For dancers and their parents

If you or your child does ballet, ballet shoes are one of the very first things you’ll buy. Whether it’s a tiny dancer starting pre-primary, an older child preparing for exams, or an adult joining an open class, the right ballet shoes make a huge difference in comfort, technique, and confidence.

But ballet shoes can be surprisingly confusing.

• Why do some have split soles and others full soles?

• What’s the difference between leather, canvas, and satin?

• When do dancers move to pointe shoes?

• How tight should ballet shoes actually be?

• Are there rules from studios or exam boards in Australia?

This guide breaks everything down in a practical, gentle, dancer-friendly way—so parents, new dancers, and experienced ballerinas can all make informed choices.

1. What Ballet Shoes Are and Why They Matter

Ballet shoes (or “ballet flats”/“ballet slippers”) are lightweight shoes designed to help dancers train safely and correctly. They allow dancers to:

• Feel the floor

• Point their feet freely

• Turn and glide smoothly

• Maintain correct alignment

A good ballet shoe should act like a soft extension of the foot—not clunky, stiff, or loose.

Why every studio requires ballet shoes

Ballet shoes teach dancers to:

• Move with proper articulation through the foot

• Strengthen arches and metatarsals

• Build balance and control

• Turn safely without sticking or slipping

• Avoid injury caused by barefoot friction or incorrect grip

In short: ballet shoes matter just as much as the leotard.

2. The Three Types of Ballet Shoes Explained

Different dancers need different shoes depending on age, level, and technique. Here are the three main types:

A. Leather Ballet Shoes

Best for: Younger dancers, beginners, and anyone needing durability.

Why dancers choose them:

• Strong and supportive

• Helps beginners feel their feet

• Long-lasting (great for kids who drag their feet or wear shoes outdoors accidentally!)

Leather takes a little time to soften and mould to the dancer’s foot, but once it does, it becomes extremely comfortable.

B. Canvas Ballet Shoes

Best for: Older students, intermediate–advanced dancers, adults, or dancers who like a lightweight feel.

Why dancers choose them:

• Super light and flexible

• Breathable

• Washable (parents love this!)

• Often the preferred choice for exam and competition training

Canvas can wear out faster than leather, especially for dancers who train every day.

C. Satin Ballet Shoes

Best for: Performances, exams, concerts, or photoshoots.

Why dancers choose them:

• Beautiful sheen under stage lights

• Elegant look

• Matches classical ballet aesthetic

Most studios don’t use satin for everyday training—they’re for special occasions.

3. Full Sole vs Split Sole — Which One Do You Need?

This is one of the biggest questions dancers and parents ask.

Full Sole Ballet Shoes

Best for: Younger dancers (usually under 10–12), beginners, and early exam levels.

Benefits:

• Helps strengthen small foot muscles

• Encourages proper articulation through demi-pointe

• Ideal for developing technique

Most Australian dance schools require full soles for younger grades.

Split Sole Ballet Shoes

Best for: Intermediate and advanced dancers, older teens, and adults.

Benefits:

• Highlights arch and point beautifully

• Offers greater flexibility

• Favoured for exams, competition classes, and advanced technique

Many teens switch to split soles around the time they begin higher-level RAD, Cecchetti, or BBO grades (depending on teacher preference).

4. Colours: What’s Expected in Australia

Colour rules vary by studio, but in Australia the most common colours are:

• Pink – the classic choice for girls’ ballet shoes

• Skin-tone/nude shades – increasingly popular for inclusive skin matching

• Black – used in contemporary, character, or adult open classes

• White or Tan – sometimes required for specific exams or performances

Always check your studio’s uniform guide first—some are very specific.

5. How Ballet Shoes Should Fit

This is the part that confuses most parents. Ballet shoes should fit differently from street shoes.

General rule:

They should be snug—but not painful.

A well-fitted ballet shoe should:

• Sit close to the foot with no baggy areas

• Show the natural shape of the toes

• Allow the dancer to fully point without resistance

• Stay on securely when jumping

• Feel like a second skin

Signs the shoe is too small:

• Toes curl or crunch

• Deep red marks after class

• Pain when pointing

• Heel slips off because the dancer’s foot is too long for the shoe

Signs the shoe is too big:

• Bagging around the heel or toes

• Excess fabric under the arch

• Shoe twists during turns

• Slipping inside the shoe

Younger dancers grow fast—so checking fit every few months is smart.

6. Elastic, Ribbons and Drawstrings

Elastic straps

Nearly all ballet shoes come with elastics you can either:

• Sew in a single strap, or

• Cross over the top of the foot for a more secure fit

Many parents sew elastics slightly diagonally to match the angle of the foot arch.

