Pointe shoes: pain while not en pointe?

I went to a store to purchase my first pointe shoes and had them fitted. I wear a street shoe size 10 and came home with Bloch Sonata size 7. When I stand flat my big toe presses hard against the front of the pointe shoe; so much that it is very uncomfortable to painful. There is a half inch of space btwn the box and the top of my foot - is that normal? I expect pointe work to be painful, but are the shoes supposed to hurt while standing flat?





I looked up Bloch sizing and it looks like I should be wearing a 7.5 or 8! I don't want to go back to the store and act like a know-it all, but something just seems to be wrong. When I was being fitted the lady had me go en pointe and checked the "sag" in the heel - it wasn't excessive, although she did say I have narrow heels.





None of my friends take ballet, so I can't ask them for advice. :\ If anyone can provide a thorough description of what pointe shoes should feel like while standing flat I would really appreciate it! Thank you!

Pointe shoes: pain while not en pointe?
that sounds strange. pointe shoes aren't supposed to be comfortable, but when standing on flat they shouldn't be that painful or have that gap between the box and your foot. when you stand on flat, it should feel like you are wearing shoes that are a little too small. your toes should be touching the end and top of the box. the back of the shoe should feel like it is slipping off your heel. when you stand on pointe, it should feel comfortable, like the shoes fit. the end of the shoe should not be hugging your heel and you should be able to pinch it a little.


i wear Freed studio 2's and don't know much about Bloch sizing unfortunately. you should go back and just inquire. you won't sound like a know-it-all and it would be better than suffering. or return the shoes and go to another boutique to be fitted.


lots of people with narrow heels get chacott Veronese 2's so maybe you should look into those. Bloch's are, in my experience, more for people with squarish feet.
Reply:I have the same problem. Report It

Reply:you should go back to the store and get refittes. also, you probably need a shoe with a lower crown (thats why you have a gap between the box nd the top of your foot) you shouldnt be able to feel the front of your box either when you are standing on flat. if you can, all of your weight will be on your toe when you go up on pointe. your shoes should be tight on the sides of your feet, but comfortable in the length. you might also want to try shoes with a more tapered box (i know that sonatas dont work for me personally because the box isnt tapered enough) this will help you not "sink" in your shoe, so your foot will be supported more, and your weight wont be on your toes...it should be on the sides of your feet...like on the outside of your metatarsols





when you go up on pointe, you should be abl to pinch the fabric from the heel. otherwise the shoe is too small.





i would suggest trying a different store, and trying on other shoes as well. the shoes shouldnt be painful when your just standing in them, and they shouldnt be painful when youre trying them on in the store either (on pointe and when standing on flat) if they are, dont get them, because then they will definitely hurt when you dance in them. i cant guarantee that shoes will be comfortable during class just because they are at the store, but i can guarantee that if shoes hurt at the store, they will hurt at least just as bad when you dance in them
Reply:You should take them back and definately get refitted somewhere else...





You should just feel the tip of the box. Almost like a butterfly touching your foot.
Reply:Make sure you go to a reputable dance store with professional fitters so this doesn't happen, or bring your teacher with you when you go so he/she can verify the fit. They should have a snug fit, not tight, and not loose. But remember, you are going to be breaking them in so they will form to your foot better.
Reply:When you walk in them, it feels weird for the first little while. Standing flat, they should NOT hurt at all. Once you buy a pair of pointe shoes, before you even sew on the ribbons, ake them to your teacher so they can be fitted by someone who really knows what they're doing. If you go up on pointe, there should be a pinch of material at your heel. I'm a size 9 street shoe, and I myself take a 7. So yes, you're shoe's are definently too small. And coincidentally, my first pair was Bloch too^-^ And I know how you feel, none of my friends take ballet either. Email me if you wish^-^



pale skin