Ballet Shoe Flat

How to Fit Ballet Shoes

If your child is about to learn to ballet dance then you will have the exciting but daunting task of choosing their first pair of ballet shoes. It's highly likely that your child's teacher will have asked you to purchase a specific type of shoe in a particular colour and possibly even from a particular brand. However, if your child's teacher hasn't given you this guidance, then this article should help you choose the right pair.

Ballet shoes are available in leather, canvas and satin. The most delicate of these fabrics is satin which makes it only recommended for special performances. Leather is by far the most recommended because it is very soft, breathable and also hard-wearing. Its flexibility will allow your child to flex their foot easily, and the fact that leather is so hard-wearing means that ballet shoes made from this fabric will outlast any other fabric. The only downside to leather is that it is the most expensive of the three fabrics. If you're not sure whether your child will keep up ballet classes, a good alternative is canvas as this is relatively hard-wearing, easy to maintain, and cheaper than leather.

The next decision to make is whether your choose a split sole or a full sole. A full sole covers the full length of the foot from the ball to the heel whereas a split sole has a split in the middle. The full sole will require your child's foot to work harder in order to achieve a pointe. This helps build muscle in the foot which in turn will help develop control. When you child progresses to a shoe with a split sole, they will have developed a very elegant and beautifully curved foot.

Once you know which shoe you want, you next need to make sure you get the best fit. To do this, put on the ballet shoe and stand with one leg forward, toe pointed with the tip touching the floor. When doing this, there should be enough space for a good pinch at the back of the pointed foot. If you're not sure which size to choose, go for the slightly bigger one rather than going for a pair that are too small as the tight ballet shoes are very uncomfortable.

When you have purchased a pair of ballet shoes for your child, you will have to sew on the elastics. This is because the manufacturers deliberately leave off the elastics so you can sew them on in exactly the right place. To do this, place your ballet shoe on a flat surface with the sole facing down. Keeping the sole of the ballet shoe flat, fold down the heel of the shoe against the lining and use a pencil to lightly mark where the folded upper meets the binding. Stitch one side of the elastic onto the lining and binding but be very careful not to put the needle through the ballet shoe upper. Next, put on the shoe and pull the elastic over the instep, mark where the elastic meets the binding and stitch the elastic to the other side. Following these steps will ensure that the elastic is sewn on in the correct place and your child's ballet shoes are as comfortable as possible!

About the Author

Dance Gear Direct are experts in providing dancewear with over 30 years experience. For more information about our extensive range of ballet shoes, please visit our website www.dancegeardirect.co.uk.

White Ballet Flat Shoes $19.95 Ballet Flats are all the rage and there's no question why! This classic comfortable shoe can match almost any costumed occasion, from beautiful ballerinas to wicked witches and even nighttime ninjas! If you want a sweet shoe for your adventures, then you need the White Ballet Flat Shoes! Our White Ballet Flat Shoes has a flat sole and a slender elasticized band that stretches across the top of the foot to keep your shoes in place! Slip on these shiny slippers and give your fancy feet a great outline! There's even a slender bow at the toes which gives these shoes a charming appearance! Get ready for your enchanted Halloween parties with these amazing shoes!

Report Women's Sparks Ballet Flat $31.35 The Sparks flat from Report combines a minimalistic silhouette with a fabric upper topped with sparkling sequins to dress up this shoe's style. Pair this ballet flat with shorts, skirts or capris to look simply divine at work or play.

Butter Women's Dally Ballet Flat $110 The gorgeously feminine lines and classic design of this Dally flat from Butter make it an ideal shoe for every woman's wardrobe. Constructed of smooth leather, this ballet flat has a ribbon on the toe-box and leather sole for easy breathability.

VANELi Women's Sergine Ballet Flat $47.5 This VANELi Sergine ballet flat has a textured leather upper, topped with a subtle bow. The rubber sole has just a touch of a heel. Perfect for the modern business woman, this shoe looks equally great with pants or pencil skirts.

