Friday, October 14, 2011

Tips on Finding Special Sized Shoes

Whether you have wide or narrow feet, you know that finding special sized shoes is difficult. The most difficult type of special shoe to find is one for a wide or large foot. Having large feet does not have to mean you should pay high prices to have custom made shoes. There are a large number of online shoe stores that concentrate on large men and women’s shoes almost exclusively. In addition, a great many of those sites offer the shoes at reasonable prices and are what you might expect to find at a regular shoe store. Both men and women have a hard time finding shoes when they are relegated to hard to find large sizes. There are ways though; that you can get the specialized shoe that will work best for you.

For women, the quest for large shoes can end up with the purchase of large sized men’s shoes just for the sake of comfort. The problem is that when the occasion calls for something beyond casual or athletic wear. If a woman should need to wear a shoe that goes with more formal attire, then she will not have anything that works with her clothes. Wearing men’s shoes may be an easy solution, but it will not serve you well if you are in need of formal women’s shoes.

If you are a woman who wants good looking shoes for all occasions, then try checking out strapless shoes and sandals. These shoes are available in large sizes, but will not cost a lot of money. If you are a man, you may also need large shoes for every occasion whether it is athletics, formal wear, or even slippers. For men, if you contact manufacturers online or via the mail, you will find that many actually do offer the shoe sizes you need. It is just a matter of ordering them, and they are often much less expensive than you may think.

One thing to keep in mind when you order special sized shoes online, whether you are a man or a woman, is that most stores do not stock large amounts as a general rule. Instead, it may happen that you will find larger shoes on backorder. This most often happens when the style is popular or trendy. If you do end up with a backordered pair of special sized shoes, then the website will usually let you know how long you will have to wait.

When it comes to women’s special sized shoes, there are other things to consider, as well. The same size in each style may not fit you every time. For instance, when it comes to wide shoes it is possible that a large shoe with elastic will help you just as much as a specially ordered shoe. If the shoe has narrow toes or a high heel you will likely need to order something a little larger than you are used to. The idea is to make sure you know what is going to be best for your feet with regard to the type of design.

Keep in mind that if you do have very large or very small feet, that it is no reflection on you as a person. It is easy to complain about your shoe size or to be embarrassed about having to buy specialized shoes, but there is nothing you can do. Instead, concentrate on getting yourself shoes that fit properly so that you can walk in comfort. In addition, shoes that fit your feet correctly will actually help them look normal in size. If you take care of your feet, they will take care of you.

If you have feet that are either too big or too small, you may feel a little embarrassed in addition to having trouble finding the right shoes. You may have been told or feel like you should have to pay a lot more then you would for regular shoes. The truth is that some places may actually do that by telling you that custom shoes are more expensive. However, if you search online you will find a shoe that fits you and is at a price you can afford. Whether you are a man or a woman, you just need to make sure you are getting a shoe that fits you well so that it is not only comfortable, but also healthy for you and your feet.

How to Select a Pair of Quality Steel Toe Shoes

Many companies produce reports and articles of why their steel toe shoes are perfect, so I will give an unbiased opinion of how to select a pair of quality steel toe shoes.

You should consider the following 5 factors when buying steel toe shoes: Fabric, Durability, Sole, Flexibility, and Additional Features. I will go into more detail on each of these categories below.

Fabric: Different fabrics can make or break a shoe in a matter of months. It can also make you feel uncomfortable if it is not the right fabric. There are gortex like rubber, canvas like fabrics, suede, and leather. Leather has one of the best aspects for steel toe safety aspects in my opinion. They are easily broken in after a few days and then they fit your foot like a glove. Leather will not burn and ignite into flames or melt. If they are burnt or scuffed they can be easily polished and masked away. Thick leather is ideal and looks nice.

