Pointe Shoe Anatomy

Binding: the fabric channel through which the drawstring runs

Box or Block: the stiff toe cup that encases the toes

Box Liner: the soft fabric that lines the inside of the box

Girth: the measurement around the widest part of the foot, at the metatarsals at the ball of the foot

High Profile: a pointe shoe box, often cylindrical, with a relatively large space between the outer sole and the top of the foot

Low Profile: a pointe shoe box with a generally flat shape and a relatively small space between the outer sole and the top of the box

Metatarsals: the five bones between the ankle and the toes. Pointe shoe fitting is especially concerned with the area near the ball of the foot

Outer Sole: the bottom part of the shoe, usually made of synthetic or leather, which is in contact with the floor when the dancer stands in the normal flat position

Platform: the part of the pointe shoe on which the dancer stands when en pointe

Pronation: the rolling inward of the foot so that when standing flat, more weight is on the ball of the foot than on the outside

Quarter: the part of the shoe covering the sides and heel of the foot

Shank: the stiff insole that provides support

Sockliner: the soft fabric that lies directly underneath the foot and runs the length of the shoe

Supination: the rolling outward of the foot so that when standing flat, more weight is on the outside of the foot than on the ball of the foot

Throat: the opening of the shoe nearest the toes

Vamp: the part of the shoe that covers the tops of the toes and the foot

Vamp Elastic: wide, firm elastic sewn at the throat of the shoe to extend the vamp and cover the top of the foot

Winged Box: a box with extra-long, stiff sides