Finding the right ballet shoes online can feel overwhelming, especially when you're navigating sizing charts, sole types, and brand differences for the first time. At Total Dance, Australia's home of premium dancewear, we've helped thousands of dancers and dance families find the perfect fit, from first-year beginners to dedicated students training several times a week. Whether you're shopping for a little one starting their first ballet class or a seasoned dancer upgrading their footwear, this guide walks you through everything you need to know before you buy.
What to Look for When You Buy Ballet Shoes Online in Australia
Ballet shoes are not one-size-fits-all, and buying online requires a little more preparation than heading into a local dance shop. The good news is that with the right guidance, shopping online is straightforward, and you have access to a far wider range of styles and sizes than most physical stores can stock.
Leather vs Canvas: Which Is Right for Your Dancer?
The two most common materials for ballet flats are leather and canvas. Leather is widely recommended by teachers, particularly for children, because it moulds to the foot over time, offers excellent durability, and is easier to keep clean. Canvas is lighter and tends to soften more quickly, which some older students prefer. For young beginners especially, leather is often the go-to choice, and it's what you'll find in our most popular children's styles at Total Dance.
Full Sole vs Split Sole
Full sole ballet shoes have a single piece of leather or suede running the length of the shoe. They provide more resistance, which helps young dancers build the intrinsic foot muscles needed for proper technique. Split sole shoes have two separate pieces of sole, one under the ball of the foot and one under the heel, allowing greater flexibility and a more pointed line through the arch. Most beginner and junior students are advised by their teachers to start with full sole, so always check with the studio before purchasing.
How to Measure for Ballet Shoes at Home
Measuring your child's feet at home is simpler than it sounds. Place their foot on a piece of paper, trace around it, and measure the longest point from heel to toe. Use the sizing guide provided on each product page at Total Dance to match that measurement to the correct shoe size. Keep in mind that ballet shoes are typically worn snug, with minimal growing room, so if your child is between sizes, it's worth consulting the notes on each product listing or reaching out to our team for advice.
Our Favourite Leather Ballet Shoes for Children and Adults
At Total Dance, we stock a curated range of leather ballet flats chosen for quality, fit, and longevity. Here are two of our most loved styles.
Dansoft Children's Leather Ballet Flat
The Dansoft Childrens Leather Ballet Flat is a perennial favourite in Australian dance studios. Crafted from soft, supple leather with a full suede sole, it breaks in quickly without sacrificing durability. The elasticated drawstring closure ensures a secure, comfortable fit across a wide range of foot shapes. It's an excellent choice for preschool and primary-age students, and it washes up beautifully, which busy dance mums will appreciate. You can browse our full range of children's and adult styles in our ballet shoes collection.
Elemental Reflex Performance Leather with Pre-Sewn Ballet Ribbons
For students who are progressing through their grades and spending more time at the barre, the Elemental Reflex Performance Leather - Childs - with pre sewn Ballet Ribbons is a brilliant upgrade. The pre-sewn ribbons are a practical bonus that saves considerable time at home, and the performance leather upper delivers a clean, polished look for exams and concerts. The split sole design allows for a beautiful, expressive foot line, making it a popular choice for students moving into more advanced training.
If you're weighing up which brand suits your dancer best, our in-depth comparison of Bloch versus Capezio ballet shoes is a great place to start. It breaks down the key differences in fit, construction, and suitability across age groups, so you can make a confident decision before adding to cart.
Ballet Shoe Accessories That Complete the Look
A great pair of ballet shoes is just the beginning. The right accessories help your dancer look polished, stay comfortable, and feel ready to perform. At Total Dance, we stock a beautiful range of ballet-themed accessories that make wonderful additions to any dance bag, and thoughtful gifts for dancers of all ages.