Durability: Is the shoe made to last a long time or is it just made to OSHA standards with a shelf life of only six months? What I mean by durability, is whether the shoe will last for two years of wear and tear before you have to replace them. Some shoes may look nice and can take a beating but after a few months the stitches come apart, the metal wears through the padding and digs into your foot, there are many things which can occur if the shoe is not engineered just right. Does the shoe have a steel shank? Is the steel toe area padded well and with lasting material? Will the shoe backing hold? And the sole, how long will that last?

Sole: This is very important and is more of a sub category of Durability, but merits its own category. First, there are two types of soles, those made to last a year or more and those that are not. I have seen shoes with holes showing in the sole after only a few weeks as the rubber begins to wear away and the hollow honey comb style sole bears forth. Literally dig your finger into the sole in various areas, if it bends easily and you can feel the air, it wont last very long. Although tougher rubber or thicker may not be as comfortable, it will last. One problem with worn soles is that they have a tendency to wear on one side only based on your walking habits. After a while it is dangerous to walk in shoes that are half worn, it can throw your back out, cramps, and more. One more health issue to avoid caused by cheap products.

Flexibility: Will the product bend. If the sole is so thick it barely moves, how well will the contours of your foot feel after an 8 hour day? Some shoes are so heavily reinforced with different materials that the backs never mold to your foot or the steel toe area just continues to dig into your toes? What ever it may be, bend the shoe, try it on. If you feel too much discomfort in a certain area, take the shoe off and inspect it, you might just find that this shoe just wont work for you. This is another key point, some shoes just don't work for everyone.

Features: Are the shoes rated Electrical Hazard, Insulated, Waterproof, etc. There are many things to look at and it will depend on your job.

I hope the above information will help you to be a better consumer and avoid purchasing the wrong steel toe work shoes. Make sure you visit http://www.best-steel-toe-shoes.com for more steel toe shoes or boots related information and products.

Popular And Cute Baby Shoes

One of the greatest mysteries of life is the effort and money put into the purchase of baby clothing.

Infants are not bothered about the quality of their outfits. They will cry anyway, even if they are kitted in a Versace shirt!

Even this will not deter the average parent, they will still go out of their way to buy expensive baby items, chief among which are baby shoes.

Parents buy all kinds of baby shoes for their tots. From baby sneakers to little ballet shoes, name it and some babies have them.

The strange fact is these purchases were made with the perfect knowledge that the infants are not going to run on a track or attend dancing classes.

Though, the function of baby shoes is slightly different from those of adult shoes, they still share some basic similarities.

They need to protect the fragile feet, and hold up to crawling around, and possibly a bit of drool.

And while adult shoes go through much more than this, the fact still is, almost any baby shoe will hold up just fine when the baby is not yet walking.

Thus, the other reason parents buy baby shoes is just to show off their baby's cute shoes to friends and other people.

Things become more interesting from here.

It is generally believed that cuteness is accomplished in a baby shoe through the miniature size of its every feature.

A closer look at babies will reveal a startling fact: they are not really very attractive creatures. Not with their big heads and pudgy features.

The real thrill many get out of babies is just that they are tiny, and somewhat odd versions of us.

This is the same with baby shoes; they look like smaller, pudgier versions of our footwear.

Along with this cuteness, there are certain designs that are more popular among baby clothes, and baby shoes, than among adult clothing.

Things like butterflies, hearts, and especially little cute baby animals make a very popular design for decorations on baby shoes.

Shoes for the Bride

Trying to find the perfect shoes for your Special Day can only be described as troublesome. Will it be heels or flats? Will you show your toes or will you opt for a sandal look? Wading through all the colors, styles and designs may cause the soon to be bride to shed a tear or two.

Don't despair, finding a wedding shoe doesn't have to be such a daunting proposition if you just follow a few simple details.

Let's first look at your gown and it's color and type of fabric. A rule of thumb, is to keep your shoes and gown as coordinated as closely as possible. Match the material of your wedding dress with the fabric of your shoes.

Heels would be the right choice if your going with a short or knee length dress to make your legs look slimmer. It will also give you legs all the way up to your,well, you know where. A nice addition and attraction would be to go with an open toe heels. Well manicured toes are a must if you chose this option.

