Sonata has a tapered heel for a snug fit. Makes a great balancing shoe. The box is short to allwo for an easier demi-pointe. The box allows contains a cushion sithin the pleat to decrease noise. The Sonata MKII includes four improvements over the original Sonata. First been lowered to reveal more of dancers foot, enhancing the aesthetic, satin when on pointe. Second, the new genereation insole is virtually lighter, moulds quicker to the slope of a dancers arch giving greater reducing rocking and enhancing stability. Third, the Sonata MKII features a pointe. Finally, the additional padding under the pleating makes these shoes good for beginners and professionals.