Choosing the best pair of ballet shoes for adult ballet is a priority before heading into your dance class. The right ballet slippers are going to be essential in preventing injury, learning proper ballet technique, and feeling comfortable throughout class.

The search for the best ballet flats can get overwhelming, whether you are just looking for a new pair of ballet shoes or you are a beginner adult getting into ballet class for the first time. Remember, ballet will always be a fundamental skill to have down as a professional or aspiring professional dancer - so do not sleep on its priority in your dance preparation.

There are a vast variety of ballet shoe styles and ballet brands, but not all are created equal. Our goal is to find the perfect ballet slipper that adheres to your skill level, fits you well, and allows you to get the best out of your ballet training.

Before we share the best ballet flats for ballet class, lets go through some key characteristics to keep in mind while in search of both women’s and men’s ballet slippers.

Leather or Canvas | Ballet Slippers

Leather Ballet Flats

Leather ballet flats are generally the standard choice in classical ballet. Leather ballet shoes provide great support in building foot strength and growing proper ballet feet technique. The leather ballet flats are thin enough to connect with the floor as you dance, while also providing a forming fit, allowing your ballet teacher to give proper critiques. They are also extremely durable, so you will have a longer wear from them. Unlike canvas ballet flats, they can easily be wiped cleaned after a class of hard work.

Canvas Ballet Flats

Canvas ballet flats are growing in popularity as they are generally more affordable and provide more flexibility in the foot. As you grow your ballet dance skill set, canvas ballet slippers will feel the closest to dancing barefoot (which will allow for deeper ballet technique in your movements during ballet class). Although canvas ballet shoes are machine washable, which makes things easy, be aware that these ballet flats do need frequent cleaning as they tend to look dirty faster than the leather flats.

Both types of ballet flats will come in various colors and looks: Black ballet flats, red ballet flats, pink ballet shoes, silver ballet flats, and more! We always recommend a nice classic pair of the pink ballet slippers.

Full Sole Ballet Slippers:

Design: Full sole ballet slippers have a continuous sole that extends from the toe to the heel without any break.
Support: They provide more support to the foot, especially for beginners or those who require extra arch support.
Flexibility: Full sole shoes are generally less flexible compared to split sole shoes. This can make it easier for beginners to maintain proper foot alignment.

Split Sole Ballet Slippers:
Design: Split sole ballet slippers have a sole that is divided into two parts: one under the front ball of the foot and the other under the heel.
Enhanced Arch Flexibility: Split sole design allows for greater flexibility in the arch of the foot, enabling better articulation and pointing of the toes.
Foot Articulation: Dancers often prefer split sole shoes for a more natural feel and enhanced ability to articulate their feet during movements.

Considerations:

Personal Preference: The choice between full sole and split sole ballet slippers often comes down to personal preference and the dancer's individual needs.
Foot Strength: Beginners may find full sole slippers more supportive, while more advanced dancers may prefer the flexibility offered by split sole shoes.

Ultimately, both types of ballet slippers have their advantages, and the choice depends on the dancer's level of experience, preference, and the specific requirements of their routine.

Ballet Slipper Sizing:

Adult ballet students should buy ballet slippers that are two to three sizes smaller than their street shoe size in many dance shoe brands. If this is your first time buying ballet slippers, it is a good idea to get professionally fitted for ballet slippers at a dance supply store to make sure you buy the correct size. We have also shared the recommended ballet shoe sizes within the description of each recommended pair of ballet flats.

Importance of Ballet Slipper Fit:

Proper ballet slipper fit is important to both your foot health and progress. Your ballet slipper should hug your foot like a second skin so that the teacher can see your footwork during class. The shoe should be snug, but still be comfortable and not tight. Loose ballet slippers could lead to injury or improper body alignment during dance moves. Some adult dancers may also need more arch support in their shoes.