Beginning ballet classes is an exciting venture whether it be as a child who is first experiencing what it is like to move their body to music or as an adult who is curious about the physical and mental benefits that come with training in such a controlled and disciplined manner.
Although, theoretically speaking, no particular dance wear or dance shoes are necessary to get started, when taking classes at a dance studio, it is necessary to have the right ballet shoes to start on the right (proverbial) foot.
How do I choose the best ballet shoes that are right for me?
With the variety of options available these days (definitely more than when I was a student and professional back in the late 90s and early 2000s!), finding the best shoe as a beginner can feel overwhelming.
Based on my experience as a ballet student, professional dancer, teacher, and studio owner, I have created this guide, with beginner students in mind, all about ballet shoes and what you need to consider when choosing the best ones. It covers the following fundamentals:
1) The basics of ballet shoe construction, including the types of soles, materials, and colors available;
2) The importance of getting a proper fit, as well as finding a comfortable and supportive pair;
3) The factors to consider when choosing shoes such as skill level, personal preferences, and budget;
4) Advice on where to purchase ballet shoes.
This being said, our feet change over time – not just in size, but in strength and flexibility – which means that getting fitted for ballet shoes will be a more than a once in a lifetime experience. It is important to revisit your shoe needs as your experience as a ballet dancer grows so that you are wearing the most optimized footwear.
Without further ado, let’s begin at the beginning.
What are ballet shoes?
Ballet shoes are lightweight, heel-less shoes worn by dancers that are typically secured by one or two elastic bands that cross over the top part of the ankle and/or by a satin ribbon that is tied in a very specific way.
There is often also an elastic drawstring which allows for an even more secure fit.
What are ballet shoes made of?
Ballet shoes are typically made of materials such as leather or canvas.
Leather shoes are optimal for beginners as they are the most durable, sturdy.
Canvas shoes can feel more comfortable as they allow for the foot to breathe more, easier to clean, less expensive, lightweight, moldable.
What are the different kinds of soles available?
Ballet shoes are offered in two kinds of soles – full sole and split sole – and are typically made of leather, suede, or canvas.
Although when you are in your final years of study and enter your professional career, sole design is often a personal or stylistic/choreographic preference, there are several considerations that should be thought through as you are choosing one style of shoe over the other.
I remember thinking that it was “cool” to make that transition from full sole to split sole shoes when I was younger, but ironically, by the end of my stage career, I had gone back to wearing full sole leather ballet shoes in an effort to encourage myself to continue building foot strength.
Full sole ballet shoes have a continuous ball-to-heel sole, providing a consistent surface that is very structured.
Why this matters:
Full sole ballet shoes made with leather soles are good for beginners and younger students as they are sturdy and provide superior arch support which is helpful when learning the fundamentals of ballet technique and proper body alignment.
They are also a good tool for more advanced dancers who are looking to improve their foot articulation as the stiffer sole means having to work harder to achieve the desired stretch in the foot.
The biggest pro to full sole ballet shoes is that they provide stability for balance – especially in jumps and turns – as well as gentle resistance to build strength and muscle in the feet.
Split sole ballet shoes have a sole that is divided into two sections, one covering the ball of the foot and the other covering the heel, providing more foot flexibility.
Why this matters:
Generally speaking, split sole ballet shoes are best reserved for more advanced dancers who have already developed the appropriate strength in their arches to not require the support of a sole beneath them.
Being soft and flexible, a suede sole is often desirable as it will also provide good traction and grip with the floor.
Dancers often comment that in split sole shoes they feel more “connected” with the floor, are able to articulate their feet better, and that they create a more elongated aesthetic emphasizing their arches.
What colors of ballet shoes are there?
With the recent – and long time coming – recognition that ballet tights and shoes colors are not one-color-fits-all products, dance shoe brands are now offering a wider range of hues that match different skin tones.
This is along with the more traditional offerings of pink, white, and black.
How much do ballet shoes cost?
The range of pricing for the cost of ballet shoes is dependent on several factors:
- Brand
- Material
- Color
- Overall Quality
- Location
Canvas ballet shoes tend to be the most affordable option while leather ones tend to be more expensive.
Where can I buy ballet shoes?
Ballet shoes can be purchased from various physical stores and online shops.
For beginners and young students, I would recommend going to a local store to get a proper fitting done. The fitter should assess the shape of your feet and toes, your arch measurements, and a snug – but not suffocating – fit.
Don’t be afraid to try on as many different styles and brands as you like until you find the best fit.
If you are located in a city that has more than one dancewear shop, perhaps visit a few. You may find that you have a better relationship with one fitter over another.
As is the case with street shoes, an improper shoe fit can lead to a myriad of foot problems in the future – at the very least, discomfort, and in the worst case scenario, injury.
Regardless where they are bought, don’t rush to make a decision or settle for anything that makes you uncomfortable.
Now that we’ve covered the basics…
What should I consider when buying ballet shoes?
In summary, here are the questions you must first answer:
- What is my skill level?
- Does my school or company have any requirements that I must be aware of?
- What are my personal preferences?
- What is my budget?
Then, with these parameters established, the details to determine are:
- Which material is best for me at this point in my ballet journey? Leather or canvas?
- What type of sole would provide me with what I need most? Full sole or split sole?
- What color should I get? Does my school have a uniform or am I free to choose what I would like?
- Which brand best fulfills my needs, wants, and budget?
- Where should I purchase my ballet shoes? At a brick and mortar store or at an online retailer?
Featured Photo of So Danca‘s Bliss model taken from their website.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. This means that if you buy something through those links, you won’t pay a penny more, but we may receive a small commission.
