Pointe shoe brand and padding?

Question:What is your favorite pointe shoe brand and why?

What kind of toe padding do you use and why?

p.s. I am asking because i am in pre-pointe and was just curious even though i know that i will have to get fitted. I was also debating on whether i would use lamb's wool pads or ouch pouches.

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: What is your favorite pointe shoe brand and why?

What kind of toe padding do you use and why?

p.s. I am asking because i am in pre-pointe and was just curious even though i know that i will have to get fitted. I was also debating on whether i would use lamb's wool pads or ouch pouches.

I own a dancewear store, and the best selling pointe shoe we carry for beginners is the Bloch European Balance. It has a supportive, yet flexable, shank, and the box is a great strength for a beginner. This may be a good shoe for a lot of feet, but you should keep an open mind about the style of the shoe, as the shape of your foot dictates the specific shoe needed for you. Also, remember if your not happy with the fit you recieve, go else wear. Lamb's wool gives the most feel of the floor, but doesn't really provide much padding. Ouch pouches give more padding but may affect technique because you can't feel the floor as much. There is a company called Pillows for Pointes that makes a lambs wool pad with a gel lined tip, and its a perfect combo for beginners. If you live in Michigan, come see me at En' Pointe Dancewear & Accessories (go ahead....google it!) and we'll give you the best fit for your foot and your needs. Good luck, and keep dancing!

my daughter uses paper towels so iguess try everything until you find what works for you good luck

I have only ever used Bloch so I can't really compare it to anything else.

I recommend ouch pouches, lambs wool flattens after awhile. Ouch Pouches defiantly take the 'ouch' out too :D

Hope this helps! Good Luck with the fitting :)

Bloch is good but Serenade is so much better
but it really depends on your foot and how it will mode to the shoe!Serenade lasts very long!
i use the ouch pouch they work so much better than the wool
i used wool when i was a beginer they just fell apart on me!
hope i helped!
-good luck<3

Shoes:
My favorite pointe shoe brand is Grishkos because they're what my feet feel and look best in. I recently tried Freeds, which looked amazing but got too soft too fast. Those are generally used by professionals who get their shoes paid for by the company for single performances.
Pads:
I love Ouch Pouches for when my feet are really hurting, but I mostly use paper towels folded around my foot (I know, wierd, but others at my studio use them and they really help you feel the floor). These can hurt if I'm doing a lot of pointe, so then I switch to Ouch Pouches.

Gel pads numb your feet and are WAY too thick, so I hate using them. The moment I tried them, my dancing got worse because I couldn't feel where my feet were in relationshipto the floor. Ouch Pouches ARE gel, but they don't numb your feet and aren't anywhere near as thick.