Dolce has a wide toe platform, medium crown and generous box. This beautiful model proves that a pointe shoe can be demure, graceful, and athletic all at the same time. Dolce is best suited to the "diamond" foot shape, with wide, less tapered toes.

V-cut without drawstring
4 widths
3 vamp lengths
11 shank options

Use the size conversion chart as a general guideline for approximate pointe shoe size. Final size selection will be made during a careful fitting. Toe pads and spacers, model choice, width, and a dancer's personal preference will affect size selection.

Choose a width that hugs the foot snugly without pain. Any gapping or excess fabric indicates the need for a narrower width or smaller size. Keep in mind that the shoes will stretch slightly, widening slightly at the metatarsal, as the dancer breaks them in. 

Each model is available in three vamps. The preferred vamp may be chosen without affecting any other feature or measurement of the shoe. The precise length of a short, medium, or long vamp increases or decreases proportionally with shoe size. A correctly chosen vamp provides support without restricting movement. If the vamp is too low, the toes show, which is unattractive and uncomfortable, and compromises support. If the vamp is too high, it cuts into the foot, often painfully, and movement is restricted especially during roll-through.

Whenever possible, examine the dancer's old pair of pointe shoes. When shoes have been properly selected in all specifications to match the dancer's foot shape and technical needs, the platform will be worn evenly.

Classic & Polette Collection Shanks

(Brio, Celesta, Dolce, Entrada, Polette, Polette 3/4, Grande)

Standard

Designed for springing onto pointe, standard shanks feature a solid shank from the toe platform through the ball of the foot. Recommended for dancers who break shanks in the ball of the foot. Available in seven strengths.

Flexible

Flexible shanks feature a cutout design at the ball of the foot for extra lightness, enhancing demi-pointe and roll-through. Available in four strengths.

Why doesn't the Flexible series include Soft shank strengths?

The distinctive construction of Russian Pointe Flexible shanks is in the cutout design in the ball of the foot. Original (Classic and Polette) shanks softer than Medium (M) have a pressed cardboard component that is too short to be cut out in the ball of the foot. If a dancer finds that a Medium Flexible (MF) shank is too hard, she should try a Standard shank in Medium Soft (MS), Soft (S), or Super-Soft (SS).

Because of the innovative technology and new materials of next generation shanks, lower-strength shanks can be cut slightly longer than in the Classic and Polette Collections, making the Flexible shank construction possible in Soft (FS).

Why isn't the Polette 3/4 offered in Hard shank strengths?

The Polette 3/4 features a 3/4-length outsole for enhanced flexibility and lightness in the heel area. Shanks harder than Medium (M) have a pressed cardboard component that is longer than the shoe's outsole. This would counteract the benefits of a ¾ shank.

What is the best shank choice for beginners?

There is no definitive answer to this question. When fitting all dancers, including beginners, Russian Pointe suggests focusing first on selecting the properly fitting toe platform, size, width, and vamp, and then choosing the shank. Many professional instructors favor lighter shanks for beginners. Lighter shanks allow beginners to experience roll-through and develop foot strength without over-reliance on the shoe as a prop. All dancers should learn that pointe shoes are meant to provide support, but that strength in the feet must be developed from the beginning if proper technique is to be achieved. Even in the first year, however, different dancers have different needs. For example, a dancer with very strong, high arches may require a stronger shank as a beginner than a dancer with flatter arches. Ultimately, shank choice for beginners is the same as for more advanced dancers: choose the shank that best matches the dancer's needs. The right shank strength provides adequate support while allowing proper placement on full pointe and the desired level of flexibility for roll-through.