Your child has been accepted into their first ballet class, and you need to buy ballet shoes. Walk into any dancewear shop or browse online and you will immediately face choices: canvas or leather? Split sole or full sole? Pink or white? This guide gives you the right answers for a first pair.
The Most Important First Question: Check with the School
Before buying anything, ask your child’s teacher or check the school’s welcome pack for uniform requirements. Many schools specify a particular colour, sole type or even brand. Buying the wrong type before checking is the most common mistake first-time ballet parents make.
Full Sole vs Split Sole for Beginners
For young beginners (Pre-Primary to Grade 2, typically ages 3–8), full sole ballet shoes are strongly recommended by most RAD teachers. The continuous sole supports the whole foot, encourages correct weight placement, and helps the teacher see whether the child is using their whole foot rather than gripping with the toes.
Split sole shoes — which have two separate pads under the ball of the foot and the heel — are better suited to more advanced students who have developed the strength and technique to use the increased articulation correctly. Most teachers ask beginners to use full sole shoes until at least Grade 2 or 3.
Canvas vs Leather
Canvas ballet shoes are the most popular choice for children. They are lightweight, washable, and breathable — practical considerations when children are active and shoes get sweaty. Canvas shoes also tend to be less expensive than leather, which matters when young feet grow quickly.
Leather ballet shoes are more durable, mould to the foot more precisely over time, and many teachers prefer the look of leather for exams. They are heavier than canvas and not machine washable. For first shoes, canvas is usually the better starting point.
Colour
Most schools specify pink for girls and white or black for boys. Ballet pink is the traditional and most common choice for girls. White shoes are occasionally specified for boys or for specific schools. If in doubt, pink for girls and black for boys is rarely wrong — but always confirm with the school first.
How to Measure for Ballet Shoes
Ballet shoes fit differently from school shoes. They should feel snug with just a small amount of growing room — about half a centimetre. Trace the foot on paper and measure the length; then check the brand’s size chart. The shoe should hug the foot without pinching and the elastic should lie flat across the instep without cutting in.
Children’s feet grow fast — check the fit every three to four months. A ballet shoe that becomes too short causes the toes to curl under, which creates bad habits and can be painful.
Elastic: Pre-Sewn or Sew-Your-Own?
Most children’s ballet shoes come with pre-attached elastic already sewn across the instep, which is the easier option for beginners. Some schools prefer to sew the elastic in a specific pattern — your teacher will let you know if this is the case.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best ballet shoes for a complete beginner?
For most young beginners in RAD-style classes, a canvas full-sole pink ballet shoe is the ideal first pair. Canvas is breathable, washable and lightweight. Full sole supports the foot during the early stages of training. Confirm the school’s specific requirement before purchasing.
How much should I spend on first ballet shoes?
First ballet shoes do not need to be expensive. A well-made canvas ballet shoe from a reputable dancewear brand costs between £10 and £18 for children. More expensive shoes are not necessary at the beginner stage — children grow quickly and will need new shoes within six to twelve months. Save the investment for more advanced footwear when the child is committed to continuing.
Can my child wear dance socks instead of ballet shoes to their first class?
Some schools allow socks for a trial class before the child is enrolled, but ballet shoes are required from the first regular lesson. Ballet shoes allow the teacher to see the foot position clearly and provide the slight grip on the studio floor that socks do not. Socks can also slip on polished studio floors, creating a safety risk.
How do I clean canvas ballet shoes?
Most canvas ballet shoes can be machine washed on a gentle cold cycle inside a mesh laundry bag. Do not tumble dry — air dry at room temperature. Stuffing the shoe lightly with tissue paper while drying helps it retain its shape. Replace elastic if it loses its snap after washing.
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