pointe shoes today are made like a tight well-fitted slipper with shinny satin material. The toe area of the shoe is known as the box and it is layers off fabric stuck together in a shape the resembles a three sided box. this where the shoe gets it stiffness from it also where all the support comes from. the centre area the pointe shoe is made of stiff leather, this stops the show from moving when it is not needed and to support the foot when raising en pointe. to keep the shoe secure on the foot all sew on ribbons to each side and then tightly rap and tie them around the ankle. dancers normal go through many pairs of shoes due to the heat softening the glue which makes the box no longer supportive to the foot. Marie Taglionis pointe shoes where on the other side where the opposite with them not having a box at the front. she had to darn her shoes on the sides and around her toes to secure. keep the slipper in the correct place and to offer support.
http://www.australianballet.com.au/watch_listen/video/the_slipper - pointe shoes.
http://www.australianballet.com.au/education/about_ballet/the_pointe_shoe
http://www.australianballet.com.au/watch_listen/video/the_slipper - pointe shoes.
http://www.australianballet.com.au/education/about_ballet/the_pointe_shoe