What is your pointe shoe secret? Episode 8 : Arianna Maldini
- Ikuko
- Sep 21
- 4 min read
Episode 8 of the What is your pointe shoe secret? blog series features Arianna Maldini.
The Italian dancer is currently a Coryphée with the Dutch National Ballet but she is soon moving to join the Norwegian National Ballet for the rest of the 2025-2026 season. Lucky people in Oslo!
Arianna is a prime example of the 21st century ballerina. She is extremely gifted. Tall, lean and mesmerisingly beautiful. With her solid techniques and physical strength, she dances powerful and dynamic. Her speed and trajectory all of sudden fall into a slow motion with her leg up in a grand rond de jambe en l'air.
I have seen her in many works such as The Chairman Dances, Four Schumann Pieces and 7th Symphony in the most recent Monument triple bill (a review coming up). It is almost scary to think what new type of a strong artist she is going to develop into in the new environment in Oslo.
In person, Arianna is super friendly. I also have had pleasure to make her leotards and skirts. And before she leave Amsterdam, she kindly spared her busy time to share her pointe shoe secret with us. Let's find out about her secret.
What brand of pointe shoes do you wear?
I wear Freed of London.
What model and maker? Why do you like them?
I wear Forte-Flex Plus, V Maker, triple X with a wing box. I like them because V Maker is always very consistent. The shoes have a stable platform, and the Forte-Flex Plus sole is harder and lasts longer. The wing box has more paste than normal, which gives me extra support for my metatarsals and toes.
What is your size and width?
I wear 6.5, triple X, since I have wide feet.
Since when have you been using Freed?
I have been wearing Freed since I was 16, when I joined the Royal Ballet School.
Do you ask for any customisation at the manufacturer’s side?
Yes, I ask for more paste in the box. A few years ago, I also switched from Classical Pro Hard to Forte-Flex Plus because it has a flatter, more stable sole compared to the more rounded Classical Pro Hard.
Do you do any customisation yourself? If so, how long does it take for you to finish customising a pair?
Yes. Since the Forte-Flex Plus sole is made of two soles attached together, I cut one of them three-quarters of the way to improve weight distribution. To do that, I also remove the nail that holds them together. I apply shellac inside the shoes and let it dry for a few days, then add Jet Glue inside the box and along the sides of the sole for extra support and durability.
Can you share a picture or a short movie clip?
Do you like soft shanks better or hard shanks better?
I prefer a hard shank.
New shoes or old shoes?
Not brand new, but not too old either. For shows, I like to wear them once or twice before performing. In rehearsals, I prefer older pairs, and I usually break in new ones during class.
What support or protection do you use? Do you recommend any specific brands and products?
For the past couple of years, I have been using the PerfectFit Pointe Shoe toe pads, and they have been a real game-changer. They make me feel more confident and stable, I do not get blisters, and my shoes last longer. It might take a few tries to get them just right, but once you do, you won’t go back to anything else.
Do you use elastics and ribbons of any specific brands?
I use Wear Moi elastics because they’re very durable and have great elasticity. For ribbons, I use normal satin ribbons. I tried stretchy ribbons for a while, but I realised I prefer the support of traditional ribbons for my ankles.
Have you tried any other brands before? If so, why did you change?
I used to wear Gaynor Minden and Grishko, but I switched to Freed because they fit my feet better and gave me more control in my footwork.
Do you use different shoes for different roles?
Depending on the role, I use softer or harder shoes, but not different models.
How long do a pair of shoes last?
It depends on the production we are rehearsing or performing. I always rotate pairs so they can dry between uses, which helps them last longer. On average, I go through about eight pairs a month.
Lastly, what is your ambition for the new season?
I am very excited to start working with the Norwegian National Ballet in Oslo. I am looking forward to this new chapter in my life and to learning a lot from it. My goal for this season is to keep growing technically and artistically, to take on roles that challenge me, and to learn as much as I can from my new colleagues.
Congratulations, Arianna! I will miss you for the rest of the season.
All movie clips are courtesy of Arianna. The text is unedited except that some clitics are spelled out.
