Best Pointe Shoes Reviewed & Compared for Performance
Ashley Morales
The most important moment in any ballerina’s life is the day she gets her first pair of pointe shoes. These objects are both desired and dreaded, loved and hated. In addition to their most basic function of allowing a ballet dancer to stand on the tips of their toes, a pointe shoe also plays an important role in ballet aesthetics, elongating the dancer’s lines, giving the illusion of the dancer floating on air and creating a sense of magic. However, an ill-fitting shoe can do more harm than good, and it is crucial that the fit is as close to perfect in order to avoid unnecessary pain or even injury.
This list looks at the top ten pointe shoes available for purchase online. Including models by the most famous brands such as Grishko, Bloch, Sansha, Capezio and Russian Pointe, you are sure to find something that will work for you.
In a Hurry? The test winner after 16 hrs of research
Pre-arched Shank
4 Different Shank Strengths
Perfect for Wide Feet
Wide Platform
U or V-cut
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Russian Pointe Rubin -
Grishko Elite
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Russian Pointe Brava
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Freed Of London Studio 2
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Grishko Maya
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Bloch Sonata
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Bloch Serenade
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Grishko 2007
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Capezio Plie 2
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Chacott Veronese II
- Criteria Used for Evaluation
- Other Factors to Consider
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Sources
Top 10 Pointe Shoes
1. Russian Pointe Rubin
Pre-arched Shank
4 Different Shank Strengths
Perfect for Wide Feet
Wide Platform
U or V-cut
Can Be Very Hard
Ribbons Not Included
Russian Pointe Rubin shoes are a model which has been around for quite some time. These shoes are perfect for dancers with square toes, but also anyone with a wide foot shape. What makes them recognizable from most other shoes is that they’re made with a lighter shade of pink satin, so that they are almost white - a look that is especially pleasing in certain roles on stage.
Read morePre-Arched Shank
In order to minimize break-in time, Russian Pointe developed the pre-arched shank which follows the shape of the arch and gives a more pleasant look while en pointe. Considering that it allows the dancer to use the shoes without too much manual bending, it also works to prolong the lifespan of the shoes.
Slightly Tapered Toe Box
Suited for a variety of foot shapes, the slightly tapered toe box can work with almost all types of feet. Still, you’ll be happy to hear that it still gives you a wide platform, while making your lines more beautiful and elongated.
Cost and Value
The price of the Russian Pointe Rubin is average on this list and gravitates towards the lower price range of the reputable pointe shoe brands. It’s a great choice for anyone with a wider foot and provides you with several options, including a U-shape and V-shape vamp, and 4 different shank strengths.
2. Grishko Elite
Super Shank
Suitable for Giselle Feet
Six Available Widths
Three Available Shank Strengths
With or Without Drawstring
Durability
Ribbons Not Included
Handcrafted in Moscow, by cobblers who’ve worked with some of the best dancers to create the perfect shoe, the Elite is an excellent choice (and one of only two) for those with wide feet and square toes. It’s made with non-toxic materials, is hand-balanced to ensure that you’re on your leg, and are made with some of the most beautiful satin you’ll find in pointe shoes.
Read moreFlat Shank
Unlike most Grishko models, the Elite is not pre-arched which is a great option for those who need help with stability when they’re not en pointe. This ensures an easy transition and superior floor feel for beautiful results.
Assortment of Sizes
With Grishko, you get to choose what makes your perfect shoe. Go with one of six widths, three shank strengths, and choose whether you prefer to have a drawstring in your shoe or not. Once you’ve tried this shoe out, you’ll find that it’s an incredibly easy model to go back to, as you’ll know what you’re getting each time.
Cost and Value
Though slightly cheaper than average, the Grishko Elite still costs a pretty penny. This, however, is justified by a high quality construction, as well as a design that many Giselle-footed dancers will welcome with open arms. Comfortable, easy to fit, and easy to break in, you’ll definitely enjoy dancing in this model.
