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Question: Pointe shoe brands!?
I am going en pointe next year, and I need some names of really good brands that you would reccomend!. Please answer asap!! Thanks!Www@QuestionHome@Com


Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:
You need to make an appointment at a dancewear store with a trained pointe shoe fitter!. Wear your ballet tights underneath your clothes to the fitting (regular socks may make your feet a different size)!. also cut your toenails the day/a few days before (if they are too long it hurts) but not on the day in case you cut them too short (hurts too)!.

The fitting will probably last 45 minutes to an hour and you will try on lots of different brands, styles and sizes of shoes!. The fitter will help you decide which ones fit best!. They should fit snugly on pointe and not bag around the heels!. also if you demi pile in second your toes should touch the ends (never actually tried this but have been told)!.

You don't actually need any padding (plenty of people dance without it - myself included - with no pain) but for some people it can be painful (I think especially for people with very long toes or thin flat feet) so you might want to try a few types!. Some studios will allow only loose lambswool or tape for your first pair, or may not allow Gaynor Mindens, so check before going!.

You'll also need to buy ribbons to sew on (and possibly elastics)!. They will probably tell you how to sew them on and how to tie them!. The ends of the pointe shoes (the bit which touches the floor when you go on pointe) will probably need to be darned!. This takes quite a long time and they will probably explain how do do that too!. If there are already coverings (usually suade!?) on the tips then they won't need to be darned!. You can also buy things to glue/sew on the end if you don't want to darn them!.

Your teacher will probably want to check your shoes, especially your first pair, before you use them!. Don't darn them, sew the ribbons or break them in before they are checked - they can't be returned then!. Your teacher will tell you how they want you to break your shoes in if they do!.

I would also advise to have some band aids/plasters ready after your first class with new shoes (just in case you get a blister)!.

Good luck!Www@QuestionHome@Com

I've always used Bloch Synergy!. Bloch and Capezio are both good brands, but the boxes on Bloch pointe shoes are usually harder!. If this is your first year, I recommend going to a dance supply store and having someone that works there find the pointe shoes that fit you best!. NEVER put on anyone else's pointe shoes and remember that they should be a snug fit!.

In addition to your pointe shoes, remember to use elastic bands and ribbons around your ankles!. They're good for ankle support!. In a few years, you can practice without the ribbons on (they can be a pain sometimes)!. also, I recommend lighter gel pads!. The foam don't work as well which can lead to some painful practices!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

There are many well-known brands out there for pointe shoes!.:
Bloch
Capezio
Chacott
Freed
Gamba
Gaynor Minden
Grishko
Harmonie
Sansha
Russian Pointe

I would recommend Chacotts for the beginner because it is not too hard on the beginner's feet!. It also does not have wings so it breaks in easily and you can go "over" on them more easily!. Other than that, these brands are all pretty famous and great for pointe!. Your best bet would be to go to the dance store and have a professional fitter there fit it for you!. They will know what type of shoe is the best fit for your feet!. Cut your toenails before you go and wear tights underneath!. Some studios do not allow toe pads but if you plan on dancing with toe pads in your pointe shoes, you have to fit your shoe with your toe pads on!. It will make a big difference in size for you!. The pointe shoe fitter will decide what looks best on you and will provide support but your teacher is the one who makes the final decision, so after you buy it, DO NOT get them dirty by wearing them around the house or playing with them and you should not be going en pointe in your house anyways because it is very dangerous! you can get hurt very easily!. And do not sew the ribbons or the elastics on before showing the teacher your shoes and having her approve them!. well, Good luck!Www@QuestionHome@Com

My teacher said Capezio & Bloch are great beginner brands!.

I began on Grishko, I don't recomend it because they are tighter then typical brands and you can't really go on demi pointe on them!.

Just remember to get your shoes fit at a dance store and the workers there can help you, because you need pointe shoes fit by other people generally for your first pair!.

also, I recomend getting purple gels for your shoes!.!.!. the lamb wool ones seem to wear down pretty fast!. You will also need to sew on ribbons & elastics, just ask the store you go to for them if they don't give them to you !.!.!. your ballet instructor should show you how to sew them on!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

grishko is what i have, they have lasted like 10 months so far and are still in good shape!. my friends have capezio, bloch, harmonie, sansha, freed, gaynor minden!. my favorites are grishko, capezio, bloch, and sansha!. look at those and find the right one by your foot not by the biggest brand!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

There are zillions of brands but when you go en pointe I suggest you set up an appointment at the place your buying the shoes for a fitting!. It's important to get it right so that your ankles are supported!. In the end the right brand is the one that fits and supports your foot the best!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

go to a store that has lots of brands and try them on!. if you have narrow feet sansha and grishko work better!. if you have wider feet capezio are good and freed aswell!. the only thing is that freed shoes have a very hard shank which can be difficult for beginners!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

Capezio or Bloch!. Bloch are used by professional dancers with the English and American Ballet!. They are value for money and last long plus they are top of the range pointe shoes!. Capezio are also good for lessons and learning though, so maybe start with them and then go to Bloch later!.
xxWww@QuestionHome@Com

I used to dance on pointe, and one of the best brands you can buy, are Gaynor Minden!. They are kind of expensive, but they work really well!. You will also need toe pads and rubber bands!. You can find this all in a dance magazine or online!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

just go to a dance place like brio or something and book an appointment!. They'll keep you for one hour and find out which pointe shoe is best for you!. You'll have to try on a bunch of different ones and evaluate how they feel!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

Capezio is great all my dance shoes are that brand and they last a good year or 2! :)) also Danskin is good along with these other brands: Mirella, Grishka, Freeds, Bloch! Go with Capezio if you can though! Hope I helped! good luck!Www@QuestionHome@Com

I wouldn't worry about shoe brands!. You need to find somewhere that does a professional fitting!. Your first pointe shoe fitting is important!. They will find you the brand shoe that is right for youWww@QuestionHome@Com

Capezio, bloch, chacott, gamba, russian pointeWww@QuestionHome@Com

Try Capezio, they're very popular!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

capizio break in very easily but i use bloch and they work for meWww@QuestionHome@Com

Bloch is good!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

Gaynor Minden! i love mine :)Www@QuestionHome@Com