Are you preparing for your first-ever ballet class? If so, ballet shoes should be among the first items on your checklist (along with the ballet tutu, leotard and dance tights). Ballet classes require a specific type of shoes; hence most dance studios have a uniform policy. These shoes are available in a wide range of materials, designs, and hues, and the options available might be confusing for beginners and dance parents.
There’s a wide variety of comfortable ballet dance shoes available online from well-known dancewear brands such as Bloch, Capezio, Energetiks, and more. They come in versatile designs suitable for both children and adults. Follow this guide and get familiar with the terminology used in the ballet shoe industry so you can choose the best option for you or your little dancer. The dress code for each dance studio varies, so be sure to also check with yours for specifics.
Full-Sole vs Split-Sole Ballet Shoes
The suede section of the shoe’s bottom that supports the arch of your foot is called the “full sole” in the ballet industry. A full-sole shoe is typically necessary for a young dancer or a beginner. This is so that young dancers can learn how to use their feet properly and have the right foot muscles targeted.
Ballet exercises help dancers strengthen their foot muscles while also improving the aesthetics of their feet. The suede part on the bottom of a split-sole shoe is almost the same as the full-sole piece. For the split-sole shoe, this part is divided into two pieces—one for the ball of the foot and one for the heel.
The fabric of the ballet shoe covers the arch of the foot and connects the two components. This provides a beautiful look that all ballet dancers strive to achieve. Split-sole shoes are available in both canvas and leather fabrics. If you’re an experienced dancer looking for a split-sole shoe, give the Hanami Canvas Split-Sole shoe by Capezio a try!
Leather vs Canvas Shoes
Another thing that you’ll notice when shopping for ballet dance shoes is that they either come in canvas or leather designs. Both of these fabrics have their pros and cons and deciding which to buy might be difficult if you don’t know what you’re searching for.
Leather Ballet Shoes
When it comes to leather shoes, they often have a longer lifespan than their canvas counterparts. They also mould to your foot easier and create an appealing silhouette that many ballerinas are striving for. They’re available in split and full-sole models, with either elastics or ribbons.
Canvas Ballet Shoes
Compared to leather, canvas shoes are much easier to clean, as you can simply throw them in the wash or hand-clean them in minutes. They don’t offer the same aesthetic as leather shoes, but they’re easier to maintain and repair if damaged. Canvas shoes display your foot’s movement more readily than leather since they’re thinner.
When choosing the right material for your ballerina shoes, consider the type of flooring of your ballet studio. Canvas shoes work well on vinyl flooring because they produce less friction than leather does. On the other hand, leather shoes provide a better grip and slip resistance on slippery wooden floors.
What’s My Ideal Ballet Shoe Size?
These shoes should fit snugly on your feet, but they shouldn’t be too tight. They’re designed to fit like socks with little to no room for growth. As your dancer gets older, the leather expands and moulds to their feet, which is a big advantage of leather shoes – synthetic materials won’t stretch as much, meaning you’ll get less use out of the shoes!
Make sure your dancer wears tights or a try-on sock when you get them fitted for ballet shoes so they can feel how the shoe will feel on their feet. Such tight shoes aren’t too comfortable for little feet. Before class, have your dancer practice wearing them around the home a few times.
Every manufacturer has a different sizing chart, so be sure to carefully check the sizing charts before making a purchase! Your dancer won’t often wear the same size dance shoes and sneakers.
Is the Colour of My Shoes Important?
When browsing through ballet shoes online Australia-wide, you’ll find that there are many different colours available. They come in neutral black and white, as well as different shades of beige and pink. Ask your studio what their guidelines are regarding shoe colour. If they pose no restrictions, feel free to pick any shade you prefer! My favourites are seamless shoes in skin tone colours.
What Are the Best Ballet Shoes for a Beginner?
Shoes with a full sole in a light pink, white, or skin tone colour, are the best choice for beginner dancers. Make sure that they have an attached elastic across the top of the foot, and a drawstring to help tighten the shoe. For beginner ballerinas, I recommend getting full-sole leather shoes.
Bottom Line
Ballet shoes are an important element of any ballerina’s outfit. However, the wide range of designs available makes it difficult to choose the perfect pair. The best shoes are constructed from leather or canvas, fit snugly, and have flexible soles. You can pick full-sole or split-sole shoes depending on the age and skill level of the dancer.
