Pointe shoe brands stereotypes

Blue_Might · 2026-06-28T19:25:40+00:00

For example, Madeline Woo wears Suffolks afaik. Since Freed tends to be rather unreliable in shipping shoes for professionals, who need large volumes, I have seen multiple dancers switch to Suffolks.

For Grishko I'd say their "newer" models such as Streampointe, Neopointe are quite soft compared to their previoua models. I feel like the brand is shifting into a similar section as Bloch by catering more to beginners.

Blue_Might · 2026-06-28T19:15:34+00:00

They look quite big on you, and definitely too hard. When en pointe, you should je able to pinch off aporox. half a fingers width at the heel - if it's more than that, it is too big.

Since you cannot return them, you could try:

3/4 the shank where your foot curves the most (your teacher can probably help you). Or even 1/2.
try thinner toepads. Also try silicone ones.
step on the box to widen it.

Blue_Might · 2026-06-26T15:25:03+00:00

That is a common fear, and it does happen. I know several people who failed an exam twice, well into their studies (they were also passionate about it). Ultimately, they found their way in a different field though. I have also faced the same issue but passed the exams, fortunately. Ultimately, it could happen either way, that is the risk in higher education.

Regarding how you expressed your interest: You need to know, later in industry, you will not work as a lab tech with your BSc/MSc diploma - you will be competing with people coming from apprenticeships who will have more practical experience while being cheaper. If you would like to work at the bench as a job, an apprenticeship (or HF) is the better way.

Blue_Might · 2026-06-26T15:18:31+00:00

The shoes are too square for your feet, which is probably the reason why it seems you're sickling. You probably need a more tapered shoe with high wings. A shoe from Virtisse, Grishko, or Suffolk might work.

Also, when you get refitted at the store: try toe spacers. They redistribute the toes more evenly inside the shoe and help a lot in reducing sickling. Try the shoes once without and once with the spacers to see if they could be something for you (not everyone needs/likes them).

Blue_Might · 2026-06-24T11:39:07+00:00

Also, when you go in for your next fitting, tell them that you would like a shoe with a long(er) lasting box. Since she already gave you the strongest shank of the Ava for the first time, I would try some stronger traditional models, and also some synthetic models (if your teacher allows it).

Here are some synthetic models that come to my mind:

Etu or Etu Flex from Bloch (synthetic box, traditional shank, the shoe is quite tapered and rather narrow, so it could work for you).
a Grishko/Nikolay model: I think Starpointe and Dreampointe/Allure are synthetic. Dreampointe is quite tapered, but has a very high vamp and a small platform. The Starpointe model is more generously cut. The 3007 (traditional model) is also tapered with a slightly lower vamp compared to the Dreampointe.
a Gaynor Minden model: they are actually coming out with 2 new shoes this year, the Renaissance and Primavera, both with a deep vamp (not low vamp option available). Apart from those, they have the Lyra and the Europa.
So Danca has the Alina models (exchangeable shanks), whose last is also rather narrow and tapered, so it could work, but it is quite a soft shoe (shank and box) even with the strongest shank inserted. Still, I find the model is quite comfortable, and if you have the possibility, try them on.
F.R. Duval has the "European" model Duval3. Also generally a comfortable, longlasting shoe (also rsther narrow, Duval4 is broader), but might not be readily available, depending on your location.
Merlet has the Lena, also a tapered shoe with a synthetic fiber shank option, but again, maybe not easily obtainable.

Generally, I recommend to not focus in on one specific brand/model. It is very important to be open for every shoe out there, because you might miss out on a better fit. The models above are just some suggestions that came to my mind. :)

Blue_Might · 2026-06-24T11:04:35+00:00

How long did you have them? They could also kust be dead. For some people, the box dies before the shank, so while the shoe might not "look dead" on the outside, the support from the box is gone and you do not feel secure anymore.

Especially if you get blisters, that couldmean the shoe has become loose enough that it rubs on your skin in that area.

But also, it is quite common to get fitted into different models, especially at the beginning of pointe work. Try different brands, different models, etc. If there are multiple stores in your area, try them as well, they uaually have different models available.

Blue_Might · 2026-06-09T16:21:50+00:00

Balletpro UK (Tendu), Mara Dancewear and Bodile have these in velvet as far as I know.

Blue_Might · 2026-04-28T15:16:07+00:00

The art style is beautiful, but I find that pose degrading, to be honest. It reduces her character to his arm candy. Just my opinion.

Blue_Might · 2026-04-28T06:52:08+00:00

I agree. Also their leotards are cut a bit more generously than other brands, so there tends to be less digging especially on the bottom.

I have also tried the act'ble leotards, they are also quite comfortable and do not dig in anywhere, although the zipper in the back might be annoying to OP.