FRYE Women's Carson Ballet Flat $168 Slip into a modern classic with the Carson ballet flat from FRYE. This gorgeous leather shoe features exceptional attention to detail to perfect the simple silhouette. A sleek leather sole adds that luxe feeling we love.

Touch Ups Shoe Ballet 180 $46 This is Touch Ups shoe Ballet (180). Comfortable ballet flat gets a formal touch by being dyeable and satin. Touch Ups shoes are versatile, flattering styles at budget friendly prices. From metallic, fun shoes for prom and party; to satin shoes as well as some dyeable satin shoes, perfect for your wedding party ensembles. TJ Formal brings you the best in formal wear as well as jewelry and accessories to complete your outfit. Make us your one stop shop - at your convenience and always with free ground shipping in the U.S.A. Basic ballet syle shoe with bow accent and flat heel. Medium width only. Shown as offered in White Satin (dyeable).

daniblack Women's Linny Ballet Flat $89.8 Bask in the breezy, preppy style of the Linny flat from daniblack. This fun shoe starts as a basic ballet flat then adds moc stitching, a tasseled bow at the vamp and a wrapped rubber heel with traction pods. All these loafer-esque touches are interesting enough, but it's the fascinating cut-outs that makes this flat far from shy and retiring.

Naturalizer Women's Media Ballet Flat $67.95 The Naturalizer Media ballet flat is the perfect work shoe, in handsome leather with a terrific croc-embossed, buckled strap across the rounded toe. It's comfortable, too (this is Naturalizer, after all), with a cushioned insole and just a hint of a heel (easier on the foot than a super-flat flat).

Girls Ballet Flat Shoes - Black $19.95 Ballet Flats are all the rage and there's no question why! This classic comfortable shoe can match almost any costumed occasion, from beautiful ballerinas to wicked witches and even nighttime ninjas! If you want a sweet shoe for your adventures, then you need the Girls Ballet Flat Shoes in Black! Our Girls Ballet Flat Shoes in Black has a flat sole and a slender elasticized band that stretches across the top of the foot to keep your shoes in place! Slip on these shiny slippers and give your fancy feet a great outline! There's even a slender bow at the toes which gives these shoes a charming appearance! Get ready for your enchanted Halloween parties with these amazing shoes!

Ballet Shoe Kitty $10 Ballet Shoe Kitty

The Flexx Women's Zeppole Ballet Flat $99 Lounge around the house in the Zeppole ballet flat. This flat boasts a lovely leather upper and studded heel. Elastic surrounds the rim of the shoe for a perfect, adjustable fit. A soft fabric lining and cushioned rubber sole allow for step after step of comfort, which is important when you are taking it easy.

Swedish Hasbeens Women's Hepburn Ballet Flat Ballet Flat $299 We love the simplicity of the Hepburn ballet flat from Swedish Hasbeens. The classic profile definitely speaks for itself, and the wooden heel adds a nice visual touch to this look that's as chic as its namesake. This shoe adds the perfect finishing touch to a vintage starlet look complete with oversized sunglasses and a headscarf.

Gomax Women's Sienna Ballet Flat $29.99 If this lightweight, little flowered flat from Geox doesn't have you prancing about and feeling pretty, then nothing will! The sweet Sienna Ballet shoe features a colorful, fabric-covered upper with a flattering, low-cut vamp and flexible rubber sole. It's perfect for pairing with a cropped pencil pant for that feminine and sophisticated Audrey Hepburn look.

Naturalizer Women's Minka Ballet Flat $39.99 We love the sleek simplicity of the Minka ballet flat from Naturalizer. Clean lines with a hint of ruching at the toe accent make this shoe at once relaxed and well put together. All-day comfort and a sure-footed sole finish this look with the kind of practical features your active lifestyle demands.

