Discuss the variations in foot shape and the type of shoes that are required for each foot shape.

There are three basic foot shapes, each of which is defined by a different configuration of the toes. When choosing pointe shoes, the first step is to look at your toes, which can be one of three shapes—Egyptian, Grecian or Giselle. Once you know your toe shape, you can narrow down which shoes will fit you best—tapered, somewhat tapered or square.