Buying a first pair of ballet shoes can feel confusing, especially when the size on the box looks nothing like the size in your child's school shoes. Here is the honest truth from behind our counter: a ballet shoe should fit like a second skin, not like a school shoe with room to grow. Once you understand why, the rest of it (leather or canvas, full sole or split, and which brand runs how) gets much easier.
How a ballet shoe should fit
A ballet shoe should feel snug and close, with the toes lying flat along the bottom of the shoe. There should be no bunching at the end and no gaping at the heel when the foot is pointed. Unlike street shoes, we do not leave growing room. Extra length lets the foot slide forward, the toes crumple, and the dancer cannot feel the floor or work through the foot properly. A little snug is exactly right.
- Toes flat and long, never curled or scrunched at the tip.
- The heel stays on when the foot points, without slipping.
- No spare length past the toes, and no pinching across the widest part of the foot.
- The drawstring is for a gentle adjustment only, not to hold on a shoe that is too big.
Leather or canvas
Both are lovely, and the right pick often comes down to your teacher and your dancer. Leather is hard-wearing, moulds beautifully to the foot over time and tends to last longer, which suits little ones who are hard on their shoes. Canvas is soft, light and breathable, washes easily and shows the line of the foot clearly, which is why many older students prefer it. Some studios ask for a specific one, so it is always worth checking with the teacher before you buy.
Full sole or split sole for beginners
A full sole runs the whole length of the shoe and gives gentle resistance that helps young dancers build strength and learn to point through the whole foot. For that reason most studios start beginners, especially little ones, in a full sole. A split sole has a gap under the arch, which flexes more and flatters an experienced, worked foot. As a rule of thumb: full sole to begin, split sole once the teacher says the foot is ready.
How to measure a child's foot at home
Feet change fast, so measure before every new pair rather than trusting last year's number. Measure late in the day when feet are at their largest, and measure both feet, because they are rarely identical.
- Trace the foot. Stand your child on a sheet of paper with weight evenly on both feet, and mark the tip of the longest toe and the back of the heel.
- Measure in cm. Draw a straight line between the two marks and measure the length in centimetres. Do the same for the other foot.
- Fit the bigger foot. Always work from the longer of the two measurements, then match it to the brand's own size chart.
If you would rather not guess, bring your dancer in and we will measure and fit on the spot. For sizing the rest of the outfit, our guide on how to measure for a leotard walks through it the same friendly way.
Why dance sizing is not street sizing
This is the part that surprises most parents. Dance shoe sizes almost never match street shoe sizes, and they are not even consistent from one brand to the next. A dancer might sit a size or more away from their school shoe, and a Bloch fit will not line up exactly with a Capezio fit. That is why we never assume from the box. Always try the shoe on, or check that brand's chart against your measurement in cm, and treat each label on its own.
New to all of this? Our guide on what to wear to a first ballet class covers the whole kit so nothing catches you out on day one.
Real dancers, real fitting help, and shoes chosen to match your studio's requirements.
Shop ballet shoes Browse all dance shoesFrequently asked questions
How should ballet shoes fit?
Snug and close, like a second skin, with the toes lying flat and no spare length at the end. The heel should stay on when the foot points, and the drawstring is for a light adjustment only.
Should you size up in ballet shoes for room to grow?
No. Unlike street shoes, ballet shoes are fitted to the foot as it is now, with no growing room. Extra length lets the foot slide forward and the toes crumple, which stops a dancer working through the foot. Re-check the size every few months instead.
Are leather or canvas ballet shoes better?
Both are good. Leather is hard-wearing and moulds to the foot, which suits younger dancers who are tough on shoes. Canvas is soft, light and breathable and shows the line of the foot. Check with your teacher, as some studios ask for one or the other.
Full sole or split sole for beginners?
Most beginners start in a full sole because the resistance helps build strength and teaches the foot to point fully. A split sole flexes more and suits an experienced, worked foot, usually once the teacher says the dancer is ready.
Why are dance shoes a different size to street shoes?
Dance shoes are made to fit close with no growing room, so the sizing rarely matches street shoes and varies between brands like Bloch and Capezio. Always try the shoe on or check that brand's own size chart against a measurement in cm.
