How to choose the right toe shoes or toe socks for Rhythmic Gymnastics

Selecting the right toe socks can make a big difference in comfort, performance, and durability. Below is our guide to finding the right one for your circumstances, along with our recommendations for the best models for training and competition.

There is a range of options available depending on one’s budget, the intended use, frequency of use, and – for some models – the width of one’s foot and colour.

Toe shoes or socks are made for both training and competitions:

• Socks and toe-socks – mostly suitable for training and often worn by younger gymnasts, toe socks are made from softer materials, put no pressure on the feet, but can wear down sooner.
• Training half-shoes – often made of materials such as leather or microfibre that prioritise durability.
• Competition half-shoes – typically made using higher quality materials that strike the balance between comfort, performance and visual appeal, but as a result can wear down sooner.

Why do rhythmic gymnastis need toe shoes or toe socks

Toe shoes are special shoes used in rhythmic gymnastics. Gymnasts wear them when they pracitice and when they compete.  These shoes only cover the toes and leave the heel open, which helps gymnasts move their feet easily and point their toes nicely.  Gymnasts do a lot of turns on the front of their feet, and without shoes or socks this can hurt the soles of their feet. The shoes stay on the foot with a stretchy silicone band around the heel. For everyday practice, younger gymnasts often wear half socks because they are softer and easy to wash. But for competitions, toe shoes are the better choice.

Best Toe Socks and Shoes for Training

Pridance Toe Socks - our best-selling training model. Exceptionally soft and comfortable, making them ideal for children and everyday training sessions.

Dvillena Toe Socks – designed with a silicone-lined elastic band that helps the sock stay securely in place.

Solo Faux Suede Toe Socks – very comfortable and soft, these toe shoes are favourites among many young gymnasts.  Due to the nature of the materials, they will require frequent repurchase as they are quite thin and roughly last about 2-3 weeks with regular training.

Dvillena Sahara Toe Shoes – made with microfibre for the outsole, they are designed for beginners and gymnasts who train for only a few hours, and are the softest toe-shoes from Dvillena to start in rhythmic gymnastics.

 

Best Toe Shoes for Competition

Our most popular competition models include:

• Sasaki 144SP
• Venturelli Soft Shape
• Dvillena Sensation
• Dvillena Guante
• Dvillena Caricia

 

Brand & Fit Guide

Most brands carry multiple styles to fit different shapes or widths of gymnast's fit.  We recommend trying different styles to find the right one, either at one of Gymnamo's pop-up shops at the main RG competitions/events or by ordering different styles initially.

 

Sasaki

Model 144SP – Premium, high-quality toe shoes favoured by many gymnasts. While it is the most expensive option, it is also the most durable and long-lasting.

 

Venturelli

Soft Shape – One of the most popular models, suitable for both training and competition. Regular fit.

Turn – Recommended for gymnasts with narrower feet.

Ego – Ideal for gymnasts with wider feet.

 

Dvillena

Sensation – Dvillena’s top-performance model and the highest in their range. Ideal for competitions and for gymnasts with slightly narrower feet.

Guante & Caricia – Excellent competition models, but not recommended for frequent training due to lower durability.