From the nationally recognized ballet technique called “Vaganova”, ballet is an internationally renowned form of dance. Originally from France, it is now performed all over the world.
With so many types of pointe shoes out there, it can be overwhelming to find the right fit for your needs. Regardless of what style you may be shopping for, we have plenty of recommendations that will help you to find the best ballet pointe shoe brands.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Capezio Adult Unisex Pointe Shoes Ava 1142W Wide Width | Best Overall |  |
| Capezio Women's 176 Contempora Pointe Shoe | Budget Pick |  |
1. Capezio Adult Unisex Pointe Shoes Ava 1142W Wide Width
Pros:
- Wide fit
- Soft and flexible upper material
Some of the biggest dilemmas that ballet dancers face is what shoe size to order, which style to buy, and how to make sure the shoe will fit. A common misconception is that dancers have wide feet, and consequently, use wide shoes, but the truth is that: not all dancers have wide feet. An average dancer is usually between a 5 W and a 7 ½ W.
Here are the best fitting ballet pointe shoes for all sizes listed above.
2. Capezio Women's 176 Contempora Pointe Shoe
If you want a good pair of ballet pointe shoes without breaking the bank this is the shoe for you. This Capezio pair of ballet shoes comes with a 1/8" leather upper, hard shank, that will give your feet good support and help cushion your landings. These shoes were made with the same shape and strong leather soles for years of tear away wear and tear. The Capezio women’s ballet shoes are the best pointe shoes for beginners and are designed for hours of practice. The 1/8" leather upper provides some true like comfort, and the hard shank can be molded for a customized fit.
If you’re a beginner at pointe and want a great but inexpensive pair of pointe shoes the Bloch adult ballet pointe shoes will meet your needs. They are designed for adults with extra support and protection. The smooth suede upper of these ballet shoes is very delicate but will get you around 10 hours of use. The insole is very comfortable and the suede sole gives the shoe a low profile.
3. Grishko Adult Nova Pointe Shoes
Pros:
- Great fit
- Sturdy toe shape for durability and stability
A little heavy — weigh 0.49 pounds each
Grishko is a reliable brand for pointe shoes, and these adult Nova models are their most popular. A great choice for intermediate and advanced dancers, they have a medium shank and a more pointed toe, which gives you complete control over your movements.
The soft, leather-like upper will stretch to fit your foot, and the elastic, fully adjustable stretch ribbons provide the perfect fit without being too tight. The peep-toe is made with durable, flexible materials to make it less likely to wear out quickly. The elastic makes it more comfortable, and easier for you to slip into.
4. Bloch Women's Sonata Pointe Pink Ballet Flats
Pros:
- Durable and long lasting
- Offer a lot of support
- Very strong
- Offer proper arch support
- Offer strong shoe and heel support
- Budget-friendly
- Stylish
Cons:
- Can be hard to break in
- Slightly on the heavy side
- Uncommon size
- Might not fit a narrow foot
It’s not always easy to find timeless pieces in stores, so when you find one you like, you want to make sure you take good care of it and make it last. The simple yet elegant Bloch Women’s Sonata ballet flats are absolutely perfect for women of all ages.
The Bloch Women’s Sonata ballet flats are best for women with wide feet. Girls with a narrow foot would need to go a size up to get a proper fit, so we recommend you just go for a completely different style.
The Sonata ballet flats are a nice addition to any closet. They’re available in a wide range of colors, which makes them unique from other ballet flats on the market. They’re perfect for casual wear, working out, or any occasion.
5. Bloch Women's Heritage Strong Ballet Pointe Fashion Dance Shoes
Pros:
- Offers maximum support for a broad range of foot types
- More affordable than many professional shoes
- Available in different sizes
Cons:
- Not ideal for high-impact activity
- Not ideal for high-arched feet
The Bloch Women’s Heritage Strong Ballet Pointe Fashion Dance Shoes are designed to look ultra-feminine without sacrificing support and comfort for a broad range of foot types.
This shoe features a pointed vamp and a strong toe. It also has a reinforced moulded sole and a 4mm strong shank. The Bloch Heritage has a strong, durable leather upper for maximum support.
The shoe also features an oversized strap and padded heel counter and gusset for maximum pointe comfort. The soft, fine canvas lining keeps your feet feeling dry and fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the best ballet pointe shoes?
Ballet shoes are similar to their street counterparts in that they have rubber soles to help with traction, and toe pads for comfort on the toes. However, they have a few differences that are specific to ballet dancing.
Ballet shoes are thin (about two inches), smooth soled, and usually made of leather. They also have a hard shank or box to give them support. Finally, they have ribbons that allow the dancer to tighten the shoes by pulling the ribbons, and a soft deerskin retention strap.
We take factors like price and comfort into consideration and recommend the Bloch Women’s Signature Full Gel-Tech construction Shoe.
What brand of pointe shoes do professionals wear?
The type of pointe shoes pro ballerina’s wear depends on their level of expertise. A beginner may wear “blocked” or simply glued leather pointe shoes which are very light in weight and designed especially for beginners.
More advanced dancers employ a different technique called “split-sole” where they wear pointe shoes with shorter toes on the left and right shoes. These shoes are very light in weight and allow more control.
The most advanced dancers wear “fully-lined” pointe shoes, which are made of canvas reinforced boxes with “French” or a semi-arch toe. Fully-lined shoes have the least amount of weight since they are made of the most lightweight material.
What is the best brand of pointe shoes for beginners?
We did a lot of homework for you, and one brand which popped up in a lot of reviews and feedback was Capezio. Capezio shoes have been around since get this: 1887, so they are a brand you really can trust. They are made from good quality materials with a wide selection available to you. Pointe shoes by Capezio are made of high-quality materials like leather, satin or canvas, and all have a premium suede sole that’s non-slip and durable. It feels like you are walking on clouds. The best part is, they are reasonably priced, and you can choose from a variety of colors.
What grade in ballet do you get pointe shoes?
When you just start ballet, you have no reason to buy pointe shoes. It can take up to 4 years before your instructor will recommend that you get them. For those 4 years, you have to build up strength in your feet by practicing landing on your very tip-toes every day.
This part of ballet training is called ’point work’ and is essentially the foundation of pointe shoe training. When you first get pointe shoes, they are the most uncomfortable thing ever. Your feet will ache every day from using them, but this is the point. The shoes are designed to strengthen your feet until they can dance on the tip-toe with ease.
Conclusion
Pointe ballet shoes are probably the most important choice you’ll make when you are preparing for a show. You want to make sure you have the right pair for your foot type, weight, and age. The wrong choice can hurt your chances at a solo or the joy you should experience in dance. So to help you make a buying decision for which you will feel good about this article will give you the recommendations of the best ballet points shoes and where you can buy them based on their affordability.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Capezio Adult Unisex Pointe Shoes Ava 1142W Wide Width | Best Overall | |
| Capezio Women's 176 Contempora Pointe Shoe | Budget Pick | |