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.

 
dancer in straddle in ballet shoes
 

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.

male dancer doing tendu

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.

dancer stretching on barre

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

 
dancer looking at pointe shoe
 

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.

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Am I Too Old to Start Ballet? The Truth About Adult Beginners