The climate is another consideration if you're getting married outside. If it's going to be hot and humid, you'll want to think about sandals as your choice. After all, you'll not want to turn your new husband off with stinky feet when you remove your shoes after the wedding.

Make sure that your shoes are a comfortable fit. You'll be on your feet all day so you'll want something that feels nice. Don't try and squeeze into a shoe just for the look Wear the size that you would normally wear for your office shoes or dress pumps.

If you fall between two sizes it's best to choose the larger one. Don’t sacrifice style over comfort. If your feet hurt you will feel miserable. If you decide to choose a wedding shoe with straps or ties make sure that they can be loosen easily and does not scraped onto your skin. Your wedding shoes can make or break your wedding day.

Make sure you take your new shoes on a test drive. Walk on different surfaces and break them in good before your special day. Do Not sacrifice comfort for style.

Take a piece of sandpaper to roughen the smooth finish on the sole of the shoes. This will help to avoid slipping on smooth surfaces. Its better to change your wedding shoes now than wait for the actual wedding and be sorry for not being able to walk properly on the aisle.

Once your at the reception you'll want to have a second pair of shoes handy. Keeping comfort uppermost in your mind. You'll be sitting most of the time at the reception so why would you want to have heels on?

It pays to spend extra effort in choosing the perfect pair wedding shoes. Brides in general do not give as much attention to their wedding shoes as they do to their gowns. They thought that their guest’s attention would be on their dress. But most people are drawn to the bride’s legs and feet if they are wearing short dress, thus giving extra attention to your wedding shoes. Would it be nice to have your best feet forward during your wedding day.

Sexy Shoes

What is it with sexy shoes? Why are they so popular today and why have they been popular for so long? Sexy shoes have a special place in the heart and soul of many people across the globe, but why?

To start with, a pair of high heels can instantly elongate the lines of the legs that can make the legs appear slimmer and create more elegant curves from the hip to the toe. I’ve also read that wearing high heel shoes can make the foot appear smaller than it actually is.

Additionally, high heel shoes alter the stance of the woman and this forces her breasts up and makes her derriere protrude farther out than normal. The correct pair of shoes can even help create an air of confidence due to the fact that they make the woman taller than normal and tend to attract more attention to her.

Sexy shoes aren’t just popular with women, but with men and cross dressers as well. Sexy shoes are known to be a fetish item in their own right. Sexy shoes are collectible and can be considered works of art without even having a foot to fill them. People all over the world collect exotic high heel shoes.

Although they may not be the most practical clothing item in the world, it really doesn’t come down to practicality. Sexy shoes are popular for reasons not related to their comfort or practicality. If you still don’t get it, then you probably never will.

Now, aren’t you ready for your next pair of sexy shoes?

Looking For Discount Shoes

Shop Online For Terrific Deals On Popular Footwear!

Smart consumers have discovered that purchasing discount shoes online has several major advantages. With more and more so-called “brick and mortar” stores competing online these days for business, the consumer comes out the clear winner!

It is now possible to view a major shoe manufacturer’s entire product line right from the comfort of your own home. Many of these online shoe stores offer special unadvertised shoe sales and discount shoe coupons. You can even read helpful reviews on brands you are considering for purchase.


Some Major Advantages To Buying Shoes Online:


· Save Time And Money

There is no need to waste hours of valuable time and precious fuel traveling from one store to the other. Online shoe stores are easily accessible twenty-four hours a day right from your home computer. With the click of a mouse, you can find lots of great bargains at several well-known Internet footwear stores. There’s a real good chance you’ll find the brand and style you’re looking for quickly. All the major online stores offer free shipping, free return shipping, and never charge sales tax!

· Huge Selection

Many online stores carry a huge selection of footwear for Men, Women, and Children. They are committed to providing their customers with a wide selection of styles, colors, sizes, and brands. If you’re looking for specialty shoes, you’ve come to the right place! For example, you’ll find shoe sizes ranging from AAAAA to EEEEEE. Many of these sites also offer a large selection of shoe accessories, luggage, and other leather products.