3. Russian Pointe Brava
V-cut or U-cut
Six Shank Strengths
Ideal for Diamond Feet
Pre-arched
Natural Materials
Not for Narrow Feet
Along with the Rubin, which is also mentioned on our top 10 list, the Brava is one of Russian Pointe’s most popular models, and with good reason. Perfect for those with a narrow heel and slightly tapered toes, the Brava completely follows the shape of the foot, allowing you to shine on stage and give your best, without having to worry about your pointes.
Read moreVariety of Choices
Not only can you choose between a V-cut and U-cut with the Brava, but you can go with one of six(!) shank strengths and widths. This means that a huge number of dancers will benefit from wearing this shoe, as it’s one of the most versatile models available.
Beautiful Arch
Whether you’ve been blessed with high arches, or need a bit of help to make your biscuits pretty, you’ll definitely benefit from the pre-arched construction of this Russian Pointe shoe. It’ll decrease pressure on the front of the foot for those with too much, and make it easier to get up on pointe with too little.
Cost and Value
Another averagely priced model, the Brava is a solid option, mainly for those with slightly tapered toes, but a wide forefoot. To get the best possible results from this brand, it’s recommended that you get fitted in person, as a professional will assess the best way to enhance what you’ve got and make up for what you lack.
4. Freed Of London Studio 2
Hard Shank
Natural and Biodegradable Materials
Wide Platform
Flat Profile
V-shaped Vamp
Unsuitable for Beginners
Hard to Break In
Freed of London is a top quality brand in creating toe shoes. Great for intermediate or professional ballet dancers, these shoes provide the stability and support needed to perform successfully on any stage. Featuring a hard shank, a V-shaped vamp, wide platforms and a strong toe box, these shoes are made to help enhance each movement that the dancer makes. The wide platform and flat profile also create a great fit for dancers with wide feet and square toes.
Read moreStrong and Supportive
These pointes are created with a strong, sturdy toe box that helps to protect the dancer's toes from any pressure or damage. The wings on the side of the shoes are also created to be strong, holding the dancer's foot securely in place.
Great For Wide Feet
The Studio II is a great choice for dancers with wide feet. It comes equipped with a wide platform and a deep vamp length that creates the perfect fit for all wide feet.
Cost and Value
These shoes are priced at a very fair cost considering their brand reliability and supportive structure. If you’re truly looking to enhance your performance and don’t want to take a huge chunk of money out of your wallet, these are the best choice.
5. Grishko Maya
V-shaped Vamp
Medium Platform
¾ Shank
Satin Upper, Suede Sole
Cotton Drawstrings
Unsuitable for Narrow Feet
Ribbons & Elastics Not Included
This shoe is perfect for those who are really looking to enhance their dancing performance. The ¾ length shank and lighter box wings provide flexibility and comfort during each movement. Featuring a medium platform and a medium length v-shaped vamp, these shoes also have a tapered toe box which makes them the perfect choice for those dancers with a longer second toe. An added bonus is the fact that they don’t squeak like some other models.
Read moreFlexibility in Movement
The V-shaped vamp may be a little difficult to master at first, but overall it is a great feature for constant movement en pointe. The strong yet flexible shank also works hard to adapt to your movements to provide support and stability.
Small Details Make A Better Shoe
These pointe shoes come equipped with cotton drawstrings that help secure the shoe onto your foot. Much better than elastic (at least according to some), this feature won't cut off your circulation. The shoes are also held together with innovative, strong glue that helps to keep the focus on the elegant design while also protecting the dancer's feet.
Cost and Value
These shoes are of average cost. Coming from a reliable brand and made with quality, these shoes will provide all the support and stability needed to perform on stage. They are still decently affordable while coming with features that make the shoe a top quality choice for all ballet dancers.
6. Bloch Sonata
Wide Platform
¾ Shank
Narrow Heel
TMT Technology
Rubber Toe Cushion
Requires Daily Maintenance
Slightly Costly
One of the brandćs most advanced pair of pointes, the Sonata is one of those shoes you’ll fall in love with after breaking them in. It’s a great choice for a number of foot types, thanks to the TMT technology, but if it’s the Rose Adagio you’re preparing for, you’ll definitely appreciate the wide platform perfect for long balances. It features a narrow heel that won’t crease, as well as a flexible shank that you can mold to match the exact arch of your foot.
