If you have been told your child needs “soft sole” ballet shoes for their first class, you may wonder what exactly this means and how they differ from other types. Here is a clear explanation.
What Are Soft Sole Ballet Shoes?
“Soft sole” is a general term for ballet shoes with a thin, pliable leather or suede sole that runs the full length of the shoe. Unlike hard-soled shoes, the sole bends easily with every movement of the foot, allowing the dancer to feel the floor and articulate through the arch naturally.
The term is most often used to distinguish basic ballet slippers from pointe shoes (which have a hard, reinforced box and block) and from character shoes (which have a defined heel and more rigid construction). Virtually all ballet shoes for class are soft-sole in this sense.
Full Sole vs Split Sole: A Key Distinction
Within the category of soft ballet shoes, there is an important distinction:
Full sole (whole sole): A single continuous piece of leather or suede runs under the entire foot from heel to toe. This provides even support across the whole foot and is recommended for beginners and young dancers (Pre-Primary to Grade 2) whose foot muscles are still developing. Most RAD teachers strongly prefer full sole for the early grades.
Split sole: Two separate pads — one under the ball of the foot, one under the heel — connected by a fabric bridge. This leaves the arch exposed, allowing for greater visual articulation of the foot arch during pointing. Split sole shoes are typically introduced at Grade 3 or above for dancers with sufficient foot strength. They are not recommended for very young beginners.
When Are Soft Sole Ballet Shoes Used?
Soft sole ballet shoes are used in virtually every ballet class from Pre-Primary through to advanced grades. They are the standard footwear for all non-pointe ballet work. Pointe shoes are introduced separately, in addition to soft shoes, when the dancer is assessed as ready for pointe work (typically at Grade 5 or above at the appropriate age).
What Age and Grade Are Soft Sole Shoes For?
All ages. A dancer in their first Pre-Primary class wears soft sole shoes; so does a principal at a ballet company in technique class. The difference is in the sole type (full vs split) and the material (canvas vs leather) rather than the basic construction. Most recreational ballet students use soft sole shoes for their entire training.
Are There Different Styles of Soft Sole Ballet Shoes?
Yes — soft sole ballet shoes come in several styles within the full and split sole categories:
- Drawstring style — a gather at the toe allows the shoe to be adjusted to fit the foot shape snugly
- Elasticated opening — the shoe opening stretches and snaps back, requiring no adjustment
- Crossover elastic / single instep elastic — different methods of keeping the shoe secure on the foot
For young beginners, the elasticated opening is the most practical — children can put them on independently more easily than drawstring styles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are soft sole ballet shoes the same as ballet slippers?
Yes — “soft sole ballet shoes,” “ballet slippers,” “ballet flats,” and “ballet pumps” all refer to the same type of footwear: the standard pliable-soled shoe used in ballet class. The different names are regional preferences rather than genuinely different products. In the UK, “ballet shoes” or “ballet slippers” is the most common terminology.
When should my child switch from full sole to split sole shoes?
Most RAD teachers suggest making the switch at approximately Grade 3 or Grade 4, when the student has developed enough intrinsic foot strength and arch control to use the increased flexibility of a split sole purposefully. Switching too early (before Grade 2) can mask weak foot muscles behind the visual appearance of a more pointed arch. Always follow your teacher’s guidance.
Can soft sole ballet shoes be used for jazz or contemporary dance?
Ballet shoes are specifically designed for classical ballet and its technique. They are occasionally used in contemporary classes where bare feet are not an option, but they are not the same as jazz shoes (which are designed differently for jazz technique). For dedicated jazz or contemporary training, the appropriate footwear for those disciplines is recommended.
Do soft sole ballet shoes come in wide fittings?
Some brands offer wider fittings, though the selection is more limited than in standard width. Brands that offer wide or extra-wide options include Bloch and Capezio. The elasticated opening style (rather than a fully enclosed shoe) also tends to accommodate wider feet more comfortably than a rigid structure would.
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