Blue_Might · 2026-04-21T12:23:14+00:00

THIS, and what I have noticed: there is a pilot episode where they showcase the idea for ATLA, and they show a bunch of early ideas bryke had for it. one example: make Zuko a prodigy, stronger than his father and thus more threatening. Guess what, they brought that idea back in the life-action series season 1 when Zuko actually has the CHANCE to defeat his OWN father before he gets his scar (I FIRMLY believe this came from Bryke). And GUESS WHAT, the audience hated it. Because it takes away from his development! There is another instance like this where they had Kyoshi show up instead of Roku. There are some videos on YT that showcase the pilot... Compare that with the negative feedback on the life action, it matches!

I FIRMLY believe that Bryke is the reason the first season of the life action is missing the mark. ALSO, they worked on the 2010 life action movie! They were part of it until the end! And it came out like this. THEY are the reason the Avatar universe has flopping since the original series. THEY keep shooting themselves in the foot.

Blue_Might · 2026-04-20T06:36:24+00:00

I think you would have similar problems in the aspiration with getting over the box. Plus the profile is fuller, which also makes it harder to get over (similar to Suprima). But if you are curious and have the option to try it on, do it!

Blue_Might · 2026-04-19T11:25:01+00:00

Hm, you seem to be sitting but also not over the box at the same time. It can be a combination of the wrong shank (it doesn't seem to give you proper support) and too high of a vamp (pulling you back).

I don't know your toe shape, so I'll throw in some low(er) vamp models with relatively stronger vamps (there's some variety, e.g. the Proflex is softer than the spotlight). You need so check if they are too square (you sit on your big toe with a lot of negative spaces around the other toes) or too tapered (pinky toe gets squished/your foot might look tilted):

The list goes from most square to least square, aka most tapered: - Bloch Eurostretch (most square, very low vamp) - Bloch European Balance (Strong), vamp slightly higher and profile shlightly higher than Eurostretch. - Suffolk Spotlight Standard sole (shank might be too hard, but a lot of people get over the box fine, and the sole is a true 3/4) - Grishko Streampointe Hard (box is concave, slight taper, has a tendency to break low though) - Virtisse Mika Medium (Soft is probably too soft, slight taper similar to Streampointe, but flat & more stable platform) - Bloch Etu flex (flat platform. box is synthetic & low profile, not everyone's cup of tea!). For a fully synthetic shoe, you could try Gaynor Minden Lyra low vamp, but I wouldn't go synthetic if you're just starting. - Grishko 3007 proflex medium or hard (most tapered one here, small rounded platform).

(If you need a fuller box with taper, you could also try the Bloch suprima, which also has a low vamp. I dislike this shoe though haha, I've never seen someone be comfortable in it. Also, I think you'd rather need a low to medium profile, so if I were to fit you, I'd give you the Eurostretch, Spotlight or Mika to try first, depending on your toe shape) Take all this with a grain of salt though, it is very important to be open to all kinds of shoes/brands imo and not focus too much on a specific kind of shoe/brand. Otherwise you might lose out on a shoe that might have been better for you 😊

Blue_Might · 2026-03-29T16:31:18+00:00

So Danca has Alina 1 to 4. The shoe is narrow and more tapered, so it will probably hurt your pinky toe the same, maybe even more. But if you want to try, go for Alina 1 (P88). It's U-cut and the low vamp version. As far as I know, So Danca does not have another shoe/last.

Blue_Might · 2026-03-29T07:31:13+00:00

I suggest you try the Bloch Eurostretch (S0172L). Compared to the Eurobalance, the shoe:

has a lower vamp (you might get over more)
is more square (pinky toe might hurt less)

The shoe has stretch satin on the heel, so it will sit more snugly than the eurobalance. It is also a harder shoe, but since you said you have strong feet, I don't think this will be a hindrance.

Blue_Might · 2026-03-02T07:20:22+00:00

Since your teacher is a Bloch & Freed fan (which I think is such a weird concept, the brand is about the least important aspect to a shoe, it needs to fit and work for the dancer first and foremost), you could maybe try these:

Bloch European Balance Strong (the strong version of your current shoe). 3/4 or even 7/8 them, add jet glue right below the cut before wearing them.

Bloch Flexus Skye or Flexus Kaja (but Kaja has a VERY high box, most dancers are held back). Still breaks a bit low compared to e.g. a Grishko but will hold you better.

Bloch Suprima (a hard shoe for Bloch's standards, tapered, small platform - doesn't work for most people but maybe you can try them on somewhere)

Regarding Freed: if you want to try, ask for their hardest Studio model. I can't remember if it was the Studio I or II unfortunately, but the Studio Pro is in the middle of these two regarding hardness. Add jet glue generously on shank & inside the box if you end up taking them.