Read moreTMT Technology
A genius way of incorporating a new type of paste into the construction of a pointe shoe, TMT is thermo-molded plastic that you heat up and shape to fit your foot and arch. Once you’ve got the best fit and shank strength, you pop your shoes in the fridge. You can do this after every class, and can expect the lifespan of the Sonata to long outlive any other shoe you’ve ever owned.
¾ Shank
One of the things the Sonata focuses on is providing you with a beautiful line, which means that the heel was designed in a way that would prevent it from bunching and creasing (such a common and irritating occurrence). The ¾ shank is flexible at the metatarsals, but strong under the arch, plus, the unsecured insole at the heel allows for perfect transitions.
Cost and Value
The Sonata by Bloch features a higher initial cost than you’d expect, but overall, it’s definitely worth the investment. First and foremost, this is thanks to the TMT technology that allows you to get the perfect fit and level of support, and then keep it that way by cooling your shoes after every use. Depending on how often and at what level you dance en pointe, this shoe can last you for months.
7. Bloch Serenade
Long Vamp
Firm Shank
Canvas Upper
Wide Platform
Plenty of Sizing Options
Only for Square Toes
Difficult to Break In
Bloch is a top leading brand in dance shoes for all styles. The Serenade is a great example of the quality and reliability that Bloch provides. Featuring a firm shank and a longer vamp, these shoes were made to help balance the bending of flexible feet. The long vamp is great for dancers with squared toes, and those who tend to sickle will benefit from a wide platform.
Read moreWide Platform
For those dancers with wide feet, this shoe is a great choice. The wide platform helps dancers attain better balance by giving them more space on which to distribute their weight. Not only does this relieve pressure from the metatarsal area, but it also makes for more pirouettes.
Aid In Flexibility
Having a flexible arch is an important feature of ballet en pointe, however, too much flexibility can be damaging to the foot. The wide profile in these pointe shoes allows the dancer to be graceful and elegant on pointe without pushing the arch too far forward. The strong shank allows for plenty of use before you see these shoes dying on you.
Cost and Value
Considering that they’re made by Bloch, and the fact that they provide some good features, these shoes are an excellent investment. They rank above average on this list when it comes to price, but this is understandable seeing that they’re made by a reputable brand.
8. Grishko 2007
Created With Non-toxic Materials
¾ Shank
Medium Profile
U-shaped Vamp
Very Quiet
Unsuitable for Straight Toes
Teachers May Not Allow 3/4 Shank
The 2007 is one of Grishko’s most popular pairs of pointes, and they advertise it as being suitable for all foot types. The tapered toe box, however, makes these a better fit for Grecian and Egyptian feet. These shoes come in five width options and three different shank strength options, ensuring that you can get something that is just right for you.
Read moreRoll-Through Shank
There’s nothing as beautiful as a perfect roll-through when going en pointe, and the 2007 by Grishko has the technology to allow you to do just this. These shoes are the perfect combination of flexibility and support - something that will definitely take your dancing to the next level.
¾ Shank
Another great thing in the shank of these shoes is the shank which is cut at the ¾ mark, allowing a more beautiful arch and a better level of support for those dancers who prefer this type of fit. Do note, however, that some teachers will not allow beginner students to use pointes with a ¾ shank.
Cost and Value
These shoes rank high on this list when it comes to price, which is understandable seeing that they are made by one of the top dancewear companies in the world. Featuring plenty of technology that is intended to make your experience more comfortable, the Grishko 2007 is definitely worth giving a try.
9. Capezio Plie 2
Elastic Drawstring
#3 Shank
Satin Upper, Leather Sole
Wide Platform
Broad Toe Box
No Narrow Options
Lack of Tapering
The Capezio Plie II is a pair of toe shoes most suited for feet with even toes. Available in medium, wide and extra wide, they boast a wide platform that makes balancing and turning much easier, while the shank is of a medium strength, allowing for good support and a considerable lifespan.
Read moreMedium Vamp
These shoes are made for those with average sized toes and features a medium height, U-shaped vamp and an elastic drawstring for an improved fit. You’ll be especially happy to hear that these have a quiet toe construction, meaning that your jumps will sound much more elegant.