Amiana Women's 15-A5001 Ballet Flat $118.95 This ballet flat from Amiana features an incredibly smooth Nappa suede upper with elastic trim to keep the shoe snugly in place. Flawless with ankle-skimming pants and pretty skirts, this slip-on features a lightweight rubber outsole that'll cushion each and every step.

Touch Ups Little Kid Ballet Flat $33.95 This adorable white satin ballet flat by Touch Ups makes for a stylish and comfortable shoe that she can wear to any formal event. Made from a special dyeable fabric, the shoe can be dyed and worn again and again.

Biviel Women's BV2852 Ballet Flat $82.48 All jazzed up with nowhere to go? At least this funky Bv2852 ballet flat from Biviel will keep you in style. The leather upper showcases small, circular metallic on the squared-off toe, as well as a relaxed bow across the front of the shoe. The scrunched up flat molds to your foot for a perfect fit. Wear this shoe to the Opera or theatre, paired with a sparkly cocktail dress.

Delman Women's Falon Ballet Flat $250 Dress up your dress flats with this Falon ballet slipper from Delman. The quilted leather detail upper features a leather toe cap and piping, while the leather lining provides supple, breathable comfort. A leather sole can easily be replaced for a local shoe repairman to extend the life of your shoe.

BCBGeneration Women's Lester Ballet Flat $79 If you love girly style without the pinch, the Lester ballet flat by BCBGeneration is a must-have for your closet. The soft suede shoe sports all the slip-on ease of your favorite bedroom slipper with a decidedly more elegant approach that functions perfectly for work or weekend. Plus this flat's metal-accented vamp embellishment and rounded toe make it a fitting complements your jeans, skinnies, skirts or suits.

Amiana Women's 15-A5000 Ballet Flat $118.95 Free-spirited and artistic, Amiana's women's 15-A5000 ballet flat makes a bold and beautiful statement wherever you go. We love the softly trimmed leather shoe for its off-the-beaten-trail approach to embellishments, as demonstrated by the geometric accents mounted to its otherwise smooth, clean vamp. Other thoughtful highlights include a gently cushioned insole, rounded toe and stylishly flat rubber traction sole.

Arche Women's Laius Ballet Flat $137.5 Primed with trendy looks, the Laius Ballet Flat from Arche makes you feel like a Prima ballerina. Cool, leather uppers feature stylish, circular cut-outs that not only look hot, but make for a cool, breathable shoe. A leather pull-tab at the heel adds stability and good looks to this fabulously versatile flat that pairs well with just about any relaxed style. A cushioned leather insole and a flexible, latex outsole make for a comfortable stride.

Ed Hardy Oui Oui Studded Ballet Flat Shoe for Women - Black $59 Say Oui Oui to good style in this ballet flat from Ed Hardy. This Ed Hardy Oui Oui Flats  decorated with Ed Hardy logo & Studs galore for an edgy look paired with a classically designed flat. The rubber sole will be so comfortable that you’ll reach for t

Ed Hardy Oui Oui Studded Ballet Flat Shoe for Women - Fuschia $59 Say Oui Oui to good style in this ballet flat from Ed Hardy. This Ed Hardy Oui Oui Flats  decorated with Ed Hardy logo & Studs galore for an edgy look paired with a classically designed flat. The rubber sole will be so comfortable that you’ll reach for t

Pour La Victoire Women's Lisabet Ballet Flat $177.97 Dainty and demure, the Lisabet ballet flat from Pour La Victoire exudes understated style. Rounded toe silhouette and punched detailing make this the perfect shoe for work or play. Small heel comfortably elevates your look.

CK Jeans Women's Carmela Ballet Flat $40.48 The ballet flat is such a chic, versatile shoe and the Carmela from CK Jeans totally continues the tradition. Elasticized and ornamented, this minimalist slip-on gives you a shot of style, no bulk whatsoever, and plenty of flexible comfort.

Yellow Box Women's Amy Ballet Flat $39.69 Big jewels and contrasting topline add pizzazz to the classic style of Yellow Box's Amy ballet flat. A leather upper and interior pair with a smart rubber sole to create a shoe that's easy to wear and easy to love.

