The Best Ballet Shoes For Girls
Every ballerina we know and love began with simple steps. Whether your little one has aspirations of stardom or simply enjoys the challenge and satisfaction of developing strength, balance, and discipline in the ballet studio, they'll need a suitable pair of slippers to get started. Ballet shoes come in a range of styles and configurations, and choosing the right pair can make a world of difference when they're practicing week in, week out. In order to bring you the very best ballet shoes on the market today, we had our eyes peeled for options with a durable design, a flexible and ergonomic form, and soles suitable for beginners. Our overall favorites are the ballet practice shoes from Stelle. A full-body leather design means these shoes can take some punishment, and these thick soles are great for beginners. If you're looking for a more delicate option for advanced dancers, take a look at the canvas ballet slippers from Stelle. Read on below to discover the rest of our top picks.
Stelle Ballet Practice Shoes
Prance forth
This classic pair will have your little one dancing the night away with style and grace. Constructed from premium leather, these shoes are built to last. Thick anti-skid soles will cushion each landing with supportive balance, and the breathable PU upper will keep them comfortable during even the longest lessons or training sessions. The glossy PU exterior also makes these shoes easy to wipe down, meaning they’ll clean up for showtime in a jiffy.
Pros:
- These shoes have a subtle insole lining, which most cheap pairs lack. The lining adds comfort every step of the way.
- We love the decorative touch of the cute bow on top of these shoes. If it’s not for you, there’s also a plain option available.
Cons:
- The sizing options for these shoes can be a little confusing. Be sure to compare measurements before ordering.
Stelle Dance Slippers
Balance and poise
If your budding dancer hasn’t yet mastered the art of lace tying, these elasticated shoes could be an ideal solution. This sturdy cross-strap design holds each shoe securely in place, even during the most acrobatic choreographies, and makes it easier than ever to slip them on or off between sessions. With padded leather full-soles offering tough support and grip, this is an ideal pair for beginners.
Pros:
- With three colors to choose from, there’s an option to suit most classic ballet aesthetics.
- If you’re tired of Cindarella routines, this detailed sizing chart makes it easy to find the perfect fit.
- This pair comes with a smart and practical carry pouch to help young students stay organized.
Cons:
- These soles might be too thick for more experienced dancers.
Stelle Canvas Ballet Slippers
Leather shoes offer benefits when it comes to durability, but for more experienced dancers, canvas shoes can provide the ultimate in comfort and flexibility. These premium slippers are constructed with an all-canvas upper, resulting in a lightweight design that’s supremely breathable during wear. With two durable suede sole pads underfoot, these slippers ensure you won’t compromise on grip and padding whilst prancing the stage.
Pros:
- Canvas shoes are machine-washable, saving buckets of time versus the handwashing care that all-leather options require.
- Elastic cross-straps on these slippers make them easy for beginners to put on without adult assistance.
- If you’re looking to save a few bucks without compromising on quality, this pair offers great value compared to similar designs.
Cons:
- The canvas body of these shoes won’t withstand the punishment of leather options.
Ruqiji Leather Ballet Shoes
Sole choice
Ballet shoes come in all shapes and sizes, but whether you’re after a split-sole or full-sole design, Ruqiji has you covered. This all-leather design marries comfort with practicality, thanks to a snug design and optimized resistance underfoot. Throw a color choice between nude, black, or pink into the mix, and you have enough options here to suit the needs of any young ballerina.
Pros:
- The smooth leather hem lining on these shoes will prevent skin irritation caused by ties or poor stitching.
- We all hate surprises when ordering online, so we appreciate that these colors tend to live up to their depictions.
- The stitching on the soles is seriously resilient. This ensures they’ll stay firmly attached month after month.
Cons:
- You might have to size up to find the perfect fit. You can consult the sizing chart provided before you order to be sure.
Bloch Glitter Dust Ballet Slippers
Bloch has a trusted and longstanding reputation in the ballet world for providing excellent professional footwear, and this pair is no exception. With a delicate sparkling exterior, these slippers are sure to dazzle any audience. This charming pair shines in more than just appearances, too. The soft cotton inner lining and supportive suede soles offer all the comfort your little ones need to dance at their best.
Pros:
- A supremely detailed sizing chart leaves no room for ambiguity when ordering.
- Offered in both pink and gold glitter colorways, these shimmering slippers could also make a great costume piece.
- The drawstring enclosure means you can adjust the size of these slippers to accommodate growing feet.
Cons:
- These might not be the best choice for extremely acrobatic dancers, as heavy wear could cause the glitter to fall from these shoes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between split-sole and full-sole shoes?
If you’ve been shopping around for ballet slippers, you may have noticed a difference between designs underfoot. Split-sole ballet shoes are comprised of two sole pads that support the ball and heel independently. This offers greater flexibility and a preferable form, but it can give less overall padding to beginners. Full-sole shoes are a great option for those still building up strength. If in doubt, consult your ballet instructor for tailored advice before buying.
Can I machine-wash my ballet shoes?
Leather is susceptible to shrinking and perishing if machine washed, so these shoes have to be wiped down by hand. If machine-washing is a must for you, you’ll want to get your hands on a pair of canvas slippers. Most of these can be washed and dried at standard temperatures, but always read the label to be sure.
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