Dance Apparel: Choosing the Right Ballet Shoes for You

Every ballet dancer has probably learned (the hard way) that it’s incredibly important to keep your feet healthy and pain-free. Feet are the most important asset to a ballet dancer as they carry the weight of every movement performed. As such, they are the body part that takes the most beating and is most prone to injuries. So, it’s not surprising that this type of dance involves a special type of shoe.

While in the past it was incredibly difficult to find genuine ballet shoes in Australia, today we are spoilt for choice. Now, the hard thing is to actually choose one design from the many types you’ll come across at any well-stocked dance apparel store. Here are some things to consider in order to make the best choice for your feet.

Soles

The sole is an important element in every type of footwear, especially in ballet shoes. Soles in ballet shoes are supposed to provide great cushioning and also be flexible enough so that the dancer can perform a wide range of motions with their feet. Considering this, ballet shoes can come with two types of soles: full-sole and split-sole. Full sole ones offer better protection as they support the entire foot. They are usually the better choice for children and beginners as they help with balance and stability. Split-soles, on the other hand, are mostly used by experienced dancers as they allow them to better arch their feet and perform more complex movements.

Materials

Ballet shoes are usually either leather or canvas, with some modern models being made of mesh. Leather ballet shoes tend to be the most expensive, but they are also the most durable as leather is thicker and much more resistant. Not to mention how they look much more elegant when it comes to performing on the stage. Canvas shoes, on the other hand, do not last as long and tend to wear off quicker if you practice on a carpeted floor. However, they can stretch more easily and thus provide a better fit for wider feet. Canvas ballet shoes also tend to be more comfortable as they allow feet to breathe better.

Elastics

Ballet shoes come with elastics that secure them on the feet. In some designs, the elastics are purposely left off so that dancers can sew them exactly on the spot they want them, depending on the shape of their foot and the location of the arch. So don’t worry if the dance apparel store does not sell ballet shoes with sewn-in elastics, you can easily do it yourself, there are plenty of helpful tutorials on Youtube.