Half shoes
Introduction
Half shoes, specific footwear for Rhythmic Gymnastics, are an essential accessory to ensure agility, flexibility and precision in movements.
The use of these shoes dates back to the dawn of modern gymnastics, developed in the late 19th and early 20th century, when the discipline evolved as an expressive and sporting form.
Origin of Half shoes
Half-shoes originate from a combination of footwear used in ballet and artistic gymnastics. Designed to offer a combination of protection and flexibility, they became a standard in Rhythmic Gymnastics, a discipline that officially gained Olympic recognition in 1984.
The pointe shoes used in ballet are rigid and strong to support the foot during pointe work, while the half-shoes have a soft, snug and flexible structure, simulating the movement of the bare foot.
Characteristics of Half shoes
Half shoes are characterised by a light and thin structure that covers the front while leaving the heel uncovered. This design allows gymnasts to have greater floor sensitivity and freedom of movement, which is essential for performing fluid and precise movements.
The materials used, including stretch fabrics, leatherette or microfibre, offer the right balance between comfort and durability, while remaining effective in sports practice.
Modern Use of Half shoes
In the modern context, half shoes are used in all Rhythmic Gymnastics competitions and workout. They provide support in both technical evolutions and choreographic elements, facilitating rotation and fluid movement.
Gymnasts choose their half shoes based on their fit, strength and other factors that may influence their performance.
Pastorelli offers a wide range of half-shoes with different characteristics to suit the needs of each gymnast:
Classico half shoes
Material: Microtech (microfibre with Suede effect)
Made in: Italy
Fit: Suitable for all types of feet
Topline: Normal
Softness: 4/5
Special features: Fits all foot shapes.
Alcantara® half shoes
Material: Alcantara®
Made in: Italy
Fit: Suitable for all types of feet
Topline: Deep
Softness: 5/5
Special features: Very soft with deep topline that emphasises the instep.
Three-elastics half shoes
Material: Microtech (microfibre with Suede effect)
Made in: Italy
Fit: Suitable for all types of feet
Topline: Deep
Softness: 4/5
Special features: With a rounder shape, suitable for beginners, the third elastic band keeps the half shoe tight on the foot.
Goccia half shoes
Material: Microtech (microfibre with Suede effect)
Made in: Italy
Fit: Slightly narrower
Topline: Normal
Softness: 4/5
Special Features: Deep topline and excellent durability, cheap.
Alcantara® Rio Half shoes
Material: Alcantara®
Made in: Italy
Fit: Suitable for all types of feet
Topline: Very deep
Softness: 5/5
Special features: Extremely soft with very deep topline that emphasises the instep.
Skin sock half shoes
Material: Polyamide
Made in: Italy
Fit: Suitable for all types of feet
Topline: No topline
Softness: 5/5
Special features: Fits all foot shapes.
Sock half shoes
Material: Cotton and Elastane
Made in: Italy
Fit: Suitable for all types of feet
Topline: No topline
Softness: 5/5
Special features: Fits all foot shapes.
Microfiber half shoes
Material: Microfibre
Made in: Italy
Fit: Suitable for all types of feet
Neckline: Normal
Softness: 5/5
Special features: Extremely soft and cling to the foot well.
