Ill-fitting ballet shoes can immediately affect both comfort and ability. However, knowing how to choose the right ballet shoes can provide peace of mind throughout training and live performances.
Understanding Ballet Shoe Types
Before choosing ballet shoes, getting familiar with the most common ballet shoe types is essential.
Split Sole vs. Full-Sole: Pros and Cons
Beginners in ballet typically start with a pair of full-sole shoes. Full-sole shoes are exactly what they sound like — shoes with a complete sole also designed for ballet. Full-sole ballet shoes are ideal for those just getting started with ballet and growing more comfortable with their own flexibility and limitations. In addition, full-sole shoes are optimal for those who require increased stability and balance support. For advanced dancers, full-sole ballet shoes may not suffice.
On the other hand, split-sole shoes include a noticeable gap beneath the traditional sole of the shoe. This split can help with promoting increased flexibility where the arch is located. Split-sole shoes are recommended for dancers who want to improve their skills and enhance their overall abilities. In addition, split-sole shoes are ideal for dancers already comfortable with intermediate and advanced ballet moves.
Determining the Perfect Fit
Finding the perfect fit is essential when choosing ballet shoes, whether you are a beginner or an experienced dancer. Improper sizing can lead to discomfort, pain, and the inability to perform.
When determining the perfect fit for your ballet shoes, keep these things in mind:
- Measurements: Take time to measure your feet correctly. You can also ask professional ballet shoe specialists to assist you with measurements.
- Consider your foot and arch shape: Not all feet are identical. Consider your foot type, shape, and arch measurements. This matters when choosing the right ballet shoes.
- Try on different styles and brands: Some ballet shoes may fit tighter than others and use a material that is irritating to you. Try on different ballet shoes from multiple brands to find your ideal fit.
- Compare designs: Ballet slippers are designed as rounded, squared, or pointed. Get familiar with each style to choose the right fit for you.
Materials and Construction
When shopping around for ballet shoes, it’s essential to consider the construction of the shoe itself as well as the materials that have been used in the manufacturing process. In most cases, ballet shoes are made using high-quality soft canvas or leather.
While canvas ballet shoes are highly breathable, leather slippers are also extremely common, even among professional dancers. Leather and suede are commonly used to create highly durable shoes recommended for intermediate and advanced dancers.
Choosing the Right Style for Your Needs
When learning to choose the right ballet shoes, it’s essential to keep a few factors in mind. First, consider whether you are a beginner, intermediate, or advanced dancer before shopping for ballet shoes.
Beginners will fare well with traditional ballet slippers and full-sole shoes as they are just starting. However, those focused on enhancing their skills will perform better once they are comfortable in split-sole ballet shoes. Also, remember the style of dance techniques you are interested in and any style requirements that align.
The more comfortable you become with full-sole or split-sole, the easier it will be to find a pair of ballet shoes just right for your next practice or performance.
