Another summer is winding down, and soon it will be time to gear up your pointe shoes for fall. With the uncertainty of tariffs, it is more important than ever to find a reliable brand that can get you through all those Nutcracker performances. Despite the difficulties with manufacturing and imports, there are plenty of bright spots in the pointe shoe world.
Bloch
Bloch’s latest innovation in pointe shoes, the Flexus line, introduces two performance-ready models — the Kaia and the Skye — designed with a special adaptive paste that responds to the dancer’s foot and breaks in quickly without losing support. Both styles feature a flexible shank that encourages smooth roll-through and articulation, making them ideal for stage use straight out of the box. The Kaia offers a slightly firmer construction for dancers who need a touch more stability, while the Skye is crafted for those who prefer a softer, more pliable feel. With its fast break-in time and sleek silhouette, the Flexus line is Bloch’s answer to the dancer’s need for immediate, reliable performance shoes. Yasmine Naghdi, Principal Dancer at The Royal Ballet, says, “What I enjoy most about my custom Flexus pointe shoes is that they give me the support and precision I need.”
R-Class
Understanding the R-Class system is a bit like a brain teaser, but it becomes intuitive once you learn their coding. The first two letters indicate the collection: RC for R-Class Signature (pleatless with shallow crowns), CL for Classic Symphony (pleated with higher crowns) and AD for Adaptiv (featuring plastic platforms, adaptive glue and stretch satin). The first number refers to the last, with lower numbers indicating less volume, while the second number denotes the shoe’s specific customization, such as quiet pieces, microfiber tips, or stretch satin. With this puzzle-like system, R-Class offers not just pointe shoes, but a comprehensive approach to a precision fit.
R-Class is expanding its popular Adaptiv Collection with a third model set to debut in 2026: the AD99 Oreila. Designed to meet the demands of dancers with broad feet and fuller crowns — often the hardest to fit — the Oreila rounds out the collection with a roomier, more accommodating shape. It’s crafted on the CL90 and RC90 lasts, which were also used in the beloved Russian Pointe and R-Class Muse/Muze/Md models. The AD99 features a plastic platform that enhances both durability and shape retention, while also centering the dancer securely. Traditional R-Class shanks are adhered to this plastic for a smooth roll-through and optimal engagement of intrinsic foot muscles. The shoe also features Adaptiv glue that molds to the foot and a stretch satin heel for an elegant, streamlined fit.
Suffolk
Suffolk has released a new game-changing collection of pointe shoes called the Camber Collection. This exciting collection includes three different models — Sheffield, Somerset and Stratford. The shoes feature a new pre-arch construction that is still made from the natural, high-quality materials Suffolk is known for. The pre-arch is supportive while providing a flexible roll-through. This ensures that you can fully articulate up and over without feeling stuck. It is perfect for dancers who want clean lines without sacrificing mobility.
Capezio
In the accessories department, Bunheads by Capezio has a new vegan, cruelty-free substitute for traditional lambswool padding, made from 100% bamboo. The bamboo is ideal for use in pointe shoes and other dance footwear. It retains all the key functions of lambswool — padding, blister protection and comfort — without using any animal-derived materials. It provides soft cushioning, moisture-wicking properties and odor control inside your pointe shoes. The bamboo is lightweight, breathable, hypoallergenic and comes in a reusable, resealable bag. It is available in two colors: sorbet and natural.
F.R. Duval
Drawing upon 40 years of pointe shoe-making tradition, F.R. Duval shoes are designed in Paris and handcrafted in Hungary. They merge traditional techniques with innovative materials for durability and performance. The company prides itself on using enhanced feedback from hundreds of professional dancers to help create modern pointe shoes that hold up to the rigors of today’s demands.
The brand is popular across Europe and Asia and, until recently, was not widely available in the U.S. Its most popular styles are the “Duval 3 European” and “Duval 4 American.” These shoes feature a box and shank construction made from “Hytrel,” a thermoplastic polyester elastomer. This provides a shoe with flexibility while maintaining the integrity and shape of the initial design. In short, this shoe won’t break down as quickly as some other brands. They provide a wide range of shank strengths and widths that can accommodate different types of feet. They have proven to be a great shoe for dancers who need extra assistance with getting over their platforms. It is also a good choice for more advanced dancers who need a more sustainable shoe to offset rising pointe shoe costs and help prevent injuries caused by shoes that wear out too quickly.
When in doubt, ask an expert.
Philip Martin-Nielson, master fitter and owner of Balletomania Dance Boutique in Poughkeepsie, has some wise words for anyone thinking about new pointe shoes this fall. He says, “During this day and age with pointe shoe costs on the rise, it is even more important than ever to make sure you are going to your local retailer to be professionally fit for pointe shoes.”
He goes on to explain that dancers and parents are trying to save money by ordering shoes online, and it may be brands they are not familiar with. He feels that there is more room for error and that the shoes may be unsuitable and ill-fitting. This could lead to multiple exchanges with extra shipping and restocking costs.
“If dancers go directly to their retailer for a proper pointe shoe fitting,” he explains, “they will be able to have a chance to try the variety of pointe shoes that are on the market and can make a more confident choice in the shoes they will be purchasing.”
Don’t forget to pick up a stitch kit while you are there. Happy dancing!
By Mary Carpenter of Dance Informa.
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