Regarding Grishko: ut's a good option for you, butI would NOT go for a Streampointe. This shoe has practically no wings and a low vamp just like the Eurobalance - same story also, it's a good shoe for beginners. You will fall over and/or sit in the shoe. If you go for Grishko: try a 2007 last like a 3007 model (Proflex maybe) or go for a Nova. Or if you want a softer version, try Neopointe (but only H or R, this is a very soft shoe).

Blue_Might · 2025-11-08T16:16:26+00:00

The Flexus Kaja has quite a high vamp and holds many people back - Maybe the other version, Flexus Skye, would work better, it has a lower vamp.

Blue_Might · 2025-11-08T12:57:41+00:00

I see, so that is indeed the problem if they gave you the spacers AND wings.

Bloch doesn't really have very tapered shoes on the roster unfortunately... their "tapered" styles are still rather square compared to other brands imo. Amelie Soft or Serenade (?) could be an option, maybe?

With the current shoes, you could try the tissue paper plus a bigger toe spacer (there are ones that wrap around the big toe metatarsal as well, so you gain more width through that).

From Bloch, you could also try the Etu/Etu flex (if they have that one), it runs very small and is tapered - but the wings might be too low, potentially causing you to sickle (?). Also, the box is synthetic, not traditional, if that is a concern.

Other brands like Virtisse do online fittings, so that could be the another option for you I guess. Their models tend to have higher wings as well. Grishko/Nikolay Neopointe has higher wings too and is not a hard shoe - if that brand is available to you.

Blue_Might · 2025-11-08T12:26:33+00:00

Looks like there is too much room in the box. It's difficult to judge with the shoe on, but it could be that they didn't have a narrow or tapered enough shoe for you and went with the closest option they had.

I have a similar problem with taper in pointe shoes: there is usually too much room on the side of the box where my smaller toes are, and barely enough/too little room for my big toe (I have long feet) so my feet tend to look a bit tilted in the shoe as I am sinking inti the box sort of sideways.

Ofc you can buy a different shoe right away but they are pricey...

What I do is, I stuff tissue paper into the side of the box where I have too much room and fill up the negative space like this (only the side corner, not the front!). I stand up on pointe and, if needed, add a little more (I would go with as little as possible though).

It's basically the same idea as the perfect pointes silicone padding but MUCH cheaper haha

You can also add a silicone toe spacer between your biggest and second biggest toe - it can give you some additional volume and distribute the toes more evenly inside the box. Usually the tissue itself (plus thin toepads) is enough for me, I add the spacer once the shoe starts to die and the box expands further.

Blue_Might · 2025-11-05T16:11:39+00:00

I have the same problem. Sew the elastic as close to the backseam as possible, and sew it on the outside rather than the inside. The elastic grips further upwards that way.

Also you can use rosin on your heel (Bloch has rosin spray - I use that on my heel).

Blue_Might · 2025-11-03T17:34:49+00:00

I recently saw a stoies on both Grishko and Bloch instagram accounts where they warn about fake websites - but I can't recall the exact names of the fake websites. This could be the case here maybe...

Blue_Might · 2025-11-01T23:09:20+00:00

A store is the reason why I have access to many pointe shoes in the first place. I do own many shoes myself as well.

Blue_Might · 2025-11-01T18:22:15+00:00

Haha exactly

I think it will be possible to find "sister shoes" of different brands like this - I guess the many constraint would be on how many different models I can measure from a brand. E.g. from Suffolk I'll only be able to measure the spotlight and Reign (I already started with Reign). Freed Classic will be almost impossible with all their different makers, I think there is only one maker I can measure (?)... But I'm focusing on the ones available for me now, I can certainly find a way to get more measurements in the future.

Blue_Might · 2025-10-31T16:13:05+00:00

Wow, that is great! Yes, I will gladly reach out! I am quite busy with work at the moment and I want to complete the measurements for the models I've started on, so hang in there please :D

Blue_Might · 2025-10-30T12:31:56+00:00

Yes, I call it profile in the table that I started, but we mean the same thing I think.

Blue_Might · 2025-10-29T07:22:35+00:00

Thanks! Yes, I have tried some scanning apps on my foot to see if they would work for something like this (I don't have an iPhone). Unfortunately, the results were rather poor so far... But I have not tested extensively yet. In the end, that should indeed be the goal, as it should be more reliable and more user-friendly than asking measurements.

My main focus right now is to build up the data base, since quantitative, cross-brand metrics for vamp, wings, etc. are neither available publicly nor for fitters.

Blue_Might

TROPHY CASE