How to Buy the Perfect Pair of Ballet Shoes

It can be overwhelming to buy ballet slippers, for first time buyers and for dancers who get overwhelmed by the continuous supply of new shoes in the stores. Overtime you will find the perfect pair of ballet slippers and stick with them for your entire dancing career. Here is how to find the perfect pair:

1. Ballet slippers help dancers with their technique and protect their feet. It is important that they fit correctly. A ballet slipper is an extension of a dancers foot, it should fit like a glove, but not be too tight either. Put on a pair, and releve (lift up onto the balls of your feet), your toes should not be crammed with plenty of wiggle room. Don't buy shoes that are too big or too small. You have to play goldelocks and find the pair that fits "just right."

2. Ballet slippers typically come made from cloth or leather. Leather is usually more expensive, but lasts longer and can by dyed different colors for performances. Canvas or cloth shoes can be washed easily in the washer, and feel very different. It is widely viewed that leather shoes look more elegant. But it comes down to what your studio prefers you wear and what you are more comfortable in.

3. Ballet slippers come with different soles. There are split sole shoes and full sole shoes. There is not a big difference between the two. Split soles offer more movement for your foot and a dancer can create a better point with their foot. Full soles offer more support to the arch of the foot.

4. Ballet slippers need elastics. You can buy shoes with elastics already sewn in, or you can buy slippers that require you to sew them in yourself. The preferred option is to sew them in yourself. Since everyone's feet are shaped differently the elastic will fit better if you do it yourself. It is easy to sew in the elastics.

Don't get overwhelmed by buying ballet slippers, it will get easier with time, and always feel free to ask your dance studio for their advice!