Top Ballet Shoe Brands for Elegance and Comfort

Ballet shoes are an essential part of a dancer's wardrobe, offering the perfect blend of comfort, flexibility, and durability. Whether you're a budding dancer or a seasoned professional, choosing the right brand can make all the difference in your performance. In this article, we'll explore some of the best brands that have consistently delivered quality ballet shoes, trusted by dancers worldwide for their innovative designs and superior craftsmanship. Join us below as we unveil the top brands that are making waves in the world of ballet.

Illustration of ballet shoes

Best brands of ballet shoes in 2025

Bloch

Bloch is a renowned brand in the ballet shoe industry, celebrated for its high-quality, handcrafted pointe shoes that have been a staple for dancers since 1932. Founded by Jacob Bloch, the company has maintained its tradition of making shoes to order, ensuring each pair meets the unique needs of individual dancers. Today, Bloch is the world's leading provider of technical dance footwear, with its shoes worn by elite ballerinas and leading dance companies such as the Royal Ballet and the American Ballet Theatre. The company continues to innovate, driven by David Wilkenfeld, Jacob's grandson, who works closely with professional dancers to enhance the design and comfort of their shoes. Despite the environmental challenges associated with the rapid replacement of pointe shoes, Bloch remains committed to delivering both quality and innovation. For more details about Bloch's history, visit their official page.

Capezio

Capezio, with over 135 years of experience, is a renowned brand in the ballet shoes market, known for its high-quality products and innovation. Founded in 1887 by Salvatore Capezio, the company has been the official shoemaker for the Metropolitan Opera House and has catered to legendary ballerinas like Anna Pavlova. Capezio's products, including the iconic "Pavlova" pointe shoe, have been featured in numerous Broadway productions and fashion magazines like Vogue. The brand continues to evolve, incorporating materials like Antron-Lycra/Spandex and maintaining a strong presence in the dance and fashion industries. Capezio's legacy is marked by its commitment to quality craftsmanship and customer service. For more information, visit their official website.

Grishko

Grishko is renowned as one of the best producers of ballet shoes, particularly pointe shoes, with a global reputation for customization and quality. The brand offers 28 models tailored to different foot types and dancer experiences, ensuring a perfect fit for ballet dancers from preparatory to professional levels. Grishko pointe shoes are handmade from natural materials, emphasizing comfort and foot health. Despite their high quality, these shoes typically last between 4-12 hours, reflecting the demanding nature of ballet performances. Grishko's commitment to craftsmanship and customization has made it a favorite among ballet dancers worldwide. Discover their varied selection of pointe shoes.

Freed of London

Freed of London, established in 1929 by cobbler Frederick Freed, is a leading manufacturer of bespoke ballet shoes, renowned for its high degree of customization and traditional craftsmanship. The company maintains a significant market share, with approximately 50% of the market, and supplies shoes to prestigious ballet companies such as the Los Angeles Ballet, New York City Ballet, and the Paris Opera. Each year, Freed of London handcrafts nearly 250,000 pairs of pointe shoes, with two-thirds made to individual dancers' specifications. The shoes are prized for their unique 'ballet pink' satin and the use of natural fibers. Freed of London's products are sold in over 50 international markets through direct business partners and distributors. For more information, visit Freed of London's official website.

Sansha

Sansha is a renowned global brand in the dance industry, particularly celebrated for its innovative ballet shoes. Founded in 1982 by Franck Raoul-Duval, Sansha introduced the groundbreaking split-sole ballet slipper, which has become a staple for dancers worldwide. With a quality control rate ensuring less than 0.5% of products have issues, Sansha maintains high standards. The company collaborates closely with dance professionals and offers a wide range of dancewear and shoes, catering to various dance styles from ballet to hip-hop. Sansha's products are hand-made, emphasizing quality and comfort.

Gaynor Minden

Gaynor Minden is a globally renowned brand in the ballet shoe industry, particularly celebrated for its innovative and durable pointe shoes. Since its inception in 1993, the company has expanded to serve over 200 professional ballet companies worldwide, including prestigious institutions like the American Ballet Theatre and the Royal Ballet. Gaynor Minden pointe shoes are known for their longevity, lasting 3-5 times longer than traditional shoes, and are made with advanced materials such as flexible molded inserts and Poron^® Performance Cushioning. The company produces shoes in both the USA and Europe, with a new factory in Bosnia and Herzegovina established in 2020. Gaynor Minden's products are available in hundreds of dance-specialty stores and shipped to 85 countries. For more details about Gaynor Minden, visit their website.

So Danca

So Danca is a renowned brand in the dance industry, particularly celebrated for its high-quality ballet shoes that combine comfort, durability, and freedom of movement. Founded in the 1980s in Brazil, So Danca has evolved into a global favorite among dancers, offering a wide range of ballet shoes designed for both beginners and professionals. Their shoes are engineered with breathable, lightweight fabric that wicks away moisture, ensuring dancers remain cool and comfortable during high-intensity routines. So Danca's products are tested by professional dancers to ensure an unparalleled fit, contributing to their status as one of the most beloved choices internationally. The brand's commitment to innovation and quality has made it a key player in the dance shoes market, which is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5% from 2024 to 2031.

Russian Pointe

Russian Pointe is renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship, combining artistry, innovation, and a commitment to meeting the diverse needs of dancers. The brand's emphasis on personalization ensures each dancer can find the perfect fit for optimal comfort and performance. Known for their elegant design elements, Russian Pointe shoes blend beauty and functionality, making them a preferred choice for many professional dancers. Their innovative box design, such as the slightly tapered box in the Baroque pointe shoe, provides excellent support and helps prevent injuries. This attention to detail and tradition has made Russian Pointe a top choice in the ballet world. You can learn more about their different pointe shoe brands on the Dancewear Corner blog.

Merlet

Merlet, a renowned manufacturer since 1974, is celebrated for its exceptional craftsmanship and innovation in ballet shoes, particularly pointe shoes. The company combines traditional techniques with modern materials and technologies, ensuring high-quality products that meet the demanding needs of dancers. Merlet's dedication to detail and customer feedback has led to the creation of popular models like the DIVA and LISA, which have received praise for their comfort and performance. With a strong presence in the global market, Merlet caters to dancers of all levels, contributing to the growing demand in the ballet shoe market, which is expected to see significant growth from 2024 to 2031. Each pair is carefully developed in their workshop in Verneuil-sur-Vienne, France, to ensure perfect quality and finish.

Repetto

Repetto is a renowned French ballet shoe company, founded in 1947 by Rose Repetto, known for its high-quality and comfortable ballet shoes. The company gained fame for creating the iconic "Cendrillon" ballerina flat, and it has been a preferred choice for many ballet companies, including the Opera National de Paris. As of 2013, Repetto had revenues of 60 million euros and employed 340 people. Under the leadership of CEO Jean-Marc Gaucher since 1999, Repetto has expanded internationally and diversified into luxury lifestyle products. The brand continues to innovate, unveiling new designs such as the Spring Summer Collection in 2024. For more detailed information about the company's history and offerings, visit their Repetto Wikipedia page.