Grishko Pointe Shoes

These are perfectly balanced and must stand alone in their last test before leaving the factory. The platform must be absolutely square for perfect placement. The 'Roll through' feature gives an effortless transition from demi-pointe to pointe. The curved last gives an exquisite line to the foot. The shoes are quiet and very durable.

The shoes have 3 basic designs - the VAGANOVA, the FOUETTE., and our newest the 2007.

We are also proud to introduce the 2007 Pro and ProFlex, and the Fouette ProFlex models. These incorporate the PRO technology for quientness and the FLEX technology for elasticity that helps conserve muscle energy and enhances comfort.

Grishko DEMI-POINTE or EXAM shoes come in the Vaganova, Fouette and 2007 styles. Research has shown that they are the best way to prepare and strengthen dancers for Pointe work.

The Shanks of all styles of Pointe shoe range from Soft to Superhard. Most people who are well prepared for Pointe work wear a medium shank. A hard shank is useful if the dancer is able to push the foot outwards too much in a medium. The other consideration for a hard shank would be for the heavier dancer. Superhards are mainly worn by professionals. The shoes come in size 1 to size 8 with half sizes in between and in 5 widths. (i.e. X very narrow and XXXXX the broadest.)

The Vaganova design is for feet that are well arched, as it has a long vamp. It is very useful for people with long toes as it will grip the foot around the metatarsal arch and prevent the foot from collapsing into the shoe if fitted tightly enough. If toes are uneven lengths, for example 2nd or 3rd toe is longer than the rest, it is vital to fit a Vaganova to prevent injuries. These shoes are also a good fit on people with little toes that stick out, as the wings should enclose this problem.

The Fouette design mostly applies to dancers who have more even toes and shorter toes. A fouette dancer will like the feel of the foot being well into the shoe. The lower vamp is well suited to dancers who don't have a big arch.

New on the market, the 2007 is easy to fit and is suited to a fairly standard type foot with no extremes in arch, toes or width. It has a U-shaped medium vamp that is very supportive without being constrictive, and a much-appreciated ¾ shank. It is supplied with a drawstring that can be pulled out or stitched down on either side of the heel so as not to damage the surface blood vessels. The shoe is one of our lightest and has a stitched suede sole for quietness. The platform is similar in size to a Fouette.

Grishko Slippers

The Slippers are made of Linen (very hard wearing and washable) in white, black and pink. They have a split or regular sole and are designed to anatomically fit the foot especially when it is a half pointe, when it has enough space for the toes to spread out. The area under the arch of the foot is uniquely designed to pull up into the arch when the foot is pointed.