Nikolay vs. Bloch vs. Capezio and Beyond: Comparing Different Pointe Shoe Brands
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- The difference a brand makes – Brands like Bloch, Capezio, Nikolay, Gaynor Minden, and others offer distinct structural benefits for dancers, ranging from aspects like traditional leatherboard shanks to more modern polymer shanks.
- Foot shape is key – Specific pointe shoe models cater to different foot anatomies, as seen in Capezio’s Ava that’s designed for square feet and Nikolay’s Nova Flex, a slimmer, more flexible shoe designed for more tapered feet.
- The value of professional fittings – Sizing can vary drastically from brand to brand (with some brands sizing down from street shoes and some brands sizing up), so expert fittings are critical for performance and safety.
The Quest for the Perfect Pointe Shoe
Before a dancer sets foot on stage, they need to complete plenty of preparation, and part of that involves finding the right pointe shoe for their unique foot anatomy.
while promoting ease of movement during routines.
Movement Connection provides top industry brands, including Bloch, Capezio, Gaynor Minden, and Nikolay so dancers can find the perfect fit every time. The ideal shoe necessitates a load-sharing relationship between the foot and the shoe that optimizes comfort, while being supported by experts in pointe shoe fitting.
Bloch: Modern Materials and Legendary Balance
Originally founded in Sydney, Australia by Jacob Bloch in the 1930s, the Bloch brand has since gone on to become a global leader in dance apparel. Some of the notable aspects of their products include:
- Their pointe shoes are prized for their exceptional balance, reduced break-in time, and use of modern materials
- Shoe sizing typically runs 2 sizes below standard street shoe sizes
- The European Balance model has become a favorite for dancers requiring trustworthy stability, due to the shoe’s wide platform and minimal break-in time
- Meanwhile, the Heritage model incorporates a V-cut and light taper, making it ideal for dancers with shorter toes
- The Etu model features a synthetic polymer box alongside a traditional leatherboard shank, making it ideal for high arches, durability, and long-term use
Capezio: The Time-Tested American Classic
Capezio’s history dates back even further than Bloch, with the brand emerging in New York City in 1887 and then going on to become a major name in the dancewear space. Some of the notable aspects of their products include:
- Their shoes are known for using a traditional construction approach reinforced with advanced modern materials
- Dancers appreciate the brand’s exceptional durability, harmonious balance between grace and functionality, and versatility for different foot shapes
- The Capezio Ava model has been preferred by advanced dancers who have square forefeet (Giselle feet), since the shoe offers a broad, slightly squared toe box, moisture-wicking microfiber lining, and a wide platform
Nikolay: Russian Elegance and Precision That Lasts
Offering products handcrafted in Moscow, the Nikolay brand uses traditional Russian shoemaking techniques that promote durability and precision. Some of the notable aspects of their products include:
- The elegant, streamlined silhouette of their pointe shoes make them ideal for dancers with narrow feet
- Shoe sizing typically runs 2 to 3 sizes below standard
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Shoes are built on specific “lasts” (molds), which allows for a very customized fit for toe taper and foot width
| Last | Designed For |
|---|---|
| 2007 Last | Versatile – ideal for tapered toes and moderate arches |
| SmartPointe / StreamPointe Last |
A modern taper with a wider platform for better stability |
| Fouetté Last | Narrow, highly arched feet |
| Victory Last | Maximum width and square toes |
FAQs on Pointe Shoes
Why are Grishko pointe shoes now called Nikolay in America?
Some dancers may be more familiar with the brand name Grishko, which now goes under the name Nikolay in the United States. The founder of the company is Mr. Nikolay Grishko. So, the U.S. brand is using his first name instead of his last. The change is due to a trademark dispute with an American distributor, so the shoes have been rebranded under Nikolay in the U.S. market to highlight their authenticity. They’re the same high-quality shoes as ever, though.
Can you change the stiffness of a pointe shoe shank?
Yes, by breaking it in and/or wearing it. It’s also worth noting that models of shoes come in different shank strengths. For example, Nikolay’s Streampointe comes in soft, medium, hard and reinforced shanks – so, you can choose your shank strength. Bloch’s European Balance and Heritage come in standard or hard shanks.
How long do pointe shoes typically last?
The life of pointe shoes is highly variable, and depends on how much load the shoe is bearing, how much a dancer’s foot sweats, how often the dancer wears the shoes, and how the dancer takes care of the shoes. Pointe shoes need to dry out between wears for the materials to re-harden and maintain durability. Shoes that stay soft and damp from wearing them for long periods of time will die faster.
Need Some Help with Your Pointe Shoes? Reach Out to Us!
At Movement Connection, we provide pointe shoes for women, girls, men, and boys, providing a variety of styles, colors, and brands so you can find the perfect fit. But speaking of fit, our experts are also certified in pointe shoe fitting, so we can make sure your selection will be the right one.
Feel free to browse our site for plenty of options and contact us today with questions!