Teva Women's Alana Ballet Flat $37.5 Show off your sporty style with the Alana ballet flat from Teva. This smartly designed shoe features a quick-drying synthetic and mesh upper, plus a water-channeling lug patterned sole for comfort and stability on wet surfaces. A toe guard offers projection and adds durability, and a rubber sole keeps you stable. Plus a cushioned insole feels good on your foot, and the slip-on styling offers easy on and off.

Arche Women's Leslie Ballet Flat $142.48 Presenting Leslie, a beautiful new variation on the luxury ballet flat from the French shoe-artists at Arche. Dramatic perforations and contrasting stitching not only add new interest, but allow air to freely circulate for even more comfort. An elasticized top line ensures a precise, easy fit and the durable all natural Latex outsole provides maximum shock absorption and comfort.

Aerosoles Women's Gasoline Ballet Flat $57.67 Distressed leather embellished with a petite ruffle, bow and tiny studs defines the Gasoline ballet flat from Aerosoles. This is a shoe you'll want to wear every day, not only for its style but for comfort--the rubber sole is amazingly flexible, making it easy on your feet. Pair it with just about anything in your casual wardrobe, including day dresses.

MICHAEL Michael Kors Women's Gogo Ballet Flat $58.73 Slip into the sweet style of the Gogo flat from MICHAEL Michael Kors. This darling ballet flat features a leather upper with floral design cut-outs for a breezy, on-trend look. A whisper of a heel means it's great for all-day wear. Pair this versatile shoe with leggings, denim, skirts or a chic little dress.

Tapeet by Vicini Women's Y15011 Ballet Flat $221.44 Step into the breezy style of the Y15011 flat from Tapeet by Vicini. Made in Italy, this fresh take on a basic ballet flat features an on-trend woven leather upper offering tons of texture. Plus a leather sole means season after season of wear so pair this versatile shoe with all your warm-weather styles.

Ballasox by Corso Como Women's Factor Ballet Flat $30 Step out in sweet simplicity with the Factor ballet flat from Ballasox by Corso Como. This chic leather flat has classic scrunching action and a touch of detail stitching at the toe. The rubber sole is flexible and soft for a smooth, comfortable stride. This is a timeless addition to your shoe closet.

Ralph Lauren Collection Women's Umilla Ballet Flat $174.2 Get a little decadent in your fun casual wear with the Umilla ballet flat from Ralph Lauren. Buttery leather gives this shoe an unmatched feel of luxe comfort while keeping things perfectly simple. Finishing off with a sleek leather sole, this is a stunning addition to your flat collection.

Antik Batik Women's Areksi Ballet Flat $238 Slip into the Areksi ballet flat from Antik Batik and bring on the sparkle. Featuring a haircalf upper with an on-trend animal print, this shoe is embellished with a bling-tastic rhinestone bow at the toe for a dose of glam. Pair this flat with anything from slim denim to a flirty little dress.

The North Face Women's Base Camp Ballet Walking Shoe $49.95 Here's a novel idea--a ballet shoe you can actually walk in. The Base Camp ballet walking shoe has all the style of a flat, plus North Face's legendary comfort technology. There's also the sole of sneaker in this fashionable slip-on shoe a lightweight, perforated mesh upper and grip-loving outsole.

Biviel Women's Bv2838 Ballet Flat $65.41 Looking for a shoe that's not flat on style? This Biviel Bv2838 shoe not only splurges your foot with a leather upper, it also features unique decoration, including a squared off toe, leather strips and metallic accents on the front of the shoe, and more metallic accents and around the top of the shoe. A moderate heel and slim profile keep you in style.

Tags: ballet, ballet shoe flat heel, ballet shoe flats, flat, shoe, shoes, shopping

This entry was posted on Sunday, April 12th, 2009 at 6:41 am and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.