Pre-pointe or Demi pointe shoes are softer than pointe shoes and do not have a hard shank, making them unsuitable for actual pointe work. These shoes can help build strength and improve technique, making them a helpful training tool for beginners and those progressing towards pointe. They usually have a hard box similar to a regular pointe shoe. Again the shank is extreamly soft or not present at all so the shoe can releve like a ballet flat.