· Unbeatable Price Protection Guarantee

Let’s suppose you find a shoe for a lower price on another web site or in a shoe store. Many online shoe stores will now refund you 110 - 115% of the difference between the lower price and their price. They will give you up to 10 days to take advantage of this policy. What a great deal!


· Free 365-Day Return Policy

More and more online shoe stores are offering an incredible 365-day return policy. If you are not 100% satisfied with your purchase, you have an entire year to return it! Return shipping is absolutely free. You are even provided you with a pre-paid UPS or USPS domestic label to return your purchase.
Summary

Purchasing footwear online can truly be a pleasurable experience. The online shoe shops have bent over backwards to make the whole process quick, easy, and convenient.

It is highly recommended that you give it a try!

How to Shop for Comfort in Mens Footwear

Fit, durability and style are the key factors to look for when purchasing mens footwear. The top criteria, however, must be comfort. No one is going to wear fashionable shoes for long if they are not also comfortable. Shoes that pinch, bind or cramp your feet can make you miserable, and can also damage your feet.

Shopping for mens shoes should always focus on fit and comfort first, and finding a fashionable, stylish brand second. Quality shoemakers know this and offer a wide range of comfortable footwear options. Brands that are merely fashionable are not going to serve you well if they don't fit right.

Shopping for shoes that are comfortable and also look good is easier than ever. In order to get a proper fit, you should shop for shoes later in the day, when your feet are larger, and be sure that the brands you try on aren't too tight. You should be able to wiggle your toes. You shouldn't hold on to the old notion of foot size - your body changes, and you really should get your feet measured each time you buy shoes. Also, make sure that you get both feet measured, as sometimes one foot is larger. The shoes should fit the larger foot comfortably.

How Do They Fit?

For the most comfortable shoes, you should try them on with the same socks that you will normally wear with the shoes. Make sure you try on both shoes, and walk around the store a bit before purchasing. Buckle or lace up the shoes as you normally would during regular wear. Make sure they fit and bend in the same places that your foot bends. Don't buy leather shoes that are too tight and expect them to stretch out and be more comfortable once they are “broken in.” They should be comfortable when you try them on and walk.

An experienced sales person in a store with a knowledgeable staff can help you find the right fit and the right styles for your needs. They will be able to steer you toward brands that offer special features for your personal fit needs, such as arch support, and proper cushioning.

Nike Air Force Ones

With prices ranging from $70 to $80 for the standard white or black Nike Air Force One and up to $300 for customized colors and logos this modest shoe has continued to hold a market share ever since.

Corresponding with the release and growth in popularity of the Nike Air Force One shoes was the growth of the Hip Hop movement and the growing popularity of Hip Hop clothing. Hip-hop fashion had begun to gain a foothold in the late seventies and continued to climb as a major culture and fashion through out the eighties. Marked by clothing with a distinctly African American influence the early Hip Hop fashion included the wearing of large glasses, gold necklaces, rings on many fingers, oversized clothing in pallets of red, black and green and an emphasis on brand name footwear that was comfortable and reflective of personal style.

The Nike Air Force Ones became very popular as a brand of footwear within the Hip Hop fashion culture. Bright colored with over sized laces, or white sneakers peaking out from under overlong pants Nike Air Force Ones maintained their hold on the Hip Hop market through the late eighties, nineties and continue to hold a strong place now. Whether high top, low cut or standard height these shoes that were once mostly for sporting uses are now a casual wear footwear seen on the streets and in the classroom as well as on the basketball court.

Currently there are many stores that sell the brand name Nike Air Force Ones, prices ranging from $70 upward, averaging out a bit over $100. In order to combat these prohibitive prices online websites such as urbanhotlist.com have appeared, offering discounted prices on these shoes as well as other popular brand names.

