We distinguish three types of the foot: “Egyptian type”, “Greek type” and “Roman type.” All of them influence the selection of professional dance shoes.
Before choosing the best pointe shoes for the Egyptian feet, let’s talk a little about the features of the Egyptian foot. If you draw an imaginary line from the tip of the first finger to the little finger, you get a straight line at an angle of 45 degrees. Such a foot is less stable when working on pointe shoes and requires some specifics in their selection. That is what we will discuss.
Best PointeShoes for Egyptian Feet Reviewed
- WENDYWU Dance Shoes – Top Pick
- IJONDA Ballet Shoes – Runner Up
- Sansha Recital Dance Shoes
- Capezio Women's Aria Dance Shoe
- Grishko 2007 Hard Shank Balley Shoes
The selection is based on my personal experience.
1. WENDYWU Dance Shoes: Best Pointe Shoose for Egyptian Feet
This brand has been on the market for over 20 years and consistently pleases its customers with quality. Howevr, the main reason for this choice of mine is the egyptian feet shape. These shoes are perfect for me. I use them in class and for performances. The kit consists of the pointes themselves, a bag, sewn-on ribbons and toe pads.
The material for this model is satin. The sole is, made of durable, wear-resistant German paper. Such material brings flexibility and, at the same time, does not require breaking before use.
The manufacturer made the frame for these shoes from plastic. This makes them lighter and more durable. Moreover, such a structure will save you from the necessary preparation of shoes before use.
Thanks to a wide size grid, these shoes will suit both a small child and an adult professional dancer. You can also further adjust the size thanks to the elastic sewn into the pointes.
I should also note that it is possible to choose a color. The company offers classic powder, pale pink, white, black, red and blue.
- Wide selection of colors
- Convenient and fast customization process (no need to break shoes or sew on ribbons)
- Reliable fixation of the foot and toes due to the one-piece sole and shank;Wide range of sizes for adults and children
- The box may be too soft for professional adult dancers
2. IJONDA Ballet Shoes: The Runner-up
These pointes from one of the famous traditional brands are also suitable for the Egyptian foot. I use them as a replacement pair when you need to practice a lot, and one pair of shoes ise not enough.
High-quality satin served as the basis for these pointes. The sock enhances the more durable satin. This helps them last longer and wear out less.
The manufacturer uses a durable one-piece sole made of thick German paper with an embossed logo. This structure provides the stability that the Egyptian foot needs. At the same time, the embossing gives flexibility for plies and jumps.
There are models for adults and children in the dimensional grid. The elastic band in pointes will provide an even tighter fit to the leg.
The shoes come with toe pads and a cute printed pouch for easy storage. The manufacturer has already sewn ribbons on them, so you do not have to wastetime on this.
- Several colors: powdery, black, red
- Convenient and fast customization process (no need to break pointe shoes or sew on ribbons)
- The special bend of the sole and the wok material, which ensures the wear resistance of the shoe
- Wide range of sizes for adults and children. Elastic bands will help you to choose the size more tightly.
- Fewer color and size options than the last mentioned model.
3. Sansha Recital Dance Shoes: Best Pointe Shoes for Egyptian Feet in Premium Sector
This brand is relatively new to the market. Its history began in 1982 with the sensational introduction of split-sole pointe shoes. Such pointe shoes are used by my colleague, a professional ballerina. She also has an Egyptian foot.
Pointe shoes are made from 100% natural material. Satin is the base of the shoes. The leather sole is soft enough for mobility and lightness, yet provides the necessary support for the Egyptian shaped feet.
Pointe shoes are made from 100% natural material. Satin is the base of the shoes. The leather sole is soft enough for mobility and lightness yet provides the necessary support for the Egyptian foot.
The elastic band complements pointe shoes well and will help to fix the leg with a high instep. I want to note that the ribbons must be purchased and sewn separately.
- Reliable fixation of the foot and toes due to the one-piece sole and shank
- Wide range of sizes for adults and children
- Convenient and fast customization process (no need to break pointe shoes)
- The manufacturer uses only natural, high-quality materials
- You need to buy and sew ribbons yourself.
4. Capezio Women’s Aria Dance Shoe. Best Shoes for the Money
This brand with a long history is a true fan of traditional solutions. At the same time, they bring modern technologies. My colleague, a classical ballet teacher, recommends these pointe shoes to her students with Egyptian feet. Let’s take a look at them in more detail.
This is a simple classic solution. The leather outsole provides support for the foot. Satin as a natural, durable and hygienic material, serves as the basis for these pointe shoes.