Wide Platform
For those with wider feet struggling to find a good shoe, this is the answer. These shoes come equipped with a wide platform and a broad toe box for a snug fit that allows a pain-free experience en pointe.
Cost and Value
These shoes rank average on this list when it comes to cost. They’ve got plenty of good features, making them an excellent choice for both students and professionals, and the wide fit is especially important to note, seeing that these will be comfortable for those with square toes.
10. Chacott Veronese II
V-Shaped Vamp
Wingless Design
Medium or Hard Shank
Easy to Break In
Promotes Roll Through
Durability Issues
Runs Narrow
A Japanese dancewear company, Chacott have put Freed of London in charge of making their pointes, and the Veronese II is one of the most successful products of this collaboration. An incredibly lightweight shoe, this is an excellent pair for performances, professionals who prefer a softer fit, or anyone with a tapered foot or bunion problems. It comes with a choice of medium or hard shank, and depending on where you make your purchase, ribbons may be included.
Read moreWingless Design
The Veronese II is the favorite choice of those dancers who suffer from bunion pain, seeing that these shoes have no wings. The support is provided by a more snugly fitting vamp that’s V-shaped, and it will be one of the easiest shoes to mold to your foot.
Easy Roll Through
Thanks to the lightweight box, the Veronese II makes it easy to roll through and to use your foot more beautifully during pointe work. This will, in turn, make your feet stronger, more beautifully arched, which is a definite plus for any dancer.
Cost and Value
Retailing at a low to average price, te Chacott Veronese II is a cheap pair of pointe shoes that is easy to break in, and provides a comfortable wear for those in need of a more tapered style. Nonetheless, seeing that it’s a softer shoe than most, it will die sooner, which will require more frequent purchases. For those looking for a budget option, the Veronese II should probably be saved for performances to maximize its life span.
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Fit
In order to be able to dance well, you will need a pair of ballet shoes that fit your foot. You’ve probably seen images of ballet dancers’ feet, and they show just how much of the burden of dancing is taken by this part of the body. In ballet, not only are you expected to dance, jump, balance and turn on the tips of your toes but even more, you will need to make all of these movements look beautiful and effortless while also concentrating on other things such as your arms, head, turnout, posture, and line. This means that the pointes you choose for ballet need to give you the best possible fit, allowing you to focus on the quality of your dancing instead of worrying about your feet.
First and foremost, a good fitting shoe may not be completely painless, seeing that you will still be expected to rest your entire body weight on the tips of your toes, but it definitely should not cause too much discomfort. In order to find the best fit, you will need to look at several aspects, seeing that with pointe shoes there’s much more to look at than just length and width.
Once you’ve checked all of these aspects, you can stand en pointe in your shoes. Make sure to check whether there are any points where you feel the fit could be improved. Some of these might be adjusted by correct padding, while others will require getting a different shoe. Remember that each person will need something different from their shoes, and finding the perfect might take some effort. Nonetheless, once you’ve got it you will see that your dancing will be incomparably better and more enjoyable.
Midsole
The shank of your shoes is one of the most important parts, seeing that it has the sole purpose of keeping you up en pointe. It’s a layering of materials at the sole of the shoe and is usually made out of paste, canvas, and leather, although technological advancement has brought us shanks made out of plastic or even thermo-responsive pastes which last longer and can be customized better for a superior fit.
Shank strength and positioning varies from person to person and can be based on more of a personal level of comfort. This is a feature that is important for beginners as well as professionals and usually changes in preference over the course of time, trial and error.
Depending on your teacher’s preferences, they may recommend a softer or harder shank. Most will ask for a harder shank for beginners seeing that they provide more support and require you to build strength, but some teachers will tell you to get a softer shank which allows an easier transition while requiring you to hold up without relying just on your shoes. It is very important to keep this in consideration when purchasing shoes, but you will find that as you gain experience you will have a clearer idea of how hard or soft you need your shank to be.
Another thing to note is that some dancers may be tempted to choose a shank that is harder than what they ideally need in order to maximize the longevity of their pointe shoes. However, this should not be done as the foot will have to work overtime in order to break in the shoes.
