A blog article about the main characteristics of pointe shoes and how to choose the perfect pair for you?

Whether it's your first pointe shoes you're after, or you want to get a new pair, follow our guide to picking the right ones for you.

Finding the right pointe shoe is very important if you want to attain good technique, endure as little pain as possible and maintain healthy feet. There are four main criteria to consider when choosing pointes: the length, the size of the box, the height of the heel, the strength of the shank, the platform.

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The Basics

First, you need to know your foot type:

• Greek type – the second toe is the longest
• Egyptian type – the big toe is the longest
• Square type – the same lenght of the big toe and other toes

When you know you have the right pointe shoes?

• If the lenght is right?
• If the box is the right size?
• If the heel is the right height?
• If the shank is the right strenght?
• If the platform of the pointe provides stability?

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Sole & Sank

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Heel

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Platform

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Box

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Shank

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Comfort

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Level

Choose the most appropriate pointe shoe for your level. 

Pointe shoes by Merlet, Model PRELUDE The perfect pointe shoe for beginners!	Pointe shoes by Merlet, Model ADAGIO Adagio is the pointe shoe for all dancers	Pointe shoes by Merlet, Model N2 Stable. Strong. Elegant. Ideal for shows
BEGINNER	MEDIUM/ADVANCED LEVEL	PROFESSIONAL LEVEL

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Flamencista has paired with Merlet to provide ballet dancers with handmade pointe shoes, made in Limoges, France. Using eco-friendly fabrics and traditional pointe shoe-making methods, our pointe shoes reunite innovation and tradition resulting in perfect support, protection & aesthetics every time, as well as guaranteed quality. They balance superior construction with a dancer’s comfort! That makes them perfect for leading professionals, as well as thousands of training ballet students. Discover them!

Discover our pointe shoes

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Accessories

As well as having an incredible range of options available in the pointe shoe itself, dancers today also have a wide variety of tools available to help them customise the shoe to their exact foot shape and to minimise discomfort.

Ballet ribbon by Sheddo model AXESH 155, width 25mm, roll 50m	Silicone toe pad Sheddo model TOPAGEL	Roisin in 500G bag Sheddo model M7184