Ballet Shoe

Ballet Shoe Basics

Choosing a pair of ballet shoes is very exciting but you must remember there are many elements to consider. The type of fabric used for the upper, the size, the type of sole, and most importantly, how well the shoe fits.

The fit of the shoe is by far the most important. Whilst its important for your ballet shoes to look good, they must also be functional and fitting them is very different to fitting a pair of street shoes. As a rule of thumb, ballet shoes tend to be small fitting so you should go up between one and two sizes to your everyday shoe. To check for the correct fit of the shoe, put on your ballet shoe and stand with one leg forward, toe pointed with the tip touching the floor. There should be ample space for you to be able to pinch the shoe at the back of the pointed foot. You should also be able to move your toes around a little without them being jammed into the end of the shoe. If you're torn between two sizes, it's usually advisable to go for the slightly bigger size.

The three main fabrics out of which ballet shoes are manufactured are leather, canvas and satin. Satin is a very beautiful fabric and its shiny appearance makes it very aesthetically pleasing. However, ballet classes put a lot of strain on ballet shoes and this type of fabric is not very hard wearing so should really only be used for performances or exams. Canvas is the cheapest fabric and also the easiest to clean but they do not always give the best line to the foot. Leather, on the other hand, is both aesthetically pleasing, gives a good line to the foot and is also very hard wearing. They tend to mould to the shape of the foot making them very comfortable and as leather is breathable, they don't sweat the feet either. However, such a high performing fabric does come at a price as it's the most expensive of the three.

Ballet shoes are held in place with either ribbons or elastics. Elastic is the most practical and therefore the most popular. The elastics, however, do not usually come attached to the shoe as they need to be in a slightly different place for each dancer depending on the shape of their foot. Though ribbons are the accepted traditional method and look very attractive, tying them can be very fiddly which makes them far less popular.

Ballet shoes are available with two different types of sole – full sole or split sole. As the name suggests, a full sole ballet shoe has a sole which covers the length of the entire foot from the ball to the heel. A split sole on the other hand has a break in the middle. Full sole ballet shoes are mainly used for beginners as they offer extra support and also force the muscles in the foot to work harder to achieve pointe. This means that when the dancer advances to split sole shoes which allow for greater flexibility of the foot, their foot has developed an elegant arch.

About the Author

Dance Gear Direct are experts in providing dancewear with over 30 years experience. For more information about our extensive range of ballet shoes, please visit our website www.dancegeardirect.co.uk.

I need to know a quick and easy way to get a new string for my ballet shoe and replace the old one.?

My dog chewed the first string out and the ballet shoes are brand new. I don't want to return them or tell my mom. Please Help. Thank you so much!

If you mean the satin ribbons, go to a fabric store (take the shoe with you) and buy some matching ribbon. Cut the proper length. Fold the back of the shoe inward, and then sew the new ribbon at an angle where the push-in section meets the side of the shoe.

Types of Ballet Shoes

Ballerina Jewelry Box $13.99 Your little ballerina can keep all her jewelry safe and sound in this charming Ballerina Jewelry Box. Designed with a unique octagon shape, the box opens to reveal a ballerina, who springs up and twirls around as the lovely music plays. If the music stops, just wind the key. Features pretty pink lining and a little heart-shaped mirror. Measures approximately 6" x 6" x 5"....

Ballet Shoes Music Box $17.99 This sweet music box plays Swan Lake as the Ballerina twirls....

Tiny Toeshoes $9.95 This adorable bear makes a wonderful collectable for your tiny dancer. Tiny Toeshoes stands 6" high and wears an elegant organza tutu with coordinating rose headband and of course, white ballet pointe shoes....

The Tales of Hoffmann (The Criterion Collection) $19.99 TALES OF HOFFMANN - DVD Movie...

The Best of Riverdance $12.00 SEE RIVERDANCE JOURNEY FROM ITS EXTRAORDINARY BEGINNINGS AT THE POINT THEATRE, DUBLIN, WITH ORIGINAL STARS MICHAEL FLATLEY &JEAN BUTLER, THROUGH ITS PHENOMENAL SUCCESS IN RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL, NEW YORK TO ITS LATEST LIVE RECORDING IN GENEVA....

Lotte Lenya sings Kurt Weill's The Seven Deadly Sins & Berlin Theatre Songs $4.64 No Description AvailableNo Track Information AvailableMedia Type: CDArtist: LENYA,LOTTETitle: SINGS WEILLStreet Release Date: 12/09/1997...

Nijinsky [VHS] $14.95 ...

Glass Slipper [VHS] $19.98 ...

Russian Folk Song & Dance [VHS] $4.25 ...