Ribbons

• Mostly used for performances or exams

• Not commonly worn in regular classes

• Adolescent and advanced dancers sometimes use them for aesthetic line

Drawstrings

If the shoe has one, tie it in a small bow and tuck the ends into the shoe to avoid tripping.

7. Pointe Shoes: When Dancers Start (+ Parent Guidance)

Pointe shoes are completely different from ballet flats.
They are not a “next step” purchased like new sneakers—they require:

• Teacher approval

• Adequate strength in feet, ankles and turnout

• Stable core and correct alignment

• A professional pointe fitting

Most dancers begin pointe between 11 and 14, depending on:

• Years of training

• Physical readiness

• Studio curriculum

• Growth stage

Parents should never buy pointe shoes online for a first fitting.
A trained fitter assesses:

• Foot shape

• Instep height

• Arch strength

• Toe length patterns (“Egyptian”, “Giselle”, etc.)

A bad fitting can lead to injury—so supervision is essential.

8. Ballet Shoe Materials: Leather, Canvas, Satin (Deep Dive)

Leather

• Durable

• Softens with wear

• Great for strength-building

• Long-lasting for kids

Canvas

• Breathable

• Washable

• Often preferred by advanced dancers

• Shows articulation beautifully

Satin

• Performance-only

• Photogenic

• Matches tights for polished lines

There’s no right or wrong answer—it’s about purpose, comfort, and studio requirements.

9. Caring for Ballet Shoes

Leather shoes

• Wipe with a damp cloth

• Air dry (never in direct heat)

• Use a leather conditioner if extremely stiff

Canvas shoes

• Can usually be machine washed in cold water

• Use a laundry bag

• Air dry only

Satin shoes

• Spot clean gently

• Keep for performances

General tips

• Dry shoes after class to prevent smell or mould

• Keep them away from school bags with leaking drink bottles (!)

10. How Many Ballet Shoes Does a Dancer Need?

It depends on training load:

• 1–2 classes/week:
  → 1 pair is fine

• 3+ classes/week or sweaty feet:
  → 2 pairs to rotate

• Performance season:
  → Satin pair for stage
  → Regular pair for rehearsals

Advanced dancers often have separate pairs for:

• Technique class

• Rehearsals

• Performances

• Exams

11. Checklist for Buying Ballet Shoes

Before you check out online or leave the store, make sure you’ve considered:

• ✅ Full sole or split sole?

• ✅ Leather, canvas or satin?

• ✅ Correct colour for your studio?

• ✅ Snug fit with full range of motion?

• ✅ No bagginess or pressure points?

• ✅ Elastics sewn in the right place?

• ✅ Room to grow (but not too much) for kids?

• ✅ Teacher approval for style and colour?

If in doubt: ask your teacher or fitter—they know your dancer’s feet best.

12. FAQ – People Also Ask 

What ballet shoes should beginners wear?

Most beginners (especially girls aged 3–10) start with leather full-sole ballet shoes to help build strength and develop correct technique.

Should ballet shoes be tight or loose?

They should be snug but comfortable—tight enough to show the shape of the foot but not so tight that the toes curl or feel numb.

Can I buy ballet shoes a size bigger for my growing child?

Not really. Ballet shoes that are too big will twist, slip and make learning turns harder. A small amount of growing room is fine, but they should fit properly now.

Are canvas or leather ballet shoes better?

Leather is durable and great for younger dancers. Canvas is lightweight and a favourite for advanced teens and adults. Neither is "better"—they suit different needs.

When should dancers start pointe?

Only when the dance teacher approves. This is usually between 11–14, but it varies widely. Starting too early is unsafe and can cause permanent foot injuries.

Do all ballet shoes need ribbons?

No. Ribbons are mostly for performances and some exam grades; regular class shoes usually use elastics only.

What’s the difference between split sole and full sole?

Full soles help develop strength (ideal for beginners). Split soles highlight arch and allow advanced movement (ideal for older dancers).

Final Thoughts

Choosing ballet shoes for yourself or your child doesn’t have to be stressful. Once you understand the differences between soles, materials, styles and fits, everything becomes much clearer.

A good ballet shoe should:

• Feel comfortable and secure

• Support proper technique

• Match your studio’s requirements

• Help the dancer move freely and confidently

Whether your dancer is tiny and excited for their first ballet class or an adult returning to the studio after years away, the right shoes can make every plié, tendu and jump feel better.