One of the questions I get asked the most is about what size ballet shoes should be. Shoe sizes vary from brand to brand and even within a given brand. How do you know how big your feet are with so many factors at play? This article will detail ballet shoe sizing, show you a test to find out what size you are, and offer some advice for finding your perfect fit!

The good news is that dancewear has become much more standardized in recent years than it used to be. A few decades ago, it was common for dancers to wear shoes from other companies because sizing varied so much from one brand to another. Today, most brands are consistent in their shoe sizing.

I took the time to size a few brands that seem to be the most popular with dancers these days: Bloch, Capezio, Grishko, and Sansha. I measured many feet using that brand’s standard sizing chart and compared the sizes of different models against each other.

Girl’s Ballet Shoe Size Chart

For reference, the average shoe size for a girl’s ballet shoe is different from that for a woman’s ballet shoe. This is due to different foot structures and sizes. Women in American society typically have smaller feet than men because of their diet and higher caloric intake during their formative years. Since girls are also typically thinner in our mainstream society, their feet may not be as comprehensive as males, who have more muscle and fat on their body, which can distort foot structure, making it seem more smaller.

Women Ballet Shoe Size Chart

This part will talk about the different sizes for women’s ballet shoes and what those sizes mean. The different size ranges are based on the width of your foot: the more comprehensive your feet, the wider size you should buy. A chart below shows each of these widths and corresponding shoe sizes. You can also see an example labeled for each size, which is used to show where it falls on your foot and what it would look like when you’re walking around in a pair of ballet shoes.

Boy’s Ballet Shoe Size Chart

A boy’s ballet shoe size chart can help you decide which shoes to wear when shopping for your little guy. Dress him in the right size, and it will be easier to hide the feet he inherited from his father, who was a ballet dancer before taking up ballroom dancing, so as not to embarrass him. Consider sizing based on your country’s region or where your child lives and works.

Men Ballet Shoe Size Chart

Men’s ballet shoe sizes are determined by your foot length, not your measurements. The average male ballet shoe size is 4.5-13 US, but these vary from brand to brand. Find out what the standard sizing for your favorite brands is with our ballet shoe size chart!

How To Choose The Right Size Ballet Shoe?

The size range for ballet shoes is quite a bit wider than other shoes. It’s no wonder, as there are different sizes for pointe and non-pointe dancing. Some styles are measured in inches (points), whereas others are measured in centimeters (centimeters). That’s because each foot is different, so you should be able to pick up something that feels comfortable. Choosing the right shoe is critical when shopping for new pointe shoes. We will guide you through the process of how to find your size so that you can get that perfect fit.

Step 1: Measure your child’s feet

Measure your child’s feet precisely before you go out and buy ballet shoes. A sheet of paper, a ruler, and a pencil are all you need to get the job done. To get the most precise measurements, you should lay your piece of paper down on a tiled or wooden floor. This will also make it easier to sketch on your piece of paper. Take a piece of paper and have your little dancer place their weight on both feet. Trace your child’s feet with a pencil, careful not to smudge the paper. Check to see if anyone has their toes twisted! After outlining, measure the distance from the heel to the longest toe (frequently, it isn’t the “large” toe).

Step 2: Buy a new pair of shoes

When shopping for new ballet shoes for your child, the procedure described above and the measurement of the child’s foot will come in handy. As a last resort, you can use the manufacturer’s size chart to determine the optimum fit for your dancer. Generally, if you find yourself within 12 cm of the online size reference, it is recommended to go with the larger size. If you’re shopping for new ballet shoes, try on a pair that’s exactly your size and a half-size, giant pair. You’ll be able to tell which size fits your young dancer the best and allows them to move with the most precision.

Shoes and Sizing: Some Things to Keep in Mind

Consider canvas vs. leather, single elastic vs. double elastic, and whole sole vs. split sole when purchasing ballet shoes for your child dancer.

Quality vs Cost

It’s best to avoid cheap, poorly manufactured shoes for your child’s feet, as they can quickly break down and may not provide appropriate support. We recommend hunting for the top-quality sneakers in your price range. Look at online reviews, talk to your child’s ballet teacher, and ask other dancing moms for advice on which shoes to buy. Second-hand ballet shoes are an excellent way to save money while still getting a high-quality pair.

Canvas vs Leather

Leather shoes take some time to break in because they’re thicker and more durable than canvas shoes. Compared to leather shoes, canvas shoes are lighter and more immediately comfortable, but they are also less long-lasting and more likely to break down quickly.

Single Elastic vs Double

Children’s single elastic shoes are the most convenient to put on and take off. Thus they’re often recommended. On the top of the foot, the shoes have two elastics crossed over each other. Double elastics, when positioned appropriately, can provide more significant support and better define the arch. They are best suitable for children above the age of six. If your shoes have elastics, you may have to stitch them in. You may fine-tune the fit of your shoes even more by sewing on elastics.

Full sole vs Split Sole

Choosing the right ballet shoe sole for your child depends on their age and how much they’ve danced before. From heel to toe, the suede sole of your child’s complete sole ballet shoe supports the underneath of their foot. A split sole ballet shoe should only be considered when your child has mastered the ability to control the entire foot length. What style of ballet shoes should you buy for your child? Check out our blog for additional information.

FAQs

Should ballet shoes be a size bigger?

Generally speaking, if they are in between sizes, go up one size. Go with the larger size if one foot is longer than the other Since children develop rapidly, you might as well go for the next size up. As a side note, remember that ballet and tap shoes are typically half to a full size smaller than regular street shoes.

How do I know what size dance shoes to buy?

Girls should go up a half size from their typical street shoe size. Boys’ street shoe sizes should be increased by a half to full size when buying dress shoes. Your toes should be flat and at the end of the shoe so that the shoes are snug. Wearing the shoe will cause the shoe to conform to your foot.

What does ABCD mean in ballet shoes?

Ballet flats come in four different widths, A, B, C, and D, with A being the smallest and D the broadest, respectively. In order to get a proper fit, it’s best to visit a local Bloch store to get your feet measured by a specialist.

Do you wear socks with ballet shoes?

Ballet dancers put in long days of rehearsal, which can lead to sweaty feet in their ballet shoes when it’s hot and humid outside. As a result, ballerinas need to wear socks to keep their feet dry and ensure they are comfortable while on stage.

How should kid ballet shoes fit?

Children’s ballet shoes should be a little tighter than their regular shoes, although they shouldn’t feel like socks. The best place to be is somewhere in between. Children who wear overly tight ballet shoes tend to scrunch their toes when trying to balance or point them.

How do you fit ballet flats?

To prevent your feet from slipping forward while also cushioning the ball of your foot against the hard ground, it is preferable to use thin, molded foam foot inserts. Never purchase flats or any other footwear to stretch them to fit.