Once you start feeling that your shoes have gotten too soft in the shank, it is important to replace them. Dancing in dead shoes is a safety concern and can lead to injuries, seeing that your body won’t be supported enough to perform the rigorous movements required of it when en pointe.
Size
The toe box is one of the most vital areas of the ballet shoe. Dancing en pointe pushes all the weight and pressure of the dancer against the toes and it takes a strong, graceful dancer and durable, reliable shoe to make this type of dance possible.
The toe box works together with the shank to provide your toes with stability and support. It is important to know the shape and size of your toes in order to find proper shoes. Your toe shape will not only determine the size of the toe box needed, but also the shape and length of the vamp.
There are 3 commonly used shapes in the design of the toe box area. They are: tapered, slightly tapered and square. The toe box should provide a comfortable, snug feel in the shoe while not being too tight or loose. Consider the fact that a lot of pressure is going to be put on your toes while dancing en pointe, so it is crucial that this area is well fitted.
The vamp of the shoe is the part which covers the tops of your toes and determines how you will stand en pointe. Too short, and you might find yourself falling over, Too long, however, and you won’t be able to stand fully en pointe. The length of the vamp depends on the length of your toes, while its shape (U-shape or V-shape) depends on your arch. A V-shape vamp may be a good choice for those with higher arches who need a bit more support against pushing too far over the platform.
Adjustability
Dancing en pointe challenges the arch of your foot and can apply a decent amount of pressure to that area. The shape of your arch is what’s used to determine the correct profile position and support needed in your shoes.
Your arch is an aspect that’s used to determine the right size in almost all areas of your shoe. Your arch helps to determine your shank strength, profile height, and vamp length. Dancers focus really hard on creating a deep, flexible arch within their foot and a great shoe will be able to show this off.
When choosing pointe shoes, you’ll want to make sure that the arch of your foot fits securely and comfortably into the shoe. The arch should be compatible with the profile height and the amount of compression against the shoes. Shoes that don’t fit correctly around the arch of your foot can lead to health concerns like overextending your arch and stress fractures.
While every other aspect of your shoes may be perfect, having an improper profile height will be the end deal breaker. Every dancer has a different level of flexibility and that is why profile height is selective. The higher the profile, the deeper the arch; too high and you’ll be bending your foot in a direction it’s really not made to go in.
Finding the perfect profile height for your arch will take trial and error, as it will with every other aspect in a pointe shoe. An easy method to test if your shoes are the correct profile height is to try and insert your fingers underneath the throat of the shoe. If you’re able to fit your fingers underneath, your profile is too high and should be lowered.
While ballet shoes can get very specific, you’ll be able to find many examples of the different profile and arch lengths through our best list. Just remember to pay deep attention to your foot shape and don’t listen to other people’s opinions because everyone’s feet are shaped differently. It’s truly important for a dancer to find the perfect shoes that work for YOU.
Accessories
Some of the shoes on this list come with padding, while others may have built-in comfort features. As you will learn when dancing en pointe, a little bit of softness can go a long way in preventing blisters, corns and overall painful areas on your feet. Padding techniques greatly depend on the dancer - some can get away with just paper towels, others prefer lambswool, and some turn to gel or silicone. Today, you can even get special pastes that are custom molded to your foot shape, so that they give support and comfort where needed, without creating too much bulk in other sections.
You might find that you will need to tape your toes to keep them from rubbing together or even use toe spacers in order to ensure proper placement inside the shoe. Those with a longer second toe will probably need to use more padding under the big toe in order to relieve the stress that is placed on the second toe. The best padding for you will depend on the shoe you choose, so it’s very possible that what worked great with one pair of shoes will not be appropriate for another pair. It’s also important to replace your padding for multiple reasons, including flattening as well as hygiene.
While most shoes do not come ready-made with ribbons, they are still a crucial part of the shoe. Ribbons are not only used as an aesthetically pleasing part of the shoe but more importantly, they play an important role in keeping your shoes safely and securely on your feet. Correctly placing these ribbons is also important - they need to be sewn at the part of the shoe that will pull the shank closest to your arch, while also helping create a more beautiful line.