Ballet Shoe Ribbons
If your dancer's shoes don't come with ribbons already attached, you'll need to sew them on before their first class. The Ballet Shoe Ribbon and the Satin Ballet Shoe Ribbon are both popular choices, offering the right width and strength to hold securely around the ankle without digging in. Satin ribbons give a classic, elegant finish that looks beautiful under stage lighting.
Hair Accessories for Ballet
A neat bun is as essential to the ballet look as the shoes themselves. To keep every hair in place, the Ripple Pins 50 Pack 4.5cm (available in Black, Brown, Gold, and Light Brown) are a studio staple, offering a firm grip without snagging delicate hair. For performances and concerts, the Ballet Shoe Hair Clips add a sweet, dance-themed touch that little dancers adore. The Rebecca Satin Hair Bow and the Flower Headband with Ribbon are also lovely finishing touches for recitals and eisteddfods.
For a complete bun kit, pair your pins with a Luna Scrunchie or Coral Coast Scrunchie to secure the base, and finish with the Flat Diamante Headpiece or Flower Diamante Headpiece for added sparkle on performance days.
Ballet Shoe Jewellery
The Ballet Shoe Jewellery Set is one of our most charming gift options, featuring delicate ballet flat motifs that celebrate a dancer's passion. It makes a lovely end-of-year present or birthday gift for a young dancer who loves to express her love of ballet beyond the studio. Pair it with the Ballerina Keyring or Ballerina Buddies Keyring for a thoughtful gift bundle that any dance-loving child would treasure.
Dance Bags and Organisation
Keeping dance gear organised is half the battle for busy families. The Mesh Pointe Bag is ideal for storing ballet shoes separately from the rest of the dance kit, allowing them to air out between classes. For dancers juggling multiple styles or heading to weekend competitions, the Legacy Tote Bag and Pretty Tote Bag offer generous storage with a stylish edge. The Adriatic Bloom Bucket Bag is another beautiful option that doubles as an everyday carry for dance-mad students.
Free Shipping and How to Shop at Total Dance
Shopping for ballet shoes online at Total Dance is designed to be as easy as possible. We offer free standard shipping on all Australian orders over $99, so stocking up on shoes, ribbons, and accessories in a single order is a smart way to save on delivery. Orders are processed promptly, and our team is always available to help with sizing queries or product recommendations before you finalise your purchase.
To find the right shoe, start by browsing our range of ballet flats for children and adults. Each listing includes detailed sizing information, product notes, and material descriptions to help you choose with confidence. If you're ever unsure, don't hesitate to get in touch with us directly.
We also recommend reading up on how different brands compare in terms of fit and construction. Our guide on choosing between Bloch and Capezio footwear covers everything from width fittings to durability, helping you shop smarter from the start.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know what size ballet shoe to order online?
Trace your child's foot on paper and measure the longest point from heel to toe. Then compare that measurement against the size guide on each product page. Ballet shoes are worn snugly, so if your child falls between sizes, most teachers recommend sizing down rather than up. When in doubt, contact our team for personalised advice before you order.
Are leather ballet shoes better than canvas for beginners?
For most beginners, particularly young children, leather is the preferred choice. Leather is durable, easy to clean, and moulds to the shape of the foot over time, providing good support as technique develops. Canvas is lighter and can be preferred by older or more advanced students, but your child's dance teacher will often specify which they'd like students to wear.
Do ballet shoes come with ribbons already attached?
Some styles, like the Elemental Reflex Performance Leather - Childs - with pre sewn Ballet Ribbons, come with ribbons already sewn on. Others come with elastic only, or without any attachment, and ribbons are purchased separately. Always check the individual product listing, and stock up on Ballet Shoe Ribbon or Satin Ballet Shoe Ribbon if sewing is required.
Does Total Dance offer free shipping on ballet shoes?
Yes. Total Dance offers free standard shipping on all Australian orders over $99. This makes it easy and cost-effective to order shoes, accessories, and dancewear together in a single transaction. Simply add your items to cart and the free shipping threshold will be applied automatically at checkout.
