Pointe Shoe Essentials for Beginners: Fittings, Must-Haves & First Pointe Shoes Explained

Starting pointe work is one of the most exciting milestones in a ballet dancer’s journey. Whether you’re an adult beginner or a younger student, preparing for your first pointe shoes is both thrilling and a little overwhelming. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know before your first pointe shoe fitting, plus the essential tools every beginner ballerina should have.

Why You Should Always Go to a Professional Pointe Shoe Fitter

One of the biggest mistakes beginners make is ordering pointe shoes online, yes, even from Amazon. Pointe shoes are not like regular ballet slippers or dance sneakers. They are highly specialized, and the wrong fit can lead to blisters, injuries, or even long-term foot problems.

A professional pointe shoe fitter will carefully assess your foot shape, toe length, arch, and strength to match you with the best shoe brand and model for your body. No two dancers are alike, and having the right fit is the difference between dancing safely and struggling in pain. If you don’t have a local fitter, many places now offer virtual fittings, such as The Pointe Shop, where experts can guide you through the process from home.

Pointe Shoe Essentials for Beginners

Once you’ve had your fitting, you’ll need a few key items to start pointe training:

• Pointe Shoes (fitted to you specifically)

  • Ask your ballet teacher for recommendations or do a virtual fitting if there is not a professional fitter near you. Suggestion for virtual fittings: The Pointe Shop

• Ribbons and Elastic (*sewn onto your shoes to hold your foot in place, sewing tutorial coming soon)

  • Ribbons: I highly recommend ribbons with elastics sewn into them. This allows you to tie your ribbons around your ankle with more customization (just plain ribbons do not stretch and can be frustrating if you don't cut them to the exact length you need for tying). Suggestions: Bloch Elastorib or Bunhead Flexers

  • Elastic: As a beginner, I'd go for a classic elastic, nothing "fancy" needed. Suggestion: RP Standard 7/8" Elastic

  • *Sewing Supplies: If you don't already have simple sewing supplies, all you need is a needle, thread, and scissors. Optional: seam ripper, needle threader, lighter/matches to seal ribbons (needed if you don't buy pre-cut ribbons), pins. Suggestion: Bloch Sewing Kit

• Toe pads (for cushioning)

  • Be sure to wear the same toe pads for your pointe shoe fitting that you plan to wear in class - different toe pads can affect the fit of your shoe. Suggestion: Eurotard Toe Pads

• Ballet tights

  • Be sure to get some transition/convertible tights, as they have holes at the bottom of the feet for easy access to your foot for pointe gear. Suggestion: Capezio Transition Tights

• Toe Tape Supplies

  • Adhesive Bandages (pretty much any brand will do)

  • Adhesive Cloth Tape (for securing your bandages). Suggestion: CVS Cloth Tape

• Blister Protection

  • I highly recommend these, especially for long rehearsals. Suggestions: Dancer Dots or Hexagels

• Optional: Calamine Lotion or Foundation + Makeup Sponges (for shoe customization)

  • Pointe shoes often come in a satin finish, and some ballet companies like dancers to make them look matte with calamine lotion. Simply use a makeup sponge to dab a small amount of calamine lotion on the shoe, elastic, and ribbons - then let it dry.

  • Brands are becoming more inclusive with ballet shoe colors, but it may be hard to find your shade as a beginner if you're limited to the pointe shoe stock at your local ballet store. If you'd like your shoes to match your skin tone, use some foundation and a makeup sponge to paint your shoes, elastic, and ribbon - then let it dry. Tip: you don't need to use any high-end foundation, grab a bottle of inexpensive foundation from the dollar store to use instead.

• Optional: Dancing Disc (for safer at-home practice)

  • The Dancing Disc is a great training aid for having a professional, portable dance floor, as well as for improving balance and turning strength. This will be kinder to your pointe shoes for at-home (or on-the-go) practice, compared to other surfaces like tile. Use my affiliate code SWANLAKE for 10% off at Dancing Disc, this will generate affiliate commission if purchased from (which helps support the channel).

What to Expect at Your First Pointe Shoe Fitting

Your first pointe shoe fitting may feel a little intimidating, but it’s actually a really fun experience. The fitter will bring out several styles for you to try, and you’ll test them out by standing at the barre, rising up to relevé, and checking how your foot feels in each pair.

The most important thing to remember comfort and support come first. Your pointe shoes should feel snug but not painful, supportive but not restrictive. Trust the fitter’s expertise, they’ve worked with countless dancers before you.

Important Reminder for Beginners

Starting pointe is a serious step in ballet training. While online videos and guides like this one are helpful, they should never replace in-person instruction with a qualified ballet teacher. Your teacher knows when your body is strong enough for pointe and will guide you through safe technique.

Coming Up in the Intro to Pointe Series

If you’re starting your pointe journey, you’ll definitely want to check out the rest of my series:

• How to Sew Pointe Shoe Ribbons

• Beginner Pointe Tips + First Steps on Pointe

Starting pointe is a milestone worth celebrating, so get ready to feel like a real ballerina with the right tools, the right shoes, and the right guidance.