Thread: ballet shoes question

I want to buy a pair of ballet shoes for one of my classes and I've never bought them before and was considering just buying them online (I buy most things online - just convenient, considering where I live) ... but can someone tell me if they are the type of thing I can just order my typical street shoe size - or the size that corresponds to my street shoe size - and be fairly sure to get a good fit, or is it the type of item I really would probably need to find in a store and try on several pairs to make sure of the fit, rather than just blindly ordering online.

You generally can't order them in your street size, the sizing is strange and even varies by brand, I think.

I like to buy from Discount Dance Supply - Dancewear at discount prices including pointe shoes, leotards, ballet slippers and much more., they'll have sizing charts to help you.

Even better, maybe, would be Shoes, Clothing, Handbags, Sunglasses | Zappos.com Free Shipping because they'll also have reviews from actual customers who usually say whether shoes run true to size, a little narrow, a little long, etc. Zappos also has legendary service and a terrific return policy. They won't have as big an assortment as discountdancesupply, but they do carry several styles of ballet slipper.

For flat ballet slippers you usually need to go a few sizes smaller than your street size. My street size is 8.5 and I think I always got 6.5 in ballet slippers (though it's been a while since I bought any). Is there a leotard or a ballet/dance supply store in your area? If so, you can go there and try some on. They might even give you a discount if you say you are a dancer.

If not, you can definitely order online. There might be some sizing guides you can follow, and check into return policies, in case they don't fit right. You only really need professional, in-person fittings when purchasing point shoes.

If you've never bought before I would highly recommend buying in-store. They need to fit snugly around the heel but with right amount of space for the toes.

Hi there, I would also suggest buying them at the store. Different brands are sized differently. European shoes have European sizing etc....you also may not know if you prefer a canvas shoe, or a leather shoe, split sole...or full sole. After you pick out this first pair it will be easy to order them online in the future. Hope this helps!

Try them on, very important to fit snug and when you point your foot you don't have too much fabric.

Originally Posted by Lauren_

You generally can't order them in your street size, the sizing is strange and even varies by brand, I think.

I like to buy from Discount Dance Supply - Dancewear at discount prices including pointe shoes, leotards, ballet slippers and much more., they'll have sizing charts to help you.

Also at discount dance, each ballet slipper style will have a recommendation regarding sizing (order same as street shoe, order 2 sizes smaller, order one size larger, etc.) It is really different for each brand and style. Also on this site you can read customer reviews and see how the sizing runs. If the official recommendation is 2 sizes smaller, but all the reviews say no, go 3 sizes smaller, then you can adjust your order accordingly.

Also, if you get leather shoes, err on the slightly snug size if you can because then they will stretch and form you your feet. I like to get leather slippers that start out tights and then relax to fit me exactly right.

yes! these:
New York Dance Store

i wear a street size 7 and wear a sansha pro 1c size 7
these have been my fave ballet shoes for many years and i highly recommend them

Try them on is store then buy online if they are too expensive.

Just echoing what everyone else has said--go to a store and get fitted. Dance shoe sizes don't correspond to street shoes. You'll need a good fit or the shoes will impede your dancing.

Shoes are usually cheaper online, so once you find a brand and size you like, you can order future shoes online. Personally, I recommend leather slippers over canvas because they will stretch to your foot, last longer and are more comfortable... but that's just my opinion. Canvas shoes are fine if you don't use them daily and are looking for a cheaper alternative.

I agree, try them on in the store. Like jeans, ballet slipper fit & feel different depending on the brand, material & style. I prefer a the bloch canvas split-sole for ballet classes. If I wore ballet slippers for belly dance class I would probably also prefer the split sole.

I agree with everyone. Fit is very important! The other thing that in store fitting will do is let you feel the sole of the shoe, different models feel different. I have tried on some that feel as if I am stepping on something!
Another store advantage, trying on the many options available to you. Split soles are great! There are also canvas and leather versions of many shoes.
Once you buy a pair in the store, you can save the make and model number with size and width and order your next pair online.
Can I suggest a shoe? Try a "teaching slipper" Very nice with a small heel, usually come in pink, black, and tan. They have a T strap with an elastic instep, Very comfortable and a nice look for belly dance!

Originally Posted by nayastrance

. I prefer a the bloch canvas split-sole for ballet classes. If I wore ballet slippers for belly dance class I would probably also prefer the split sole.

I agree the bloch's split sole are great. Also don't forget about the drawstring. I know that seems silly to mention since it's right there on the shoe, but some forget to adjust it thinking they need a smaller fit. Then when they go smaller it hurts the toesies.

thanks for all the info everyone - it sounds like it may be worth the drive into town to find a dance store.

I personally like the split soles. very comfy and more flex, IMO. the website you get them from will usually have a disclaimer of how to order size in comparison to your street shoe size. Also, keep in mind that a leather ballet shoe may stretch and mold to your foot as a canvas will not so much.

In my town, there is no store that carries adult ballet slippers, so I had no choice but to order mine untried from discount dance. I didn't really have a problem with the fitting. The first pair were a bit loose after breaking in, but they worked okay, and after they wore out I ordered a size smaller.

I think worst case scenario if you ordered through the mail, you might have to send them back once and get the next size up or down. The sizing guidlines would get you within one size for sure.

You might also want to try footundeez. They now make a full sole option. Your toes are left free to wiggle around while the ball & heel of the foot have a cushioney sole to glide around on. Plus the split sole & elastic banding provide gentle arch support. These are readily available online!