How to Find the Perfect Ballet Shoe for Your Feet

Ballet shoes are very specialized shoes designed to enable one to point their feet, turn and balance. But just like no two people have the same feet, no two brands or styles of ballet shoes are the same. Thus finding the perfect ballet shoes for your feet can be a challenge. Read on to learn how to find the perfect ballet shoe for your feet.

Things You'll Need

• Dance store
• Tights or stocking sock

Instructions

1. Go to a dance supply store. When possible go to one that specializes only in dance, the salespeople tend to know more about the products and how to fit them than other places. Tell them you are looking for a ballet slipper. If you're looking for a pointe shoe that is a whole different ballgame as far as fitting and finding the correct one for your foot.

2. Decide whether you want leather or cloth ballet slippers. The standard is leather but cloth slippers are popular for class and practices. If there is a particular brand you'd like to try let the salesperson know. If not, let them examine your feet. Some brands are better than others for wider feet, narrow feet, bunion covered toes, and so on.

3. Tell the salesperson your street shoe size. Street shoe sizes and ballet slipper sizes are rarely the same. Some brands run as much as two and a half sizes smaller than street size. Try on the shoes the salesperson brings out. Put on both shoes. Gently pull the drawstrings near the toe and tie a simple knot just for testing.

4. Stand up in the shoes. Your toes should be flat, not bunched together or overlapping. Also feel the back of your heel. You want to make sure the shoe doesn't cinch the back of your heel too tightly. If it does, or if your toes are overlapping or too tightly compacted, this is not the shoe for you. Try on another brand. Repeat the process of feeling the shoes. Try a few tendues and releves to see how they feel as they move.

5. Try on a full sole ballet slipper and then a split sole ballet slipper. Determine which sole you like better. A split sole shoe makes it easier to point but if you have really strong feet and want a challenge you might try a full sole slipper. Make sure the shoe also isn't loose or too large. You want a fitted slipper that is not too tight and not too loose. Try a couple turns in the shoe to make sure you like the grip and range of motion it gives you. Once you've found the perfect shoe go dance and enjoy it. Have fun.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask someone (at the dance store) to help you fit your shoes.

• Don't buy shoes that cut into your feet.