Parts of a Pointe Shoe

Pointe shoes are made of many different parts. Some of the main parts are the box, platform, shank, and vamp.

Box-

The box is the hard area around the dancer's toes. It supports the sides of the foot. The box is made of canvas, linen, and glue. The stiffness may vary in different shoes.

Platform-

The platform is the part of the shoe that the dancer stands on. It provides a flat surface to balance on.

Vamp-

The vamp is the front of the box. The depth of the vamp varies in different types of shoes.

Shank-

The shank is what supports the dancer's arch. It is made of hard leather, plastic, cardboard, or burlap. Shanks come in many different strengths. Different strengths are used depending on the strength of the dancer's foot.

Did You Know: Every pointe shoe is handmade. Because of this, every shoe is unique.

Inside a Pointe Shoe:


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