your teacher's approval.
  • Shoes that have been sewn, are dirty, or have been worn during class cannot be returned.
  • Pointe shoes must fit snugly. Loose shoes increase the chance of injury, so it is impossible to buy a properly-fitting shoe "to grow into".
  • The fitter will ask questions to determine the fit of the shoes. The dancer should accurately communicate what she is feeling.
  • Ask the teacher, or one of our helpful fitters, for tips on attaching ribbons or elastic once the shoes have been approved. 

Preparing for a Pointe Shoe Fitting:

  • Wear clothing that is comfortable but not baggy, so that the fitter can see the dancer's placement throughout their body. 
  • The fitter must have access to bare feet and ankles. If tights are worn, they must be convertible. 
  • Before the fitting, wash and dry the feet and clip toenails. 
  • Stretch the feet and ankles gently to avoid strain while on pointe. 
  • Pointe shoes should be snug and supportive, but not painful. Be prepared to communicate to the fitter exactly what the feet are feeling. 

In a Properly Fitting Shoe:

  • The toe box sits smoothly against the toes, with the big toe nestled comfortably in the end of the toe box when the dancer does a plie.
  • All five toes should lie flat against the insole.
  • The heel is snug when the dancer stands flat; on pointe there will be a pinch in the heel fabric.
  • En pointe, weight is evenly distributed on the toes and balanced on the center of the platform.
  • Most dancers pad inside the toe box for comfort. Beginning dancers should use padding designed for the type of shoe being worn or lamb's wool.
  • Toe spacers, heel pads, etc. should be used only if the teacher or fitter considers them necessary.

Monitoring Shoe Wear:

Because they fit so precisely and provide such important support, pointe shoes must be replaced as soon as they are outgrown or become structurally unsound.

Replace when:

  • The dancer's feet grow so that the shoes are uncomfortably tight.
  • Her foot shape has changed so that she is no longer supported properly and comfortably
  • Her technical development changes the need for a different shape or shank strength
  • The shoes start to lose their supportive qualities

You can usually expect about 10 to 15 hours of active wear from a pair of pointe shoes.