There is no such thing as a wide-footed pointe shoe. Pointe shoes are designed to fit snugly around the foot, and they are not made in widths. Some brands of pointe shoes offer slightly wider toe boxes than others, but they are not designed for dancers with wide feet.
If a dancer has wide feet, she will likely need to have her pointe shoes custom-made or modified to fit her foot properly. But in this article, I’m going to talk about the 5 best pointe shoes for wide feet that might work for you.
5 Best Pointe Shoes for Wide Feet Reviewed
- Capezio Women's Aria Pointe Shoe — Top Pick
- Grishko 2007 - Hard Shank — Runner Up
- Capezio Women's 176 Contempora Pointe Shoe — Premium Choice
- Capezio Women's Donatella
- Capezio womens Tiffany PRO Pointe Shoe
This review describes the five best pointe shoes for wide feet available on Amazon. Learn a little about each of them and their pros and cons. This will help you decide which shoes you need.
1. Capezio Women’s Aria Pointe Shoe
The Capezio Women’s Aria Pointe Shoe is loved by many. It is often said that this shoe is perfect for dancers who have flat feet and need a sturdy, but the comfortable shoe.
The Capezio Women’s Aria Pointe Shoe is a must-have for any ballerina. These shoes are made of soft and moisture-absorbent linings that are light on the feet and help keep dancers light on their feet. The low-cut back and sides help reduce gathers and prevent slippage.
These shoes have the traditional toe box, and the U throat, and can accommodate a wider range of feet. These shoes are made of 100% satin and the pattern has a 3/8″ lower back and 1/4″ lower sides reducing gathering and creasing. The Capezio Women’s Aria Pointe Shoe comes in sizes 5-11 in US sizes.
- Delivers support and stability;
- The shank is strong;
- The satin is soft and allows for a quick break-in period;
- The ribbons are strong, and the elastic is in good shape.
- The shank is too high.
2. Grishko 2007 – Hard Shank
The Grishko 2007 – Hard Shank is a Grishko pointe shoe for wide feet for professional dancers. It is designed to be silent on stage and reduce noise with its new, noise-reducing strip on the pointe platform and sole. The new glue and new box assembly also reduce the length of the stiff part of the vamp. The box is a little tight but the issue can be fixed with some water.
There is a “no-box” option for dancers who prefer a slipper-like pointe shoe. The shoe will not stretch and is not suitable for try-on so it is recommended that you order your usual size. Based on the original 2007, this shoe is wonderful and is recommended.
- Great for those with wide feet;
- Nice thick shank for support and stability;
- Easy to adjust.
- Takes time to heat up and soften.
3. Capezio Women’s 176 Contempora Pointe Shoe
Pointe shoes are considered to be the basic foundation of ballet. Therefore, buying a good pair is important. Capezio has been making shoes since 1887 and in that time, they have become well-known for the fine quality and craftsmanship of their designs.
The Capezio Women’s 176 Contempora Pointe Shoe provides a medium amount of support. The shoes are also a perfect blend of comfort and durability. The design also offers a soft, suede sole that is comfortable on the feet. Furthermore, the U-throat is designed to keep you in balance and the pointed toe helps to provide additional support.
Ultimately, the Capezio Women’s 176 Contempora Pointe Shoe is a handsome and sturdy pointe shoe that provides ample support and comfort.
- Has very good durability;
- Has a wide platform;
- Has a pointe that lets you tippy-toe.
- The box is made of stiff material.
4. Capezio Women’s Donatella
The Capezio Women’s Donatella shoe is made for female dancers with a petite frame. The Donatella is a 2-shank half skived shoe that is narrow and enhanced heel curve with a slight U shape in the throat. Some features include a cotton-backed-rayon. The Donatella is available in sizes and widths.
Further features include a sculpted arch and box toe shape. The shoe has a moderate box toe shape feathered full wing-box and elasticized binding. The Donatella has a plush rose to pad an anti-slip interior lining and a thin leather sole.
The Capezio Women’s Donatella shoe is made for female dancers who need a shoe with a moderate box toe shape feathered full wing box. The Donatella has a cotton-backed-rayon, a low vamp, and a narrow and enhanced heel curve.
- They have super soft leather. It’s flexible and breathable;
- They are comfortable;
- They come in a wide range of colors.
- They run small.
5. Capezio womens Tiffany PRO Pointe Shoe
Pointe shoes are a must for any female dancer. Typical pointe shoes can be very stiff and hard to break in. The Capezio women’s Tiffany PRO Pointe Shoe, however, has a satin lining to make them much more comfortable and is shaped to fit the footwell. Made with high-quality leather, the shoe is durable and will hold up for years.
The shoe is named for its tapered feathered toe box. With these shoes, you can take your dancing to the next level and extend your career longer. The Capezio women’s Tiffany PRO Pointe Shoe is perfect for dancers of any level.
- The heel is made of hard durable plastic;
- The shoe is comfortable and allows for a lot of movement and flexibility;
- The shoe has a great grip. It is not slippery at all.
- The shoe is a little hard to get on at the beginning but once you wear it for a day or two it will feel fine.
Best Pointe Shoes for Wide Feet Buyer’s Guide
Wide-footed pointe shoes are designed to be roomier inside than traditional pointe shoes. They are designed to decrease the pressure on the toes and allow more space for the toes so that they have more room to move without giving out.
What are the pointe shoes for wide feet?
So, what are the best pointe shoes for wide feet? It’s important to know that every pointe shoe has a different width. Pointe shoe manufacturers list the “box” width on the inside of the shoe, which is the measurement of the length of the box, not the shoe itself. It’s crucial to know how wide your feet are before you buy pointe shoes. Pointe shoes are not all created equal, so it’s vital to find out if the shoes you’re looking at fit your feet.
Typically, widths are offered at 4A (the narrowest width), 4.5A, 4.5B 5A, 5.5A, and 5.5B (the widest width). If you’re looking for pointe shoes for wide feet, or have a wider box, try 5.5A or 5.5B.
Features to Consider When Buying the pointe shoes for wide feet
The size of the pointe shoes. To make sure that you will not regret your purchase decision, it is important to verify your size. Buy pointe shoes that are at least a size bigger than what you are used to.
The width of the pointe shoes. Make sure that the wide feet pointe shoes you buy will fit. If you want a more snug fit, you may want to watch for pointe shoes that are tight as you go up a size.
The height of the pointe shoes. The height of the pointe shoes can vary. The higher the heel, the narrower the pointe shoe. In general, a higher heel is better for people with a shorter leg and a lower heel is better for people with a longer leg.
The width of the box. Pointe shoes come in a variety of widths. The most common width is a medium width, which is perfect for people with wide feet.
The type of material. Pointe shoes require a lot of flexibility and they can break if they are not made of stretchy material. Pointe shoes that are made of latex are often more flexible than those that are made of canvas.
Deciding on the Best pointe shoes for wide feet for You
It is impossible to pinpoint one specific pointe shoe that will work for all feet. However, if you have a wide foot, you will want to choose shoes that are designed to accommodate a wider foot. The shoes will tend to be a little wider and have a slightly wider toe box.
Conclusion
In general, there is no such thing as pointe shoes with a wide sole. Pointe shoes are designed to fit snugly on the foot and have a medium-width toe and a slightly flared box. Some brands (such as Gaynor Minden) offer shoes with a wider toe, but they are not technically pointe shoes. But the pointe shoes above can fit a wide foot. This article describes several pointe shoe brands for wide feet.
Pointe shoes with a wide sole are also usually made of a softer material that provides more support and cushioning.