There are both advantages and disadvantages when it comes to working with an online sales site, like urbanhotlist.com. There is access to a much broader base of merchandise, in this case additional colors and styles of shoes that might not be available in stores and pricing can be kept reasonable, even after shipping and handling. For these reasons, among others, websites like urbanhotlist have become popular with consumers. Customers must be sure to get a good refund policy before placing an order, so that any defects or sizing problems can be easily addressed.

As long as this movement continues it seems that Nike will have a hit with their Nike Air Force One shoes and consumers will have places to go to get what they want for the price they want to pay.

How to Pick the Perfect Shoes

Are you looking for the perfect shoes you can wear this season? How do you pick the right shoes, though? Here are some tips for you to buy those perfect shoes:

- Find shoes that you are comfortable in. No matter how cute they look, if you are not comfortable in the, you will not wear them. And, if you don't wear them, you just wasted your money.

To make sure you are comfortable in the shoes you want, make sure you try them on at the store. If you are shopping online, make sure you find the correct size you need. Check with the web site's measurements, to make sure that the size you are getting is actually your size.

- Find shoes that match with different clothes. Even the best shoes will not be worn too match, if they only match one outfit. Make sure you purchase versatile shoes, that will match with different outfits you have.

The best colors for shoes that will match with many things are black, brown, grey and white.

- The more expensive they are, the more things they should match. Of course all of us own a pair or two of pink or red shoes that we love, but that don't match too many outfits. So, create a rule - the more expensive the shoes are, the more outfits they should match. If you find a $20 pair of pink shoes that you just must have, get it. However, if the pair costs $100, it should match more then just one t-shirt you have.

- Don't buy shoes that are extremely trendy. While they are really hot right now, they will be out of style next year. Instead, spend the money on the shoes that can be worn a few seasons.

Remember to pick the shoes that you are comfortable with, and they are stylish, but not extremely trendy - those are the shoes that will last for a while.

Tips for Maintaining Leather Shoes

One of the best investments you can make is on quality leather shoes. The only catch is that you must take care of those shoes religiously. A quality pair of shoes will last you a lifetime with proper care and maintenance. Also, the products you use on your leather footwear do not have to cost more than the price of the shoes. There are a number of tips to help you maintain those leather shoes so they will not only last longer, but will maintain a great look.

The first thing to remember is that two pairs of good quality leather shoes will last more than twice as long as one pair. This mathematical impossibility is nonetheless true, because by purchasing two pair of leather shoes, you can wear one pair every other day and allow the shoes to dry on a cedar shoe tree to absorb the moisture from your skin and from the leather while still holding the shoe in the correct shape. In this case, 1 + 1 = 3.

Cleaning your leather shoes is largely a matter of daily care and daily attention to any blemishes. Using all natural shoe care products allows the leather to breathe. Suggested cleaning products include those made specifically for leather, such as saddle soap. If you use saddle soap, and follow the treatment with mink oil, you will almost always have great success in keeping your footwear looking like new. These products can be found in most areas where shoe care items are found. Goop hand cleaner which can be found in most automotive supplies stores is another great product for getting the leather clean, without damaging the product. Goop is waterless and is excellent for removing oil and grease from the surface of the leather. Pine gum will help to restore your shoes when they are the victim of small nicks, scratches and cuts. This product soaks into the leather and serves as an excellent camouflage. If the color of the leather has faded, pine gum will help to restore the color and appearance.

If you often find that you are walking or working where there is a lot of moisture, you can provide some waterproofing for your leather shoes or boots. This will help to protect the footwear from salt stains, snow and from water. If shoes do get damp, store them on a shoe tree to dry, but never place the leather shoes close to direct heat such as a stove or fireplace unit. Beeswax provides excellent water-repellent properties for protecting your leather shoes from the elements. There are also waterproofing type products sold where shoe care products appear that will help protect your shoes against the elements.

Conditioning your footwear helps to maintain soft and supple leather. Preventing cracks in the surface of the leather means that less harmful agents can attack the leather. Keeping the leather soft means the shoes will fit more comfortably too. Lanolin is great for softening the leather, while emu oil restores the natural moisture of the leather by deep penetration into the shoe.

