Expert: Dianne M. Buxton - 9/9/2010

Question
QUESTION: Hello Ms. Buxton!

Does the width of a shoe affect the taper of the box, and if so, how? Specifically, will changing to a wider width in a Russian Pointe Almaz make the box slightly more or less tapered?

I was fitted with the Almaz by the only reputable store in my state, but experienced tremendous pain after a few weeks which my teacher says is due to improper fit.  This isn't the first time they have botched a fitting, so I have no plans to go back.  I tried Rubins in a wider width and these did fine for a while--no pain--but now the box feels too big and 'unstable.'  I'm having to apply extra padding, and I wonder if I need a more tapered shoe after all.  If I went back to the Almaz, but wider than before, would that make the box a little less tapered?  




ANSWER: Hi Gayle. It will not make much difference to the tapering to go wider since the tapering is the style of that shoe.

Here is an article about foot types that may help you picture the type of pointe shoe you need:

http://balletshoesandpointeshoes.blogspot.com/2010/09/pointe-ballet-shoes-sizing

It's possible that a tapered shoe is best for you, but that it is too narrow. Or, a square box is better, but that shoe was too wide.

Once you understand your foot type, it will make more sense. For instance, if your little toe is so short that it is out of the box, then you need a box that is right for four toes, and their shape.

Here is a link to a download pointe shoe fitting guide specifically for Russian pointe shoes:

http://www.russianpointe.com/pages/fitting_guide/58.php

The Rubins shoe that felt good for a while may simply be starting to wear out. Since you had no pain initially, I think that getting them again is a better bet.

Check over all the above info, and you will probably know what to do.

Hope this helps! All the best, Dianne



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you, Dianne, for your reply.  The links were very helpful.  I only wish I'd had this information before going for my first fitting!  Until I do some traveling out of state and can try another store, I'll continue to pad the Rubins.

If I may ask a follow-up question, how long should a pair of Russian Pointes last before wearing out, if the wearer is a beginner.  These shoes have fewer than 10 hours on them and the box is still hard.  I've read about people shellacking their shoes for longer life.  Would this be a viable option?

Thank you!  

Answer
" Many dancers choose to harden up their boxes by using shellac or something called Jet Glue (Instant Jet). Both add a thin hard layer to the inside of the box and will allow for a few more uses. Most ballerinas use this method on their class shoes, and not their performance shoes. If you don't like using pads in your shoe, using shellac or Jet Glue might make the inside of the box too rough to use comfortably." from http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1332011/how_to_extend_the_life_of_your_

Yes, you can shellac the shoes, I found these instructions above. Use in a ventilated area, and remember shellac is flammable. You can apply one or more thin layers with a paint brush, let them dry in between.

How long shoes last depends on how strong your feet are. As you get stronger, you will apply less pressure to the shoes.

http://balletshoesandpointeshoes.blogspot.com/2009/10/exercises-to-prepare-for-p   gives you foot exercises which will strengthen your sole of foot muscles

All the best, Dianne