Pointe Shoes for REALLY Wide Feet

by Hannah
(Oklahoma)

I have xxx wide feet and I have Gamba 97 xxx 36 1/2 with an unbreakable shank and they are too long.

All pointe shoe brands I wear a triple x width. I have pretty good arches but I am looking for new shoes.

Do you have any suggestions on what style/brand I should try?

Thank you!
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Hi Hannah!

I know that there are a lot of dancers who deal with the same issue.

You sound like a great candidate for ordering custom made pointe shoes. A lot of ballerinas use custom made shoes, especially if there is a big difference between the width of the heel and the width of the ball of the foot. And it would take care of the "shoe too long" problem.

The process is much simpler than trying shoe after shoe and only adds $7-$15 to the price of the shoe.

Click here for steps of custom ordering shoes.

Also, have you tried a professional fitting? If you can, get fitted before you custom order your shoes. They will be able to give you the exact sizes you need for each part of your foot and even help you with a custom order.

Fittings are an investment of time and money ($10-20 that is put toward the price of your shoe if you decide to buy), but again it is easier than guessing over and over.

To find a professional fitter (make sure they have training!) call around to different shoe stores in your area. Tell them that you are interested in custom ordering and make sure they are familiar with that process before setting up an appointment!

It might take some work, but I know that you will find a shoe that fits your foot like a glove! When you do, will you write back and let us know what worked for you?

Happy hunting!

Ashleigh