When you are cleaning and conditioning your shoes do not forget to take care of the inside of the shoe. Using Eucalyptus oil or Tea Tree oil prevents the deterioration of the stitching by fighting against mildew and mold in the interior of the shoe as well as in the top stitching.

Keep in mind that specialty leather products such as suede or patent leather have special products intended specifically for their care. For example, you would not want to use some of the oil or cream based products in caring for suede shoes. Often regular, gentle brushing to remove loose soil and a spray on suede cleaner will be just the thing for cleaning that type of leather.

If you find problems developing in the stitching or the soles of the show, or anywhere on the shoe in fact, put the cost of repairing the shoe against the cost of replace them and make a trip to the local repair shop for shoes. The price of a good repairman is well worth it in terms of lengthened shoe life.

Finally, many people have success in caring for their shoes with various household products not specifically created for leather shoes. For example, petroleum jelly rubbed gently into the leather then allowed to sit before a bit before being wiped off keeps leather uniform shoes looking great. Others swear by furniture polish sprayed on lightly and wiped down with a cloth.

The most important part of maintaining leather shoes is the daily condition, cleaning and care.

What You Should Know About Athletic Shoe

Did you ever wonder why there are so many types of running shoes and athletic footwear styles? The main reason is to avoid foot injuries by creating a shape and style of shoe that is appropriate for different sports and activities.

Athletic shoes are made into both standard and sometimes odd sizes for men, women, and children. These shoes are designed to help a person achieve top performance in basketball, football, baseball, golf, bowling or any other athletic or team sport. In addition, athletic shoes are created for running and walking as well. The type of sport shoe that a person needs will largely depends on the chosen sport, activity level and the preference of the person wearing the shoe.

When choosing an athletic shoe, consider how the shoe will be used. If you participate in casual sports activities such as volunteer church baseball leagues or neighborhood football matches, you will not need an expensive athletic shoe. However, if you play sports competitively, you might want to consider specially made athletic shoes. For instance, a person who takes running very seriously, is more likely to invest in a higher quality athletic shoe than the average runner. Higher quality shoes are often needed because they are required to spend several hours a day training to build speed, endurance, and strength as they compete. In order to for runners to do this they will need a shoe that will last. This is true for those who play other types of competitive sports, as well.

The choice of athletic shoe is also important for moving and protecting the foot while participating in sports. For example, in basketball or football, a person needs to think and act fast as they dribble, pass the ball or run down the field. Therefore, the person needs the appropriate shoe for optimum performance and safety. Basketball shoes often have a strong grip on the bottom that prevents an athlete from sliding. In both football and baseball, each player usually has shoes that have cleats on the bottom of the soles. This is to help the player grip the ground as they move quickly during play. Cleats are also important because players also have to play in varying outside weather conditions such as snow, rate, sleet, and extreme heat or cold. The right shoe is important because weather conditions can affect how well a player moves around the field, and the player’s ability to run without slipping and falling. The wrong shoe can cause falling and injury to players.

There are several companies that make high quality running and athletic shoes. Nike, Etonic, New Balance, Asics, Mulziny and Adidas are all popular shoe manufacturers. These shoes often come in a wide variety of styles and features. In addition, these athletic shoes often have shock absorbent soles for a softer impact when the runner’s foot hits the ground. Furthermore, good quality athletic shoes are often made in wide and narrow styles as well as arched, normal, or flat designs that help fit the overall shape of a person’s foot. Along with that, these shoes come in a variety of sizes so that everyone can find a pair that fits their foot well.

Sometimes a person can find a high quality athletic shoe from a manufacturer or retailer that does not advertise nationally. These types of shoes are often called “off brand” or “generic”. Many times, these shoes are just as durable and dependable as the regular name brand shoes, but often cost much less than name brand shoes. The fit of a shoe is usually a matter of personal preference, so before purchasing these off brand shoes, it is important to test them out for fit and feel.

