How to try on pointe shoes?

Question:I missed the class where the shoe lady came to fit pointe shoes. I'm going to the store next sunday, will the staff help me? I don't want to embarrass myself :S

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: I missed the class where the shoe lady came to fit pointe shoes. I'm going to the store next sunday, will the staff help me? I don't want to embarrass myself :S

Lots of luck on getting help from the staff. They probably know less than you do.

When you don a pair of shoes, any kind, stand in them. Certainly you will know whether they are wide enough and long enough.

Bend over and feel where the ball of your foot sets in the shoe. Moving your thumb back to the arch, (shank of the shoe), check to see that your foot has filled the shank completely. If you feel an obvious space from the ball of the foot to the arch, this indicates that your arch is NOT RESTING properly on the shank of the shoe.
Even though you may feel like your toes have ample room in the vamp, you will tire very quickly in those shoes as your arch is "suspended" with no support.

I don't know if you'll be able to find other styles to correct this in this day and time. China makes 80 % of the worlds shoes and they do not consider the differences in individual feet, with respect to the length of the vamp and the arch,

Once you get them home, walk for several minutes or longer on carpet or padded surface to protect the soles. You will know if they are comfortable.
Shop for shoes early in the day. After you have been on your feet most of a day, your feet swell.

The US used to make a basic 108 sizes, with different lasts to accomodate these differences.

It's been several years since I was in that business.

If it's a half good dance store, then they won't let you into the area with the pointe shoes without a staff member. At my local dance shoppe, there is always two woman waiting be the shoe area for people wanting to be fitted. DO NOT go to a dace store with no pointe shoe fitter, you could end up buying a pair that is oo wide, too long, not hard enough, ect, ect.
Good luck, and search some dance stores first.

Oh I always go to the store to get fitted and they do a great job. It depends on the store, but if you go to one that specializes in ballet and pointe they will be especially helpful. Just let them know it is your first time and you aren't sure what to expect. They will probably ask you to try them on (with toe pads, I use gel). They will look at your foot then they might have you go to a barre or wall and stand in flat first and then in releve first. They will probably ask you if your toes are straight, which they should be, and if you feel like the shank (like the sole of a shoe) is fitting and staying in place.

I hope I helped! Good luck. I know I was nervous the first time but it gets much easier. Also, try asking your studio who the lady that came works for.

Discount dance supply is the best place to get fitted the staff is very knowlageable and are willing help with the fitting.