The range of ballet shoes on the market is as varied as the feet that dance in them.
So if you’re just starting out, or buying for a young dancer, how do you find the right one for you?
We stock over 50 different types of ballet shoes, so whatever your needs and experience level, we’re confident we’ve got a pair you’ll love dancing in. In this guide, we break down everything you need to know about ballet shoes to help you sort through the options and find your perfect pair.
What types of ballet shoes are available?
Ballet shoes are made from leather, canvas or satin, and come with a full-sole or a split-sole. In recent years, brands have expanded from just those options though: so if you need a vegan ballet shoe, a wide-fit ballet shoe, or a skin-tone matching colour – you’ll find it on our site.
Leather ballet shoes
Most young dancers and adult beginners start with leather ballet shoes. Leather offers more resistance, which supports the foot and helps build foot strength.
Advantages of leather ballet shoes:
- Durable, long-lasting material
- Supportive feel
Disadvantages of leather ballet shoes:
- Less breathable
If you like a leather shoe, try:
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Roch Valley Ophelia |
Bloch Arise |
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Canvas ballet shoes
Canvas ballet shoes are lighter and more flexible than leather ones. A canvas shoe can help you articulate the foot fully and show off your beautiful lines.
Advantages of canvas ballet shoes:
- Very flexible
- Easy to clean
- Breathable
Disadvantages of canvas ballet shoes:
- Less durable than leather
- Can be slippery on wooden floors
If you like a canvas shoe, try:
| So Danca SD16 | Capezio Hanami |
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Satin ballet shoes
Satin ballet shoes look elegant and flatter the foot, making them a popular choice for exams and performances.
Advantages of satin ballet shoes:
- Clean, professional appearance
- Can be worn with matching satin ribbons
Disadvantages of satin ballet shoes:
- They wear out faster than other materials
- They’re harder to clean
If you like a satin shoe, try:
| Roch Valley Full Sole Satin | Roch Valley Split Sole Satin |
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Which sole should I choose?
Ballet shoes either have a split sole or a full sole.
Full sole: covers the whole bottom of the shoe from heel to toe, just like street shoes.
Split sole: the sole has a gap over the arch to give the dancer improved flexibility.
Full sole ballet shoes
Full sole ballet shoes give you more support. This makes them ideal for young dancers or beginner dancers – the extra resistance helps build strength and train technique.
Split sole ballet shoes
Split sole ballet shoes are more flexible. They hug the foot, accentuating your arches and helping you achieve a cleaner, smoother line.
How should ballet shoes fit?
Ballet shoes are designed to fit close to the foot. They should feel comfortable and give you full freedom of movement – with no excess room.
Should I buy ballet shoes a size bigger for a growing child?
The teacher needs to be able to see your child’s feet to check their technique and make sure they’re moving safely. And if their shoes are too big, mistakes are more difficult to spot and correct.
Excess material at the toes could also become a trip hazard.
So for your child to develop good habits, avoid accidents and injuries, and get the most from ballet classes, it’s best to order shoes in their current size.
Try the Roch Valley Ophelia or Bloch Arise if you need an affordable option for fast-growing children.
How do I tell if my ballet shoes are too small?
Ballet shoes should be snug but not tight. When you try them on, ask yourself these questions to check the fit
- Do all your toes lie flat against the floor when standing?
- Try rising to demi-pointe. Can you spread your toes?
- Does anything dig in or rub?
If your toes bend in the shoe (knuckling) or they feel restricted, you’ll need to size up. Shoes that are too small can cause discomfort, possibly even leading to injury.
What size ballet shoes should I get?
Just like everyone’s feet are unique, the sizing of ballet shoes varies between brands too.
To make it easier for you to find the right fit, we’ve converted the different brands’ sizes into UK sizes already. So just select your usual street shoe size when you’re shopping on our website.
Check the product descriptions for any specific sizing recommendations – if a ballet shoe comes up small, we’ve added a note to suggest buying a larger size.
Best ballet shoes for adult beginners
If you’re just starting ballet as an adult, we’d suggest choosing an affordable shoe with a full sole. Many adult beginners start with a Roch Valley Ophelia or Bloch Arise, and once you’ve been dancing for a little while you’ll discover your own preferences.
Do I need pointe shoes too?
As dancers progress, their footwear needs change – and once you’ve reached a high level of technique and strength, you may be able to start pointe work.
Pointe work can lead to injury if you start too soon or wear incorrectly fitting shoes. Whether you’re a young dancer or an adult beginner – check with your teacher before you buy pointe shoes. They’ll be able to assess if you’re ready, or if you need more training or strengthening first.
If they say you’re good to go, we recommend visiting a professional fitter for your first pair. It’s important to get fitted regularly if your feet are still growing – as your feet grow and change, what you need from a shoe changes too. And once you’ve got your shoes, come back to read our tutorial on sewing your ribbons.
Need more ballet shoe advice?
Choosing the right ballet shoe makes a huge difference to comfort, performance, and progression. If you're unsure which to choose, your teacher will be able to help, and we can too – just give us a call or drop us an email with your questions.