The Best Ballet Shoes for Adult Beginners: A Complete Guide
Starting ballet as an adult is a beautiful step towards rediscovering your body, creativity and confidence. Whilst starting out in socks is perfectly fine, you may want to treat yourself to a good pair of ballet shoes. And with so many options out there, it’s easy to get overwhelmed.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know – from materials to soles, brands to sizing – so you can find the right ballet shoes for your feet, your budget and your goals.
Canvas vs Leather Ballet Shoes: What’s the Difference?
One of the first choices you’ll face is canvas or leather. Both are popular, but they offer different benefits depending on what you’re looking for.
Canvas Ballet Shoes Pros & Cons
Pros:
Lightweight and breathable
Generally more affordable
Easy to wash (pop them in a laundry bag and machine wash on cold)
Mould quickly to the shape of your foot
Cons:
Less durable over time, especially with frequent use
Can lose shape after repeated washes
Best for: Those who want a flexible, comfortable shoe without spending a fortune. Great for warm studios and regular weekly classes.
Leather Ballet Shoes Pros & Cons
Pros:
More durable and long-lasting
Offer slightly more resistance, which can help strengthen feet
Retain their shape well over time
Cons:
Tend to be more expensive
Less breathable than canvas
Can take longer to break in
Best for: Dancers who want longevity and a bit more structure. Ideal for cooler studios or anyone wanting a more snug fit.
Full Sole vs Split Sole Ballet Shoes: What’s Right for You?
Another important choice is the sole type. Ballet shoes come in two main styles: full sole and split sole.
Full Sole
Pros:
Offers more support across the foot
Encourages correct foot articulation and strength
Traditional for beginners – especially in classical settings
Cons:
Less flexibility through the arch
Can feel bulkier underfoot
Best for: Absolute beginners or anyone wanting to build foot strength from the ground up.
Split Sole
Pros:
Allows for greater flexibility and arch definition
Lighter feel and often more flattering
Cons:
Offers less support for those still developing strength
Not always ideal for those with flat feet or foot issues
Best for: Improvers, returning dancers, or those who want a sleeker aesthetic.
Best Ballet Shoe Brands for Adults
Here are some popular and reliable brands that offer ballet shoes for adult beginners:
1. Bloch
Best for: Classic, well-made shoes with good support
Try: Bloch Prolite II or Dansoft (leather)
Price range: £15 - £25
2. Capezio
Best for: Comfort and affordability
Try: Hanami (canvas split sole) or Daisy (leather full sole)
Price range: £14 - £22
3. Grishko / Nikolay
Best for: Slimmer feet and a more ‘European’ cut
Try: Dream Stretch or Performance Canvas
Price range: £20 - £30
4. So Danca
Best for: Soft canvas options with great stretch
Try: SD16 split sole canvas
Price range: £18 - £25
Choosing Based on Your Foot Type
Everyone’s feet are different, so here are a few quick suggestions to help narrow your choice:
Narrow feet: Look for brands with stretch canvas (e.g. Capezio Hanami or So Danca SD16)
Wider feet: Leather shoes with drawstrings (e.g. Bloch or Capezio) allow for adjustability
Flat feet: A full sole shoe will offer more structure and help build strength
High arches: Split soles will flatter your arch and allow better articulation
How Should Ballet Shoes Fit?
Think of ballet shoes like a sock – they should be snug but not tight.
Toes should lie flat without curling under
No gaping at the sides
Heel should stay in place without slipping
If there’s a drawstring, tie it in a bow and tuck it in
Sizing Tips:
Ballet shoe sizing can vary by brand
Many recommend going down a half or full size from your street shoe size, but always check the size chart
If in doubt, order two sizes and return the pair that doesn’t work – or better yet, visit a dance shop in person if you can
Budget-Friendly Tips
Beginners don’t need to splurge. Canvas shoes are perfectly fine for your first term.
Look out for multi-buy discounts or starter kits which include shoes, tights and leotards.
Try second-hand groups or local listings for barely-used pairs (just check they’re clean and undamaged).
Final Thoughts
Choosing your first pair of ballet shoes is part of the fun – a small but important step in your dance journey. Whether you go for canvas or leather, full sole or split sole, the most important thing is that they feel comfortable and supportive on your feet.
And remember – no one gets it perfect the first time. As you develop your technique and preferences, you’ll get a clearer idea of what works for you.
Looking to try out your new shoes? Explore our Ballet Fusion beginner-friendly timetable and take your new shoes for a spin – we’d love to welcome you.