Short answer: you can buy ballet shoes at a local dance shop, where a fitter can check the fit in person, or online, where you measure your foot at home and choose from a size chart. Beginners and growing children are often fine online if they measure carefully. If the school names a style or color, check that first.
Should I buy ballet shoes near me or online?
| Local dance shop | Online | |
|---|---|---|
| Fit check | A fitter looks at the foot in person | You measure at home |
| Choice | The styles in stock | A wider range of styles and colors |
| Price | Often higher | Often lower |
| Convenience | Travel and opening hours | Delivered to your door |
| Exchange | Quick, in person | Needs shipping time |
If you are a first-time buyer with no idea where to start, a visit to a local shop can help. If you already know your size, or you are replacing a pair, online is quick and easy.
How do I measure for ballet shoes?
- Measure in the afternoon. Feet are slightly larger later in the day.
- Stand on a sheet of paper with your heel against a wall and your weight evenly on both feet.
- Mark the longest toe. This is usually the big toe, but for some people it is the second toe.
- Measure from the wall to the mark. Measure both feet, and use the longer one.
- Compare the length to the size chart. If you are between sizes, or have a wider foot, choose the next size up.
How should ballet shoes fit?
- Snug, like a second skin. The shoe should hold the foot without squeezing.
- Toes flat. The toes should lie flat and not curl up.
- No gaps at the heel. The heel should not slip.
- Room to grow only a little. Too much room makes the shoe bag and slip, which is harder to dance in.
What type of ballet shoe should a beginner choose?
Most beginners wear soft ballet shoes, also called ballet slippers, in canvas or leather, with a flexible sole. Canvas is soft and often easier to fit on a growing foot, and leather is durable. Our stretch-canvas ballet shoes have cross elastics and a suede sole for indoor studio practice, in sizes 23 to 41.
What should I check before I buy?
- Ask your teacher whether the school needs a certain color or style.
- Check how the elastics are attached, and whether they come attached already.
- Check the return and exchange policy, in case the size is wrong.
- Measure again if the child has grown since the last pair.
How often do children need new ballet shoes?
Children’s feet grow quickly, so check the fit every few months, and replace the shoes when the toes press against the front, the sole splits or the elastics stretch out. Wear them only in the studio, to keep the sole in good shape.
Common mistakes when buying ballet shoes
- Buying too big to grow into them. Loose shoes slip and make balance harder.
- Measuring only one foot. Feet are often slightly different sizes, so check both.
- Ignoring the school’s rules. Some schools ask for a certain color or sole.
- Wearing shoes outdoors. Dirt and wet ground damage the sole.
If you are shopping for a growing child, our first ballet class guide and ballet bag checklist show what else to buy at the same time.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I buy ballet shoes?
At a local dance shop, where a fitter can check the fit in person, or online, where you measure at home and use a size chart.
Is it okay to buy ballet shoes online?
Yes, if you measure carefully and the shop has a clear size chart and exchange policy. Beginners often do fine online.
How do I measure my foot for ballet shoes?
Stand on paper with your heel against a wall, mark the longest toe, measure from the wall to the mark and compare it with the size chart.
What size ballet shoes should I buy if I am between sizes?
Choose the next size up, especially for children, and for a wider foot.
How should ballet shoes fit?
Snug like a second skin, with the toes lying flat and no slipping at the heel.