The invention is a Pointe shoe for ballet. It has a rigid mid-foot section and
a rigid toe loop connected by a transverse axis joint located at the metatarsal-phalange
joint (M-P). With the foot in Pointe position, the weight of the dancer is supported
by the rigid mid-foot section. The downward force is passed through the M-P joint
to the front of the toe loop. None of the weight of the dancer needs to be supported
by the toes. In contrast, prior art Pointe shoes have a rigid shank and toe cup
to assist the toes in supporting the weight of the dancer. The toes have small
bones, muscles, and ligaments. This often results in pain and injury to the toes.
The shoe of the invention has a mid-foot section that is shaped with support surfaces
for the sole of the heel bone and the dorsal side of the cuneiform and metatarsal
bones. These bones are larger and stronger than the bones of the toes. This shoe
provides a larger area of bone and tissue to support the weight of the dancer on
Pointe. It is more comfortable to use and results in fewer injuries.