Selecting a ballet slipper can be a daunting task if you haven’t done it before, and even if you have some experience in this department nowadays there are so many options that having a guide can be a blessing.

Ballet slippers vary in style, material, sole, and color; therefore, selecting the right ballet slipper is definitely something that is based on preference. For example, you may find that you prefer canvas material to leather and a certain brand fits the shape of your foot better than another brand.

The first step to take is to head to your local dancewear store and try on different pairs of slippers to find one that you like and fits best. Below you will find a guide to help you know what to look for as well as the positives to the different types of slippers. Good Luck!

What should I look for when trying them on?

• Ballet slippers should fit snuggly on your foot, but not have your toes rolled up under themselves. If your toes are rolling under, try the next size up.
• The elastic should be fitted to your foot, but not so tight that it is cutting off your circulation.
• There shouldn’t be any bunching on the sides of the slipper. If this is happening it could be that they are too wide for your foot, so ask for a narrower shoe. On the flip side, if it is pulling too much on the side it could mean that you have a too narrow shoe and should try a wider slipper.

Which material should I choose?

• There are pros and cons to the different types of materials for ballet slippers. You have the choice of leather or canvas. Here are some reasons why you might select one over the other.

Pros to leather:

• Longer lasting
• Develops your feet more because the materials is stronger and it takes more strength to “break in” and mold to your feet

Pros to canvas:

• Easier to “break in” because of the softer material
• Usually more affordable when compared to leather slippers

What about the sole, should I go with full or split-sole?

As a dancer you will have the option of selecting a full sole or a split-sole on the bottom of your shoe. Here are some descriptions on both options so you can make an informed decision.

Full Sole:

• Having a full sole will offer you an easier platform to balance on. However, it will be less malleable than if you have the split-sole.
• Typically beginner and younger dancers opt for this choice until they have found their balance in the dance studio.

 Split-sole:

• A split-sole will be less stable, but not to those individuals who have been dancing for some time.
• These slippers will be more malleable and will bend nicely to the curves of your foot when pointing.

What color should I select?

Typically a ballet pink is the route many female dancers take and black for the male dancers. Nevertheless, there is an array of colors to choose from and the safest bet would be to consult with the studio where you will be taking class and see if they have a specific color they prefer.

Once you have found the ballet slipper that works for you at your local dancewear store, check to see if it might be offered at a discounted price online. If you aren’t pressed for time, I recommend buying the slippers online and having them shipped to you.

Here are several links to slippers on Amazon.com that could potentially work for you:

Bloch Women’s Pump Ballet Slipper,Pink,5.5 D US

Capezio Women’s Canvas Juliet Ballet Shoe,Light Ballet Pink,6.5 M US

Bloch Women’s Prolite II Leather Ballet Slipper,Pink,5.5 C US

Capezio Women’s Leather Cobra Ballet Shoe,Light Pink,8.5 M US

Capezio Men’s Canvas Romeo Ballet Shoe,Black,12.5 M US

Have fun shopping and trying them on. Happy dancing!