Further information can be found online about generic or off brand shoes. However, it is important to remember that information about these shoes often comes directly from companies whom manufacturer and advertise their shoes. If in doubt about the quality of a generic shoe, it is sometimes not worth saving a few dollars. Buy the shoes from a brand that you know will not let you down, whether it is a nationally known brand of athletic shoe or not.

Athletic shoes can be purchased for both recreational or competitive activity needs either online, in a store, or by mail order. When purchasing shoes online or mail order, there is always the risk of the shoe not fitting right because each brand will fit a little differently. However, you can increase your chances of finding a fitting shoe if you know a little about the brand of shoe that you choose to purchase. Also, consider trying the shoe on at a store before buying online.

When purchasing a shoe in a store, there may be a smaller selection than what is available online. However, the advantage is buying a shoe that will fit properly. This goes for the fitting of athletic shoes as well. If you do a little online research on athletic shoes before shopping at a store, it is easier to make a better decision about the purchase of shoes. When researching shoes online, it is easier to compare shoe brands, prices and features.

All Pointe Shoes are not Created Equal

Dancing On Pointe

Dancing in pointe shoes requires a lot of strength and years of training. To avoid injury, it is recommended that you do not try to dance in pointe shoes if you have not been properly trained in ballet. Also, you should not purchase pointe shoes until you have been instructed to do so by your teacher.

Pointe shoes do not come with the elastic and ribbons sewn on. In most cases, these items are sold separately. Before applying the elastic and ribbons, let your teacher check the fit of the shoe. Once the ribbons and elastic is sewn on, pointe shoes cannot be returned.

Structure Makes a Difference

Pointe shoes consist of many different parts, all of which are fundamental in how the shoe fits. When trying to find the right pointe shoe, consider these very important terms in making your choice:

•Box: the front, wide part of the pointe shoe
The box can be either wide or tapered. A tapered box is narrower toward the tip of the shoe and gets wider as it approaches the drawstring. Shoes with a tapered box are good for dancers whose toes decrease in length from the big toe to the pinky toe. Shoes with a wider box are great for dancers whose toes are all close to the same length.

•Vamp: the top part of the pointe shoe, which is a continuation of the box
Vamps can either be “V” shaped or “U” shaped. “V” shaped vamps are usually longer, which gives the foot a little extra support.

•Shank: the “spine” of the pointe shoe
The shank is the part of the shoe that must be “broken in.” The shank provides arch support in the shoe. Shanks come in different strengths: hard, medium, and soft. Most beginner pointe dancers should get medium or hard shanks to build strength in their arches.

•Platform: the flat end of the box that you relevee onto

•Throat: the open area where the foot fits into the shoe

Find the Perfect Fit

Pointe shoes must have an exact fit on the foot, almost like a sock. In order to get the correct fit, consider the following tips:

•There are many different brands of pointe shoes to choose from; all are made differently to fit different types of feet. Do not buy a certain style of pointe shoe just because your friend has them. Try to find the style that is comfortable and fits your foot best.

•The sizing of pointe shoes is usually different from the sizing of street shoes. Some brands of pointe shoes run smaller than street shoes while other brands run larger than street shoes.

•If purchasing pointe shoes online, most websites offer size charts that compare the size of the pointe shoe to the size of a street shoe.

•If purchasing pointe shoes from a store, it is best to let the employee measure your foot, or tell the employee the size of your street shoe.

•When standing normally in pointe shoes, toes should reach the end of the shoe, but should not be crunched, bent, or overlapped. If toes are crunched or bent, try the next size up. If toes are overlapping each other, try a wider width or a shoe with a wider box.

•When standing in relevee, there should only be a thumb’s width of pinch at the heel of the shoe.

•Make sure to pull and tie the drawstring so that the shoe is as tight as it can be. This will help keep the shoe from slipping off.

Pampos offers a wide variety of pointe shoes and accessories for beginners through professionals to help you find the perfect fit. Shop online or contact us with any questions you may have to help you find the pointe shoe that is perfect for your foot.