5 best pointe shoes for beginners

Whether you’re new to the magical world of ballet, the right pointe shoes are essential to keep your feet safe and performing well. If you start with a bad pair of shoes when beginning ballet, it will hurt your feet as well as your mind. Read this article to learn about the best pointe shoes for beginners, what to consider before buying a pair of pointe shoes, and many other points that will help and guide you as a beginner.

Warning:
As a safety precaution, we do not recommend young dancers or beginners buy their pointe shoes online. Get advice from a professionally trained pointe shoe fitter before purchasing pointe shoes, and buy the right fit from your nearest retailer.

How much are ballet pointe shoes?

The price of ballet pointe shoes depends on the brand, materials, and craftsmanship. Typically, a pair of beginner pointe shoes costs $25 to $120, while some premium brands or custom-made shoes can cost $150 or more. Accessories such as toe pads, ribbons, and elastic bands are often required, which slightly increase the overall cost.

It is important to remember that pointe shoes last a very short time. From a professional dancer, we learned that depending on how often you dance and the strength of your technique, you may need several pairs of shoes in a year. So, taking care of these is essential, which we discuss below.

Things to Consider When Buying

Here are the factors we think are important when buying the best pointe shoes for beginners to improve foot safety and performance. Remember that the right pair of shoes can create beautiful moments, while a bad pair can bring you trouble.

Foot condition:

Arched feet are a common issue that can become a hindrance during ballet training, so choose pointe shoes that support your arch condition. Measure your feet and find out if they are narrow or wide, which will help you get a properly fitting shoe.

Fit:

Pointe shoes should fit snugly but not too tight. An ill-fitting shoe can cause pain, blisters, or injuries. Like most dancers, have your first pair selected by a professional to avoid these problems and ensure the shoes provide the right level of comfort and control.

Durability:

Pointe shoes break down quickly, especially if you dance frequently. Some brands are known for their durability, like Gaynor Minden, which may be a good option for beginners.

Padding and protection:

Try different types of padding, like gel or fabric, for toe comfort and protection.

Best pointe shoes for beginners

When looking for the best pointe shoes for beginners, you will find many brands, but it is your responsibility to find shoes that meet your needs. Here are some well-known ballet brands:

capezio pointe shoes

Capezio is a well-known brand in the ballet world, and they make excellent pointe shoes for beginners. The Capezio Ava and Capezio Tiffany models have been quite popular, especially for beginners, as they offer softer shanks. Do you need pointe shoes that help build better fit, stability, and strength? Then you can consider Capezio models.

Gaynor minden pointe shoes

Gaynor Minden pointe shoes are known for their durability and comfort, making them a great option for beginners. Pointe shoes break down and lose support over time, but Gaynor Minden uses a special polymer in the shank that maintains the shoe’s quality for a long time. These shoes have extra padding in the box, which provides comfort and convenience for dancers. However, we think Gaynor Minden shoes offer excellent comfort, support, and durability compared to other shoes on the market, so they can be a bit more expensive, starting at $120 or more.

russian pointe shoes

Russian Pointe shoes are highly customizable, which is a big advantage for beginners who need comfort and a specific fit. This brand makes it easy for beginners to find a model that suits their foot shape. We recommend the Rubin and Almaz models from Russian Pointe, as they offer a mix of flexibility and support. These shoes are sleek and elegant, but they adapt slowly to beginners’ feet.

Bloch pointe shoes

We think Bloch is the most popular and well-known brand in the dance world, especially for beginners. Bloch pointe shoes are designed with different foot shapes in mind, making them accessible to dancers with various needs. The Bloch Balance European and Bloch Jetstream models are often recommended for beginners because they offer good balance, a strong shank for support, and a comfortable fit. Bloch shoes are also more affordable than other brands, starting at around $80, making them an excellent value for new dancers.

Freed of London pointe shoes

Freed of London shoes are handmade, with artisans paying close attention to detail. Freed pointe shoes have a reputation for flexibility and comfort, and their style is exceptional. If you’re looking for the best pointe shoes for beginners, we recommend models like the Freed Studio II, which is designed specifically for pointe transitioning students. We found its shank to be moderately strong but providing excellent support without being too stiff. However, since the shoes are handmade, Freed shoes usually start at $100.

Ballet Pointe Shoe Size

We think knowing the right pointe shoe size is crucial when looking for the best pointe shoes for beginners. Pointe shoes are sized slightly differently than regular ballet slippers or other shoes. Pointe shoes should fit like a glove. Your toes should be tucked into the box without curling, and there should be minimal space between your heel and the shoe. However, they should not be so tight as to cause discomfort.

Check out these charts to learn more about pointe shoe sizes

Capezio Pointe Shoe Size Chart →

Russian Pointe Shoe Size Chart →

Bloch Pointe Shoe Size Guide →

and be sure to measure your feet to get the best-fitting shoes.

How to measure your feet

First, put on a pair of socks.
Tape the shoe-shaped chart to the floor firmly so that the chart does not move.
Mark the length and width of your foot with a pencil.
Be sure to measure both feet, as one foot may be larger than the other.

The chart below will help you measure your feet.

We recommend getting professional advice on your first pointe shoes. An experienced fitter will advise you on the length, width, and shape of your feet.

Just as accurate foot measurements are necessary for the right fit, it is also important to know your foot type. Remember that you are about to step into a wonderful world that requires special caution

Understand your foot shape

Greek foot: If your second toe is longer than your big toe, you have a Greek foot. Pointe shoes with a tapered box work well for this foot shape because they accommodate the longer second toe.

Egyptian foot:This shape is characterized by a big toe that is the longest, with the other toes tapering in length. Pointe shoes with a more rounded or slightly tapered box are ideal for this foot shape.

Square foot:If your toes are the same length, you have square feet. Consider pointe shoes with a wide, square box to give all your toes enough room.

Also, consider your arch condition. High arches require a more supportive shank, while low arches may need softer shoes to resist pressure.