Article of manufacture for ballet shoes and shanks

Abstract

An article of manufacture for ballet shoes and shank, with a shank for a ballet shoe, with improved durability, that is formed of flexible thermoplastic material and is adapted to be located in the sole of the ballet shoe between an inner liner and an outer sole. The flexibility and support characteristics of the shank may be tailored to a particular dancer by varying the type, and/or thickness of material, or by varying the thickness of material along the shank.

1 . An article of manufacture for ballet shoes and shanks. comprising: 
 a shank for a ballet shoe that is formed of flexible thermoplastic material and is adapted to be located in the sole of the ballet shoe between an inner liner and an outer sole; and    a way to control the desired flexibility and support using various types of flexible thermoplastic materials.    a way to control the desired flexibility and support by varying the thickness of said flexible thermoplastic materials.    
     
     
         2 . A ballet shoe and shank in accordance with  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 a method of controlling the flexibility and flex points of said shank by varying the thickness in select areas.    a method of controlling the flexibility and flex points of said shank by adding lightening holes in select areas.