Craftmanship
Russian Pointe shoes are created by hand in Moscow by master cobblers working in the world-renowned tradition of Russian ballet shoemaking. To make shoes for Russian Pointe, all cobblers undergo rigorous training, with months of initial observation, study and practice followed by years of perfecting their craft.
The Russian Pointe method combines old-world hand-craftsmanship with modern equipment that helps ensure the high level of precision and consistency needed to create truly functional, reliable and beautiful pointe shoes. Here, a cobbler pierces components of the sole, preparatory to sewing sole and shank together.
For consistency, the satin and cotton that make up the pointe shoe’s upper are cut by machine. Then, each upper is sewn individually. Every pointe shoe model, size and width has its own pattern, and sewers must work carefully to maintain that unique shape as the pieces come together.
When it leaves the sewing room, the pointe shoe looks like a slipper, made entirely of fabric. Then, it is turned, in the classic method of pointe shoemaking, and fitted onto the cobbler’s “last.”
