I didn't think anyone still made rockboots in this style. I had to buy a pair on a US trip as the soles of my Red Chilis Sausolitos wore through. The Ballet Gold shoes are, I'm glad to say, deeply unfahionable - quite stiff, with good ankle support, but I think would suit 99% of climbers better than the floppy shoes that nearly everyone wears these days. Avoid lacing the top part too tight, as the heel cup makes this painful.
Only downside is that they are expensive.

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Red Chili Sausolitos - OK performance but poor durability
La Sportiva, several models, all uncomfortable for me.
EBs, Firés, etc, etc!

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The Boreal Ballet Gold is after my opinion not a good shoe. The Rubber on the shoe is to soft, and it is to high in the heel. In that year I had the shoe they never got fit properly, aften my opinion Boreal has other models that I much better, and I much cheaper I personally would recommed Asolo or La sportiva

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La Sportiva, Asolo, Boreal

The Boreal Ballet Gold are great for gripping on to small holds. They are also pretty good for smearing. I am just starting out and only climbed for 1-2 months and they meet all of the needs of a new climber....They kick ass!!!

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These are realy good shoes. They are best at Edging as that is what they are supposed to do. I can edge on 2mm edges even being 95kg's. I have used them for four years and they are on their way for a second resoling. They do not have grest sensitivity having so thick rubber, but they are realy good for beginner/intermediate. They also last well. My feet are wide and they stretch to fit very well, I can wear them for hours with no problem. Well this review is actualy for the Ballet not gold, however they are very close, things can only get better.

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La Sportiva - Kendo's
- Cobra's
Boreal - Bamba's
Five Ten - Anasazi Velcro

I've had Ballets for a while now and I find that they are the best shoes for my climbing ability. The fit is snug, but tight to the point that your toes lose circulation like other shoes I've tried. They are very good for edging and not too bad for cracks. They're not so hot for steep incline friction moves since the part of the sole under theball of the foot and toes is quite thick, reducing the ""feel"" of the rocks. They are extremely comfortable on longer climbs. An all around great shoe for a beginner-intermediate climber.

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I originally had a pair of Boreal Lazers. Way too tight for my liking. My toes would hurt like hell after having them on for only a few minutes. I was very gald to switch to the ballets.

As this is the only pair of climbing shoes I've ever owned, it's hard to write much of a comparison. Better than any shoes I've ever rented, comfortable enough to wear for a while, and they work well in cracks or on faces so I guess they're pretty good... They sure get hot in the summer heat, though. I got mine at Mountain Equipment Co-op in Vancouver, BC for a lot less than US$148.

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very good shoe performs surprisingly well for such a durable shoe great ankle support the best all around shoe made in my opinion very very durable lasts forever survives many many resoles but doesn't need them often very sticky rubber look good

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you name it i've tried it