Peel & Stick By RoomMates Ballet Wall Decals w/Glitter $14.99 What are RoomMates? RoomMates are removable, repositionable, and reusable wall decals. They feature your favorite designs and popular characters, and can be applied to any smooth surface.How do they work? Our wall decals are easy to use: simply peel & stick! The special adhesive is strong enough to keep your decor on the wall, but delicate enough to allow endless repositioning without damaging the...

Sterling Silver Ballet Shoe Charm $21.49 Give your favorite ballerina her own silver ballet shoe charmCrafted in sterling silver, this charm features a ballet shoe en pointeSilver jewelry shines with a polished finish

Ballet Shoes (DVD) $7.32 Description not available.

Ballet Shoes (DVD) $16.82 A fanciful tale that has introduced generations of children to the possibilities of fame and fortune. The three children, Pauli

The Magic Ballet Shoes (Paperback) $3.95 Delphie is invited to join Madame Zarakova`s ballet school and, wearing the red ballet slippers given to her by the older woman, she finds herself in the Land of Enchantia, where she must bring the Nutcracker back to life by dancing.

Ballet Shoes $6.92 The first and best-loved of the Shoes series is now available for the first time in an illustrated paperback. Caldecott Honor wi

Sam & Libby Women's 'Zees' Lace Ballet Flats $39.99 A black lace design over a natural color highlight these stylish ballet flats from Sam & Libby. A bow detail and a slightly padded footbed finish these incredible flats.

Steve Madden Women's 'P-Henlyy' Ballet Flats $53.99 Stride in style with these lovely Steve Madden 'P-Henlyy' ballet flats. A leather construction with diamond-shaped silver studs completes the look of these flats.

Journee Collection Women's 'Hunter-81' Ornamented Ballet Flats $30.49 Large glistening rhinestones highlight the studded floral applique on these ballet flats from Journee Collection. These faux suede flats are finished with a slightly padded footbed, durable rubber sole and easy slip-on styling.

Glaze by Adi Women's 'Kali-1' Knot Ballet Flats $26.49 A knot accent highlights these flats by Glaze by Adi. Kali-1 ballet flats are finished with a round toe and faux suede uppers.

Steve Madden Women's 'P-Helio' Taupe Ballet Flats $54.99 These graceful 'P-Helio' ballet flats from Steve Madden feature a durable upper construction. These women's shoes also spotlight slip-on styling, a slightly padded footbed and an abiding rubber outsole.

Ballet Shoe Invitation - Box of 10 $23.49 Ballet Shoe Invitation - Box of 10

BALLET SHOE $12.5 3D, ONE OF 0448 PAIR, Sterling Silver, 1/8 x 1/2 in

Ballet $35 Ballet

Sterling Silver Ballet Shoe Charm $25.83 Give your favorite ballerina her own silver ballet shoe charmCrafted in sterling silver, this charm features a ballet shoe en pointeSilver jewelry shines with a polished finishIncludes a jump ring for easy attachment to bracelets and chainsCharm measures 20 mm high x 8 mm wideWeighs 1.50 gramsAll carat weights and measurements are approximate and may vary slightly from the listed information.

14K White Gold Two Stone 3D Ballet Shoe Bracelet Charm $265 This dainty charm is of a pair of ballet shoes rendered in white gold, studded with pink sapphires and topped with a sparkling diamond. Show youelf on pointe with this 14K White Gold Two Stone 3D Ballet Shoe Bracelet Charm.

Barbie Ballet Slipper $15.79 Barbie Ballet Slippers Great accessory for your little ballerina! Pink ballet slippers with white flower buds around the shoe. Available size: One size fits most children.

Women's Pink Hybrid Ballet Shoe $29.9 Soft leather upper combined with a flexible canvas arch insert. Elastic drawstring, cotton lining, suede leather sock liner and elastic strap attached. Color matching suede leather toe and heel pads. Generally, fitting is Street shoe size. However, we HIGHLY recommend that you check with your instructor for fitting preference.

Ballet Class Coloring Book $5.25 clear, accurate drawings (all in proper sequence) depict everything that goes on in a beginner''s class, from lacing up the ballet shoe to executing the perfect arabesque...

Feminine Jewelry 131032 Ballet Shoe Dangle in Sterling Silver. Weight 2.70g $47.45 Ballet Shoe Dangle in Sterling Silver. Weight: 2.70g. Many designs available match your personal style. Design is stylish and innovative. Satisfaction Ensured. Great Gift Idea.

