Disclosed is a kit for enhancing a pointe shoe for improving a dance technique or a dance performance by a performer. An example kit includes a pointe shoe cover comprising a body portion made from a material including at least polyester and configured to envelop the pointe shoe, a light-emitting diode (LED) ribbon, affixed to the body portion, affixed to at least a vamp or a binding of the pointe shoe cover, one or more membrane switches, affixed to the toe portion, configured to activate when the performer stands en pointe during the dance performance, a toggle switch configured to switch between different modes of the LED ribbon, a button cell affixed to an external side portion of the body portion, at least one wire connecting the button cell to the LED ribbon, the toggle switch, and the one or more membrane switches.

Disclosed is a kit for enhancing a pointe shoe for improving a dance technique or a dance performance by a performer. An example kit includes a pointe shoe cover comprising a body portion made from a material including at least polyester and configured to envelop the pointe shoe, a light-emitting diode (LED) ribbon, affixed to the body portion, affixed to at least a vamp or a binding of the pointe shoe cover, one or more membrane switches, affixed to the toe portion, configured to activate when the performer stands en pointe during the dance performance, a toggle switch configured to switch between different modes of the LED ribbon, a button cell affixed to an external side portion of the body portion, at least one wire connecting the button cell to the LED ribbon, the toggle switch, and the one or more membrane switches.

A dance shoe having an upper and an underfoot portion, the underfoot portion includes a sole shank, consisting of a relatively rigid structure, extending longitudinally in the shoe over at least a forefoot portion of the shoe and at least partially over a midfoot portion. The sole shank has at least one hinge with a unidirectional stop disposed widthwise in the sole shank. The sole shank covers at least the forefoot portion of the underfoot area and it locks to support plantar flexion and hinges to facilitate dorsiflexion of the foot. To facilitate en pointe movements, the sole shank may be coupled to a rigid distal part of the shoe, such as a toe box. The inventive subject matter is also directed to dance shoes, as well as the sole shanks themselves, and to methods of making the sole shanks and using the sole shanks in assemblies.

A dance shoe having an upper and an underfoot portion, the underfoot portion includes a sole shank, consisting of a relatively rigid structure, extending longitudinally in the shoe over at least a forefoot portion of the shoe and at least partially over a midfoot portion. The sole shank has at least one hinge with a unidirectional stop disposed widthwise in the sole shank. The sole shank covers at least the forefoot portion of the underfoot area and it locks to support plantar flexion and hinges to facilitate dorsiflexion of the foot. To facilitate en pointe movements, the sole shank may be coupled to a rigid distal part of the shoe, such as a toe box. The inventive subject matter is also directed to dance shoes, as well as the sole shanks themselves, and to methods of making the sole shanks and using the sole shanks in assemblies.

A shoe including an upper forming an interior portion for a foot, the interior portion including toe and heel cavities, is provided. The shoe includes a midsole having toe and heel ends and inner and outer sides. The midsole is affixed to the upper forming a bottom to the interior portion. An insole is affixed to the bottom. An outsole patch includes a toe portion disposed on the toe end of the midsole and a heel portion disposed on the heel end of the midsole. The outsole patch includes an exterior contour providing clearance between the midsole and ground when worn. A region between the heel and toe portions of the outsole patch extends from the inner to outer sides occupying a position intermediate the toe and heel ends of the midsole, permitting the shoe to fold about the region. The insole is not stitched to the upper or midsole.

A shoe including an upper forming an interior portion for a foot, the interior portion including toe and heel cavities, is provided. The shoe includes a midsole having toe and heel ends and inner and outer sides. The midsole is affixed to the upper forming a bottom to the interior portion. An insole is affixed to the bottom. An outsole patch includes a toe portion disposed on the toe end of the midsole and a heel portion disposed on the heel end of the midsole. The outsole patch includes an exterior contour providing clearance between the midsole and ground when worn. A region between the heel and toe portions of the outsole patch extends from the inner to outer sides occupying a position intermediate the toe and heel ends of the midsole, permitting the shoe to fold about the region. The insole is not stitched to the upper or midsole.