Freed of London Classic Plus (Wing Block) Pointe Shoe
Freed Classic Plus pointe shoes, almost always called the Wing Block on the studio floor, start from the same deep-vamp foundation as the Classic Deep Vamp and add the strength dancers ask for once they have outgrown that shoe. The shank steps up from 1.8mm to 2.5mm, the vamp cuts to a V-shape, and — the namesake feature — extra paste extends out into the “wings” of the block at the sides, not just across the front. The result is a noticeably stronger box without jumping all the way to a 3/4 shank.
The defining feature here is the wing block itself. By reinforcing the sides of the box, not just the front, it gives a foot that tends to roll or lose support at the sides real lateral structure to push against.
What does a wing block actually add?
Most of a pointe shoe’s strength sits across the front of the block, under the toes. A wing block extends that reinforcement out along the sides as well, so the box holds its shape under pressure from more directions, not just straight down. For a dancer whose foot tends to sickle, roll to one side, or simply needs more to push against through releve and balances, that side support can make a real difference — without changing the shank length the way the Professional models do.
How does this compare to the Classic Deep Vamp and the Classic Professional?
The Classic Plus sits in between the two. It keeps the Classic Deep Vamp’s full shank — just thickened from 1.8mm to 2.5mm — so it still allows more roll-through than a 3/4 shank shoe. But the wing block gives it more lateral strength than the plain Deep Vamp offers. The Classic Professional, by contrast, cuts the shank down to 3/4 length entirely, which is a different kind of change aimed at advanced articulation rather than added support. If your foot needs more structure but you are not ready for a 3/4 shank, the Classic Plus is usually the better next step.
Who are Freed Classic Plus pointe shoes best for?
This is frequently a student’s second pair of pointe shoes — chosen once a dancer has spent time in the Classic Deep Vamp and needs more support to keep progressing, and it is sturdy enough to be worn right up through professional level by dancers who simply prefer the fit. It suits a foot that needs more lateral hold without losing the security of a full shank, and it is a reasonable middle step for a dancer who is not sure yet whether they will need the Professional line’s 3/4 shank.
Materials & Construction
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Shank | Full shank, 2.5mm, medium-strong |
| Insole | Medium-strong |
| Vamp | Deep, cut to a V-shape |
| Block | Strong block with reinforced wings for added lateral support |
| Platform | Naturally angled |
| Sides | Straight cut |
| Drawstring | Cotton |
| Widths available | Medium (no X stamp), X, XX, XXX |
| Materials | Natural, biodegradable components; satin upper; leather sole; Freed’s proprietary paste |
| Origin | Hand-lasted by an individual master maker, Freed of London, England |
| Sole marking | Stamped with the individual maker’s mark |
| Style code | SBTWB — please confirm against your Freed order |
Care Instructions
| Step | Instruction |
|---|---|
| After class | Loosen the drawstring, reshape the box by hand, and let the shoes air dry fully out of the bag |
| Rotating pairs | Alternate two pairs where possible so each dries completely between wears — it extends shoe life |
| Cleaning | Spot clean satin lightly; do not soak or machine wash |
| Drying | Air dry at room temperature, away from direct heat and sunlight |
| Storage | Carry in a mesh bag, never sealed damp in a dance bag |
Sizing & Fitting
We do not publish a pointe shoe size chart for the Classic Plus, by design. Pointe sizing does not follow street shoe size, and the right size, width, and maker depend on your foot shape and how much support you actually need from the wing block — too snug a fit fights the reinforcement instead of working with it. A wrong fit is uncomfortable at best and a real injury risk at worst. The Classic Plus comes in a range of sizes, widths, and makers so it can be matched to your foot in the shop.
If you have already been professionally fitted in the Freed Classic Plus and know your exact size, width, and maker, you are welcome to reorder your pair from us. If this is your first time in this shoe — or your feet, strength, or level have changed — please come in and let us fit you first.
Best For
- Dancers moving up from the Classic Deep Vamp who need more lateral support
- Feet that tend to roll or sickle and need more structure at the sides of the box
- Students choosing a second pair of pointe shoes as they build strength
- Dancers who want more support than a standard full shank without committing to a 3/4 shank
- Advanced and professional-level dancers who simply prefer the wing block’s added structure
A Note from August MuseWe reach for this one a lot when a dancer comes in wearing through the sides of their current shoe faster than the front — that is usually a sign the box needs more lateral support, not a longer shank. The wing block solves that without pushing a foot into a 3/4 shank before it is ready. If you are not sure whether you need this or the plain Deep Vamp, bring both feet in and we will check.
Pointe is never a guess in our shop. Come see us in downtown Elizabethton for a proper fitting. If you already dance in the Classic Plus and know your maker, call or stop in and we will get your pair.
Available at August Muse
The Freed of London Classic Plus (Wing Block) pointe shoe is available through August Muse in downtown Elizabethton, TN, in a range of sizes and widths. Stop in for a fitting, or call us if you are an established Classic Plus dancer reordering your size and maker.
