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Focus: Choosing a Shank  
 
Russian Pointe Newsletter, August 2009 
Shank Basics
 
Every Russian Pointe shank has two components: a lightly supportive full-length layer, and a stiffer layer for stronger support. Hard, medium and soft refer to the length of the stiffer layer. When that layer is shorter, the shank is stiffest behind the ball of the foot. A longer layer gives more support farther up the sole toward the heel. Standard and Flexible refer to whether the shank is solid or features a cutout behind the box. (Scroll down for shank diagrams.)
 
Choosing the right shank isn't just about its level of support. The shape of the dancer's foot is just as important as her strength, flexibility and technique. For example, two dancers might both need moderate support. Should they get the same shanks? Possibly, but if their feet are shaped differently it is more likely that they will need different shanks.
Principles for Choosing a Shank
 
The shank should correspond to and flatter the dancer's arch. The dancer should not have to manipulate the shoe to break it in, or alter it to make it perform properly on her foot. The shank should provide the level of support she needs without restricting movement or functioning as a prop.
 
Consider these factors:
  • Foot shape, including degree and placement of arch
  • Strength in feet and body
  • Flexibility throughout foot
  • Technical level
  • Technical requirements and preferences (style, choreography)
Case study 1Dancer #1
Moderately flexible foot, with apparent muscular strength. Arch slopes gently, with the apex (strongest angle) fairly high on the foot (closer to the heel).
 
Shank suggestions: Several options might work well for this dancer. Start with Medium Flexible, to match the foot's shape (not extending past the arch's apex). If she wants the support of a solid shank, try Medium Soft or Soft (Standard Series). She could try Medium-Hard Flexible, but it might be too long for her arch. A pre-arched model would give extra arch conformity and easy break-in, but her moderately curved arch would not require the pre-arched shape.
Case study 2Dancer #2 
Very flexible with a high arch and instep. Arch's apex is high on the foot. Entire foot is flexible, even the toes. Flexibility is balanced by clearly well developed muscular strength.
 
Shank suggestions: To match shape of arch, try a Medium Hard shank. The dancer is strong enough for either a Standard or Flexible design, depending on her technical requirements and preferences. However, the degree of bending in her toes suggests a Standard shank; the solid design would support her flexibility, and her feet are strong enough to work through demi-pointe in any shank type. The extreme arch suggests a pre-arched model, to better support and conform to the foot and limit strain on both foot and shoe. 
Case study 3Dancer #3
Relatively flat arch, without a lot of strength in the foot. Relatively inflexible, especially near the toes.
 
Shank suggestions: Start with Medium Soft (Standard Series). The solid shank gives the support she needs on pointe. The short shank length would help her reach full pointe, with enough flexibility in the arch to enhance the appearance of the foot. She could try a Medium Flexible or Flexible Soft, if the Flexible design gave her enough support. Her shank should not be longer than Medium; she might not be able to break it in without manipulation or alteration, and she might have trouble reaching full pointe. Soft or Super Soft would likely be too short, allowing her toes to arch too low (with adequate strength development, she could try these shorter shanks).
Common misconception!
 
Many dancers believe that harder shanks are longer lasting. In fact, if a shank is too hard it is more likely to snap. The longest-lasting shank is the one that does not require forcible bending to break in, and conforms to the dancer's foot well enough that pressure is spread most evenly throughout the shoe.
ShanksRussian Pointe Shanks
 
Standard Series (original)
The stiffer layer of these shanks is solid throughout its length. This gives firmer support behind the toes, for the dancer who breaks her shoes low or wants maximum support for higher-impact movements such as springing to pointe or repeated releves and turns.
 
Flexible Series (original)
With Russian Pointe's unique cutout design of the stiffer layer behind the toes, these shanks allow more flexibility through demi-pointe.
 
Next-generation
Next-generation shanks provide more pliability throughout the shank, for enhanced conformity to the arch. Standard shanks are solid throughout; flexible shanks feature the same cutout construction as original Flexible shanks.
 
Original Standard and Flexible shanks appear in Classic and Polette Collections.
Next-generation shanks appear in Jewels Collection and upcoming collections.
We would like your feedback on this and other Focus articles.
 
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