The sizes are intended for teenagers and adults, with different widths for any kind of feet. An elastic band sewn into pointe shoes will help correct inaccuracies in size.
The box is made in the traditional way. Keep in mind that pen boxes weigh more but last less than the plastic ones.
The manufacturer assumes a separate purchase of ribbons and other accessories for pointe shoes.
- Reliable fixation of the foot and toes due to the one-piece sole and shank
- The special bend of the sole and the wok material, which ensures the wear resistance of the shoe
- The manufacturer uses only natural high-quality materials
- Dimensional grid for teenagers and adults, the ability to regulate the size of the shoe
- The box may be too soft for professional adult dancers
5. Grishko 2007 Hard Shank Balley Shoes: Traditional Point Shoes for Egyptian Foot
This St. Petersburg company is truly legendary. Everyone involved in ballet must have heard of them. Here you will be offered everything you need for ballet classes.
My colleague, a classical dance teacher, uses these pointe shoes herself and recommends them to her students. They are also suitable for Egyptian feett.
Adults and teenagers will be able to choose the right size and width for themselves. The rubber band perfectly corrects all errors in size and helps to fix the foot as tightly as possible.
The V-neckline is classic and fits any instep. True, for a high rise, you will have to sew on an additional elastic band.
All pointe shoes of this company are traditionally made from completely natural materials by hand. Satin and leather provide ergonomics and are more hygienic. Feathers and plaster are used for the box, which is customary in the traditional approach.
- Reliable fixation of the foot and toes due to the one-piece sole and shank
- The special bend of the sole and the wok material, which ensures the wear resistance of the shoe
- The manufacturer uses only natural high-quality materials
- The company fabricates these shoes, using traditional technologies proven by many years of experience
- You need to buy and sew ribbons
What are the best pointe shoes for Egyptian feet?
If you have an Egyptian foot, then choose pointe shoes with a conical box (narrowed to the bottom). It is also important that the fingers in the glass are firmly pressed against the fabric of the shoe but not squeezed by it.
When trying on, lift one foot on your toes and lean on them. If the toes in the box feel too loose, then choose smaller shoes or a box of a different shape. If the fingers under the pressure of the foot do not reach the edge of the heel, then the box is small.
In the correct position, the weight of the body is distributed on the first 3 fingers, and they are well fixed. If pointe shoes are chosen incorrectly, this is signaled by pain in the big toe!
Benefits of a pointe shoe
Each brand has different benefits, but there are universal points. Note the following:
- The insole can be molded to a dancer’s unique foot contour from the first time she puts on her pointe shoes.
- Pointe shoes feature a streamlined, rounded outsole, an extended platform for maximum support, a beveled back for improved strides, and attractive elastic laces.
- Short drying time.
- Handmade.
- No need to break in pointe shoes.
- The ability to adjust the size and other parameters to the dancer’s foot.
Tips for choosing pointe shoes if you have Egyptian feet
The shape of the box of pointe shoes depends on the shape and width of the sock. An improperly selected box can cause deformation of the fingers and nails, painand other troubles. It is necessary to find pointe shoes with a box shape that follows the contours of the foot closest.
When trying on shoes, try to push your foot forward to the very end: if a finger or more fits into the heel, then they are too long for you. Ideally, there should be no more than 5-7 mm of free space. It is also not recommended to take pointe shoes for outgrowth, as in the process of training you can get injured.
When putting on pointes, check if the height of your foot changes a lot. In a situation where the foot almost does not lose volume during compression, it is better to find shoes with a higher height.
FAQ on Best Pointe Shoes for Egyptian Feet
What pointe shoes are best for Egyptian feet?
If you have an Egyptian foot, then choose pointes with a conical box (narrowed to the bottom). They follow the shape of the foot and provide greater stability.
What are Egyptian toes?
Such toes are characterized by a long thumb and a decrease in length of the remaining four fingers (1>2>3>4>5). This is the most common form of the foot: according to various sources, 50-70% of the population of our planet has such feet.
How to identify if you have Egyptian feet?
This can be done by visually comparing your foot with the characteristics of each of the 3 foot types. Starting from the longest toe, the thumb, the toes go shorter.
Pick the Best Pointe Shooes for Egyptian Feet
To buy shoes that will become not only an ideal assistant for you in ballet choreography but also a beautiful detail of your dance image, you must take into account many nuances.
The shape of the foot is one of the important indicators in this choice. With the Egyptian foot, you should buy pointes narrowed to the bottom. I recommend WENDYWU Dance Shoes based on my own experience.
Now I’m interested to hear from you. Do you know your foot type? Do you use this knowledge when choosing pointe shoes? You are welcome to tell in the comments.