How to choose your pointe shoes?
The Guide
With over 70 years of expertise working with professionals in the world of dance, Repetto offers a range of ballet shoes to meet the needs of all dancers.
This guide will help you find the pair best suited to your level and body type, with clear and precise explanations to help you find your ideal pair.
Discover our key advice
The pointe shoe is the most technical—yet also the most magical—product in the world of dance. For your first pair, we recommend a fitting in-store with our dance experts.
The choice of pointe shoes depends primarily on your level of practice and your foot shape. A well-fitted pair should support your work while ensuring both comfort and safety.
• BEGINNER
A flexible full sole, a low vamp, and a snug heel are recommended to support the foot during the first rises onto pointe.
Recommended model: Julieta, Carlotta, Anna
• INTERMEDIATE
A ¾ sole and a medium upper, making it easier to rise onto the balls of your feet once you have built up some strength.
Recommended models: Carlotta, Alicia, Anna
• ADVANCED
A full sole and high upper to provide good support for the foot when rising onto pointe. ons.
Recommended models: Carlotta, Alicia
THE SOLE
It can vary in hardness and shape: from very flexible to very hard, ¾, or full. The choice will depend on the dancer's level and the strength of their feet.
• Soft (S): facilitates rising onto pointe, ideal for beginners or feet with less strength.
• Medium (M): with its medium hardness, it provides support for more experienced feet.
• Hard (H): offers support tailored to dancers with high insteps who are looking for a shoe that will stand the test of time.
THE BOX
The box encases the front of the foot.
It can be narrow (N), medium (M), wide (W), or extra wide (XW), and is chosen based on the shape of the foot.
A narrow foot will prefer a narrow box (N), and a wider foot will be more comfortable in a wide or extra-wide box.
Our Collection of Pointe Shoes
Creations designed to support movement with accuracy and grace.
JULIETA
La Julieta is a beginner's pointe shoe designed for the first years of pointe work. Its flexible sole and low upper make it easier to rise onto pointe. Its shape is specially designed with more enveloping sides and heel for better support of the foot when flat and on pointe.
Available in three widths:
narrow (N), medium (M), and wide (L).
ALICIA
The Alicia pointe shoe is designed to meet the needs of dancers who have already been dancing for several years. Its ¾ sole makes it easier to rise onto pointe and ensures the foot is positioned correctly at the front.
Available in medium (M) and wide (W) widths, with two levels of hardness: medium (M) or hard (H).
ANNA
Designed for narrow feet, the Anna pointe shoe is ideal for intermediate or advanced beginner dancers. The heel is adjusted at the back for a good fit, and the front of the shoe is refined to lengthen the line of the foot.
Available in narrow (N), medium (M), and wide (L) widths, with soft (S), medium (M), or hard (H) soles.
JULIETA
La Julieta is a beginner's pointe shoe designed for the first years of pointe work. Its flexible sole and low upper make it easier to rise onto pointe. Its shape is specially designed with more enveloping sides and heel for better support of the foot when flat and on pointe.
Available in three widths:
narrow (N), medium (M), and wide (L).
ALICIA
The Alicia pointe shoe is designed to meet the needs of dancers who have already been dancing for several years. Its ¾ sole makes it easier to rise onto pointe and ensures the foot is positioned correctly at the front.
Available in medium (M) and wide (W) widths, with two levels of hardness: medium (M) or hard (H).
ANNA
Designed for narrow feet, the Anna pointe shoe is ideal for intermediate or advanced beginner dancers. The heel is adjusted at the back for a good fit, and the front of the shoe is refined to lengthen the line of the foot.
Available in narrow (N), medium (M), and wide (L) widths, with soft (S), medium (M), or hard (H) soles.
CARLOTTA
The Carlotta is inspired by Repetto's custom-made Pointe shoe. It benefits from technological advances developed in close collaboration with the University of Compiègne. With its high upper and reinforced wings, it offers both style and comfort. With a wide range of options, the Carlotta is suitable for all levels and adapts to all body types.
Available in four widths: narrow (N), medium (M), wide (L) or extra wide (XL), and three sole hardnesses: soft (S), medium (M) or hard (H).
GAMBA
The G93 and G97 pointe shoes are working pointe shoes for intermediate and advanced dancers. The wide, square platform makes it easier to balance on pointe, and the V-shaped neckline and high heel provide better foot support.
Available in medium (M), wide (W), and extra wide (XW) widths, with medium (M) or hard (H) soles.
CARLOTTA
The Carlotta is inspired by Repetto's custom-made Pointe shoe. It benefits from technological advances developed in close collaboration with the University of Compiègne. With its high upper and reinforced wings, it offers both style and comfort. With a wide range of options, the Carlotta is suitable for all levels and adapts to all body types.
Available in four widths: narrow (N), medium (M), wide (L) or extra wide (XL), and three sole hardnesses: soft (S), medium (M) or hard (H).
GAMBA
The G93 and G97 pointe shoes are working pointe shoes for intermediate and advanced dancers. The wide, square platform makes it easier to balance on pointe, and the V-shaped neckline and high heel provide better foot support.
Available in medium (M), wide (W), and extra wide (XW) widths, with medium (M) or hard (H) soles.
SEWING ELASTICS AND RIBBONS
Most Repetto pointe shoes (Julieta, Alicia, Anna) are sold with cotton ribbons already sewn on. Other pointe shoes (Carlotta and Gamba) come with a set of satin ribbons. To sew them on, we recommend folding the back of the shoe and sewing the ribbons at the fold.
For a better fit, we recommend sewing elastic bands:
• Around the ankle for beginners
• Crosswise over the instep for experienced dancers
USING TOE CAPS
For added comfort, toe caps can be used to cushion the pressure of the pointe shoe on the toes.
POINTE SHOES CARE
We recommend letting your pointe shoes air dry between classes to prevent them from wearing out too quickly. To increase the longevity of the pointe shoes, you can varnish the inside of the box and the sole with hardening varnish.
For any questions, we invite you to contact our customer service team customer service team or visit one of our boutiques, where our staff will be delighted to assist you and provide information about our services.