In addition to ribbons, most dancers also use elastics to get a more secure fit and to keep the heel from slipping. You can choose to sew a single piece of elastic from one side of the heel to the other, or to use two pieces in a criss-cross way that resembles what you will usually find on soft ballet shoes. Whichever of these you prefer, it’s important to make sure not to sew the material at the very back of the heel as this can lead to stress and injury. Instead, always gravitate a bit towards the side - some dancers will even sew their elastics on the outside of the shoe in order not to disturb the fit.
Expert Interviews & Opinions
Fit Midsole Size Adjustability Accessories 
If you've just started out in ballet, chances are pointe may be a few classes away as you become familiar with the basics. This doesn't mean you can't purchase a pair, to see how they fit and feel on your feet!
Check with your instructor for tips on selecting your first pair, as the muscles in the foot may require more support for beginners than more advanced dancers.
One of the biggest things for any dancer, is the flexibility, strength, and development of the muscles in the feet. Pointe is no different, if not more critical for these muscles to have the time, and the right training, to develop to support you when dancing.
You can practice stretches for your feet at home, with both active and passive stretches, to help unlock the potential your feet can have on your performance!
Other Factors to Consider
Bottom Line
Once a teacher has given you the permission to go en pointe (which means that you are at least 11 years old and have had several years of classical ballet training to ensure proper strength and technique) you can start looking at shoes. For your first pair, it is best to be fitted by a professional, but if you don’t have a fitter near you, your teacher may also be able to help to determine whether a pair will work for your foot shape. In addition to size and width, you will also need to consider aspects such as the height of your arch, the length of your toes, the shape of your heel, the width of the metatarsal area, flexibility of your foot and overall strength. Once you’ve looked at these, you will have a more complete image in your head of what you need your perfect shoes to do for you.
With options for all foot shapes, arch heights and levels of foot flexibility, you are bound to find something that will work for you. In order to get a shoe that will be safe to use, make sure to get fitted by a professional, or order a few sizes and try them all on, returning the ones that are not the correct fit for you. Going en pointe can be beautiful and magical, but saving a few bucks on a pair of shoes is not worth sacrificing your safety and potentially your career as a dancer for.
If you are new to buying pointe shoes, make sure to talk to your teacher before you make your purchase. They will not only need to approve you for going en pointe but can also give you a few tips on what to look for your foot shape and strength level.
Features
Frequently Asked Questions
q: When can I go en pointe?
The appropriate age to go en pointe is between the ages of 11 and 13. Before this, the foot is still in its growing phase, which means that not all bones have fully formed. Additionally, you will have to be approved to go en pointe by your teacher. It is crucial that you have the proper strength in your foot to be able to hold yourself up en pointe.
q: Can I practice in pointe shoes on my own?
This is a hard NO. As pointe technique requires proper placement in order to be safe, you will need the supervision of a trained and experienced teacher. Dancing en pointe will start off with slow exercises at the barre that will first teach you how to achieve proper placement - something that is very important if you want to avoid serious career-ending injuries.
q: Can I buy pointe shoes with room to grow?
No. Pointe shoes need to fit correctly, and that includes both length and width. Otherwise, you risk injury, which is simply not worth it. Additionally, in order to compensate for the bad fit, you might develop bad technique habits that can take months or years to fix, which ultimately sets you back.
q: Is there a left and right pointe shoe?
In most cases, there isn’t. Each shoe will mold to your feet as you wear them. It is, however, advised that you label your shoes because your feet are different, so wearing a molded shoe on the wrong foot is the same as wearing a poorly fitted pair.
q: How do I break in my shoes?
The best way to break in your shoes is to do so while wearing them, under the supervision of your teacher. Once you have become more experienced en pointe, you will know the places where you need more bend and will be able to do a little breaking in on your own.
q: How long do pointe shoes last? How often should I replace them?
You would think for the expensive pricing that these shoes are made to last long periods of time, but unfortunately that isn’t true. On average, it is said that pointe shoes are only good to wear for less than 20 hours. To get the most out of them, make sure to let them air dry completely between wears. It’s also a good idea to have more pairs so you can wear them in a rotation to maximize their lifespan.
