R-Class has been at the forefront in the development of the world’s best pointe shoes for over 30 years.
R-Class has been at the forefront in the development of the world’s best pointe shoes for over 30 years. The pointe shoes are designed and crafted in Russia, tested and developed on Bolshoi ballerinas, and hand-made with the love and care by over 200 artisans.
R-Class is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of pointe shoes in the world and continues to evolve with new collections and connections. The shoes now available in The United States and Latin America are not exact duplications of shoes created in the past for other brands; they are improved, upgraded and redesigned ballet shoes with a mathematical approach to achieving the best fit for every dancer.
With 12 base models and hundreds of varieties and customizations, R-Class has a shoe for every type of foot.
Our expert staff in the US work to support dancers by travelling in conjunction with our retail partners for fittings, helping answer questions and direct dancers, and continuously developing new ideas, products, and ways to support the dance industry as a whole.
R-Class treasures our partnerships with dance retailers and always recommends finding your perfect fit with a qualified and experienced pointe shoe fitter. Find a Retailer
In 2024, the newest collection is being introduced: Adaptiv. Going even further in technology and development, The Adaptiv Collection has a new adaptive glue, a plastic component on the platform to improve longevity, and stretch satin heels.
R-Class has been manufacturing pointe shoes since 1991. We began supplying soloists at The Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow and then grew into being a major supplier for ballerinas worldwide. Through the years, our technology, superior quality, reach, and demand has grown and we are happy to continue this growth in the US!
The options include upgrades to well known old favorite models as well as new exciting ones which dancers will undoubtedly love. Both old and new models are made with best quality European fabrics and cardboard, improved long lasting glue and genuine Russian design featuring a new color. All these pointe shoes have been tested by leading professionals of world ballet troupes.
R-Class History
1991 – Company founded. R-Class began by working with Bolshoi Theatre dancers to recreate and modernize classic pointe shoe models. View R-Class Russia Site
1993 – The first delivery of R-Class products to Japan.
1998 – R-Class crafted pointe shoes were introduced to the US market.
2005 – JW Collection created – a collection of pleatless pointe shoes known throughout the world under different name brands.
2005 – R-Class brand distribution opened in Europe. View R-Class Bulgaria Site
2007 – SL Collection created – a collection of pleated pointe shoes that set the standard in the industry.
2018 – RC Collection is created. RC collection is made up styles that have the trademark and unique styling of pleatless construction.
2020 – Classic Collection created. The Classic Collection consists of upgraded and improved styles from our previous pleated models.
2023 - R-Class brand distribution opened in America.
2024 – Adaptiv Collection launched. Adaptiv is our newest offering with a unique pasting method for the professional dancer.
In 2024 R-Class is looking forward to continuing to grow! Stay on the lookout for ambassador program announcements, special model calls, pointe shoe fitting events and more!
The Most Common R-Class Questions:
Q: What do dancers love and value most in their pointe shoes?
A: Comfort, safety, sleek design, consistency and most importantly pointe shoes hand-crafted by artisans with love and care.
Q: Are the pointe shoes US dancers have come to know and love the the same as they were?
A: The same craftsmen are producing the shoes in the same factory with the same high quality. However, as the market never stands still with its demands, we also constantly strive for technical innovations and product improvements. The new R-Class collections are the result of diligent work combining the best features of our well-known products with improved technology and upgraded design. See the models here
Q: Will we have products in stock?
A: From our side we can fully guarantee continuous in-time shipments, extensive stock, wide assortment and the utmost quality of a unique handmade product. We have a streamlined shipping process that eliminates wait times.