Ballet Child Shoes $31.99 Ballet Shoes Child Great dancer or princess shoe. Include one pair of flat ballet shoes with bows at the top and a strap over the foot. Available in Black or White. Available Sizes: Extra Small 9/10 Small 11/12 Medium 13/1 Large 2/3

Belle Ballet Slippers $11.69 Belle Ballet Slippers Make Your Princess Stand Out In Her Ballet Slippers ! These Cloth ballet slippers feature a cameo. Ballet Slippers measure: 8” long from toe to heel; 3” wide at widest part of shoe (inside ball of foot area to outside edge); and 2.5” wide at heel. An essential accessory to our Beauty And The Beast Belle costumes. Available size: Child shoe size 10-11. ** To get your child's foot measurements we recommend having your child stand on a piece of paper, trace around them, and then measure the tracings with a ruler. **

White Ballet Flat Shoes $19.95 Ballet Flats are all the rage and there's no question why! This classic comfortable shoe can match almost any costumed occasion, from beautiful ballerinas to wicked witches and even nighttime ninjas! If you want a sweet shoe for your adventures, then you need the White Ballet Flat Shoes! Our White Ballet Flat Shoes has a flat sole and a slender elasticized band that stretches across the top of the foot to keep your shoes in place! Slip on these shiny slippers and give your fancy feet a great outline! There's even a slender bow at the toes which gives these shoes a charming appearance! Get ready for your enchanted Halloween parties with these amazing shoes!

Pink Ballet Shoes - Kids $19.95 Ballet Flats are all the rage and there's no question why! This classic comfortable shoe can match almost any costumed occasion, from beautiful ballerinas to wicked witches and even nighttime ninjas! If you want a sweet shoe for your adventures, then you need the Kids Pink Ballet Shoes! Our Kids Pink Ballet Shoes has a flat sole and a slender elasticized band that stretches across the top of the foot to keep your shoes in place! Slip on these shiny slippers and give your fancy feet a great outline! There's even a slender bow at the toes which gives these shoes a charming appearance! Get ready for your enchanted Halloween parties with these amazing shoes!

Youth Split Sole Pink Leather Ballet Shoe $23.9 Pleated toe, elastic strap attached, sueded sock liner, elastic drawstring. Youth fitting: Generally you need to order this shoe 1/2 size larger than your street shoe. However, we HIGHLY recommend that you check with your instructor for fitting preference. To purchase this shoe in an adult size, please click here .

Women's Split Sole Pink Leather Ballet Shoe $24.95 Pleated toe, elastic strap attached, sueded sock liner, elastic drawstring. Women size fitting: Generally you need to order this shoe 1/2 size larger than your street shoe. However, we HIGHLY recommend that you check with your instructor for fitting preference. To purchase this shoe in a youth size, please click here .

Tinker Bell Ballet Slippers $12.99 Peter Pan Tinker Bell Ballet Slippers Dance The Night Away! These lovely cloth light green slippers feature white faux-fur, a silver strap and a Tinker Bell cameo. Available size: Fits child shoe size 10-11. Ballet Slippers measure: 8” long from toe to heel; 3” wide at widest part of shoe (inside ball of foot area to outside edge); and 2.5” wide at heel. To get your child's foot measurements we recommend having your child stand on a piece of paper, trace around them, and then measure the tracings with a ruler. An official Peter Pan & ©Disney product.

Girls Ballet Flat Shoes - Black $19.95 Ballet Flats are all the rage and there's no question why! This classic comfortable shoe can match almost any costumed occasion, from beautiful ballerinas to wicked witches and even nighttime ninjas! If you want a sweet shoe for your adventures, then you need the Girls Ballet Flat Shoes in Black! Our Girls Ballet Flat Shoes in Black has a flat sole and a slender elasticized band that stretches across the top of the foot to keep your shoes in place! Slip on these shiny slippers and give your fancy feet a great outline! There's even a slender bow at the toes which gives these shoes a charming appearance! Get ready for your enchanted Halloween parties with these amazing shoes!

Sterling Silver Three Dimensional Ballet Toe Shoe Pendant $25.29 Plum Island Silver Company is a leading supplier of Sterling Silver Jewelry. We have one of the largest selections of Sterling Silver Jewelry in the world. Our customer service is unexcelled. Give us a try and see why we are America s Favorite Sterling Silver Supplier . 3D ballet slipper charm.

Ballet Class Coloring Book (Paperback) $4.7 Forty-two clear, accurate drawings (all in proper sequence) depict everything that goes on in a beginner`s class, from lacing up the ballet shoe to executing the perfect arabesque. Illustrated instructions as well for proper posture, warm-up exercises, arm movements and much more. Inspirational, encouraging and instructive advice.

Ballet Socks $7.98 Ballet Socks

Ballet Adagios $13.29 Ballet Adagios