Pointe Shoe Fitting Guide
By Jessica Jaber, Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies - Royal Academy of Dance | Level 2 Certified PBT Instructor, Certified Fitter
Fitting pointe shoes is one of the most important — and most personal — things I do as a dance store owner and dance educator. After 15+ years as a dance mom, and decades of dance training with masters like Paula Lau (Hong Kong Ballet) and Leonid Kozlov (NYCB/Bolshoi) among others, I have personally fit hundreds of dancers, and I know that the right pointe shoe can transform a dancer's confidence and protect their long-term health.
This guide is designed to help you understand the fitting process so you can shop with confidence — whether you're booking an in-store appointment or ordering online. When in doubt, I'm always here to help.
— Jessica
Step 1: Measure Your Foot
Foot Length
Stand on a piece of paper and trace your foot. Measure from the heel to the tip of your longest toe. Use this measurement to find your starting size — but remember, pointe shoe sizing varies significantly by brand.
Foot Width
Measure the widest part of your foot (across the ball). This determines your width fitting, which is just as important as length.
Foot Type
There are three general types of foot shapes and these determine which shape box would best suit your feet
Egyptian: Most common foot type. This foot type is most recognizable by the longer first toe and fits best in a tapered box
Grecian: The most rare foot type, and is listed as present in only 10% of the population, although all staff at Your Dance Closet have this foot type! This foot needs a tapered box, especially one that holds the foot lifted out of the platform. A gel toe cap can relieve pain associated with this smaller toe responsible for holding the body weight up on pointe.
Roman: This foot type has 2 or more toes of even length and needs a box with less taper so that the toes are accommodated in the platform.
Step 2: Understanding Shank Strength
The shank is the stiff inner sole of the pointe shoe. Choosing the right shank is critical for both safety and performance.
- Soft: Breaks in quickly, good for allowing new students to train foot articulation and building their own foot strength. Also works for use as a performance shoe to allow easy break in time and better foot aesthetic.
- Medium: The most common choice for intermediate dancers. Offers a balance of support and flexibility.
- Hard: Ideal for taller, for more solid dancers or those who need extra support. Also lasts longer.
- Reinforced / Extra Hard: For advanced dancers on pointe for many hours per week.
Step 3: Understanding Width Options
Pointe shoe widths typically range from narrow to very wide. Brands use a number or letter system. One example is below, commonly used by Bloch, Nikolay and Suffolk:
- X — Narrow
- XX — Slightly narrow to standard
- XXX — Standard / Medium
- XXXX — Wide
- XXXXX — Extra Wide
- XXXXXX — Very Extra Wide
A proper width fit means the box of the shoe encases the toes without pinching or leaving excess space at the sides and top
Step 4: Brand-by-Brand Fitting Guide
Nikolay
Nikolay shoes are known for their comfort, durability and wide range of box shapes. Popular styles we carry include the StreamPointe, NeoPointe, Nova Flex, Tamara, Katya, DreamPointe, StarPointe, and Victory.
- Best for: Nikolay shoes fit a broad range of foot types and shapes.
- Sizing note: Uses a traditional UK fitting convention which needs conversion. For example, typically, a U.S. size 6.5, will convert to a Nikolay 4.5. A medium width foot will wear a Width 3 or 4. Streampointe, Starpointe, 3007 and Neopointe run a half size smaller than some of the others.
- In the Nikolay brand Jessica, a 6.5 street shoe with a high arch, tapered feet, compressible and a longer second toe, wears a size 4.5 xxx H and loves the Nikolay Tamara
R-Class
R-Class offers a modern, sleek aesthetic with excellent support. We carry the AD-69 Soleia, CL-60 Crescenda, CL-70 Arpeggia, and CL-90 Legata. Browse our full R-Class Pointe Shoes collection.
- Best for: Dancers with medium to high arches; streamlined, tapered box in most shoes. The AD99 and CL90 are great for wider feet with even toes.
- Sizing note: Can run slightly narrow — consider sizing up in width. The AD99 and CL90 have high crowns and lots of volume in the box, and are great for thicker feet. These do not work for a medium width, tapered, or shallow foot.
- Jessica wears a 230 width 3, Vamp 1 medium shank in the: R-Class AD-69 Soleia
Suffolk
Suffolk shoes are beloved for their strength and durability. We carry the Stratford, Stellar, Reign, Royale, Sheffield and Sonnet
- Best for: Beginners and intermediate and advanced dancers
- Sizing note: Uses the UK convention and typically run slightly large — consider sizing down. Most Suffolk shoes have high volume boxes and very little taper. Generally they are not suitable for tapered or compressible feet. The Reign, Royale and Regent are produced in the R Class factory and one of the only shoes in the Suffolk line that work for a tapered, shallow and compressible foot.
Bloch
Bloch is a trusted global brand with a wide range of styles. We carry the European Balance, Eurostretch, Lisse and Grace
- Best for: Dancers with square or slightly tapered toe shapes
- Sizing note: Sizing varies by greatly by style — always try before buying when possible. Bloch uses the UK convention of sizing.
FREED
The FREED line is a classic handmade shoe with a loyal following among professional dancers.
- Best for: Advanced dancers who know their FREED maker. Students who are training at a pre-professional level and want their show to better mold to their foot and develop greater strength to hold their own body weight on pointe without the aid of a shoe. The Studio lines are produced without a maker designation and are more accessible in the marketplace as a result.
- Sizing note: Highly variable — each shoe is handmade and maker, box shape and shoe type matters
Gaynor Minden
Gaynor Minden shoes are made with synthetic materials and are known for their longevity and consistency.
- Best for: Dancers who want a consistent fit and longer-lasting shoe with no break in period
- Sizing note: Highly customizable — box shape, shank, and vamp can all be specified
Step 5: When Do You Need New Pointe Shoes?
Worn-out pointe shoes can cause injury. Watch for these signs:
- The shank feels soft or floppy and no longer supports your arch
- The box has collapsed and no longer holds its shape
- You can feel the floor through the platform
- The satin is heavily worn or the drawstring is fraying
- You're experiencing new foot pain, bruising, blisters or instability on pointe
For most students, pointe shoes last 3–6 months with regular use. Professional dancers may go through a few pairs per month. Browse our Pointe Supplies for ribbons, elastics, toe pads, and everything you need to prep and care for your shoes.
Book a Fitting Appointment
Nothing replaces an in-person or virtual fitting with a certified fitter. I personally fit every dancer who comes through our doors.
- In-Store Fitting: Visit us for a hands-on fitting experience. We’ll assess your foot shape, arch, and strength before recommending any shoe.
- Virtual Fitting: Can't make it in person? Book a virtual consultation and we’ll guide you through the process from home.
Shop Our Pointe Shoes
Ready to find your perfect fit? Browse our full collection of pointe shoes from Nikolay, R-Class, Suffolk, Bloch, FREED, and Gaynor Minden.
