My Merlets

    Finding the perfect pointe shoes can be a defining point in a ballet dancers career. Although that journey to finding the “perfect pair” seems to never end as feet change and evolve through years dancing, and pointe shoe brands change their styles and makers. 

I discovered the french pointe shoe brand “Merlet” 3 years ago whilst I was working in Germany from another dancer, and 2 years ago I finally got professionally fitted in Dancia, London. I haven’t been able to change to anything else since. 

Firstly it’s how convenient they are, all I need to do is sew on the ribbons, which are already included, and elastics, then step inside of them. The “Diva” shoe is a combination of modern design with plastic for the insole and a usual malleable toe, which means they last longer than average pointe shoes, are quiet, and still able to mould to the foot. They’re super comfortable because of their soft fabric inside and when standing you’re able to stand with a completely flat foot and therefore not roll off the insole, or feel like your arch is being pushed up. The best thing is that they’re hand made in France and hence support local sustainable manufacture, which not many pointe shoe brands can claim. The company constantly seems to be evolving to produce a product that’s in keeping with the times. I’d love to get the chance to try out some of their new designs.

I love that they’re easily reachable on Instagram for any queries I have, and I very much appreciate my retailer Piruetti in Finland for having the constant back and fourth communication for whenever I need new shoes. I take pride in being the only company dancer who wears them every day in Estonia as I enjoy to be individual with my look and my decisions. That’s not to say I wouldn’t recommend these shoes to any dancer who wants to give them a try! 

The only thing I would ask from Merlet is that my size would be stocked in more places (17B H)! 

Thanks for supporting my feet and giving me more trust and freedom in my movement! 

Photo by Silas Stubbs.