Anatomy of a Pointe Shoe

• The platform is the section of the shoe that you dance on. You should try to get as far over onto it as possible.
• The vamp is the top of the box which covers the toes.
• The pleats is the area between the shank and the platform which helps support the toes.
• The leather sole , or shank, is the area which supports the arch.
• The drawstring, similar to in a ballet slipper, tightens to fit the shoe to the foot like a glove or a second layer of skin.
• The side wing and side quarters fit snuggly to the foot. The ribbons and sometimes the elastic is sewn into the inside of the side quarters.
• The binding essentially holds the shoe together and helps it for better.
• Also, the ribbons and elastic hold the shoe onto the foot by the lower ankles.