A Dancer's Guide To Ballet Flats

When it comes to choosing ballet flats for ballet class, there are various options available to dancers. Each type of ballet flats has its own advantages and considerations. As a beginner dancer it can feel like a minefield knowing which are best suited to your needs, so let’s have a look at the most common options available.

What are ballet flats?

These are soft shoes made either of leather, canvas or satin with a leather sole. They usually come with a drawstring and either a single strip of elastic that goes over the top of the foot, or two pieces that cross over each other. Also called Demi-pointes, flats, flatties or you might hear your old-school ballet teacher called them slippers.

How are flats different to pointe shoes?

Pointe shoes are hard shoes with a satin outer layer and a flat platform that allows advanced dancers to balance on the tips of their toes. They are typically made out of layers of canvas and then covered with an outer layer of satin. Ribbons will be sewn onto the side of the shoe to allow the dancer to tie them around the ankles for extra support and some dancers may choose to add elastics to the back of the shoe to prevent them from sliding off. Similar to flats, the drawstring will be adjusted to allow a closer fit. To read my post on pointe shoes, click here.

Ballet flats are totally soft so do not allow the dancer to stand on the tips of their toes, but are more suited to demi-pointe. As you can imagine, they are also a lot more comfortable than pointe shoes!

How are flats different to soft blocks?

Half way between ballet flats and pointe shoes, they look like pointe shoes, but flatter and without the large, hard platform on the end of the shoe. These shoes feature a soft sole (slightly harder than flats) that provides more flexibility and allows for a wider range of movement. Soft blocks are designed to build resilience and strength of the feet and ankles, but as they do not allow the dancer to go on pointe they are used as flats. For dancers transitioning from soft shoes to pointe work, ballet soft blocks serve as an intermediate step that helps build strength and technique. They are popular among dancers looking to gradually adapt to the demands of pointe work and reduce the risk of injuries associated with a sudden transition to pointe.

The different types of ballet flats:

Canvas

Canvas ballet shoes are a soft material that fits closely to the dancer’s feet and come with leather soles. Even though they are not the most durable option, they are machine-washable and the easiest to keep clean and also the most affordable.

The lightweight and flexible material allows ease of movement and articulation of the feet. The close fit shows off the dancer’s lines and arches and are typically preferred by more advanced dancers, especially those combined with split soles.

Best for: older, more advanced dancers looking to show off the shape of their feet and for a shoe that is easily cleaned.

Leather

Leather ballet shoes are a durable option thanks to the tougher outer material. This also provides more resistance and requires the feet to work harder compared to the soft canvas shoe. Because of their durability and resistance, they are typically worn by children and beginner dancers. Leather shoes can be wiped down after use, but will develop dark soles over time. It’s worth noting that leather shoes will become more comfortable over time as the shoe adapts to the shape of your foot.

Best for: beginners and children as the are durable, provide resistance which strengthens the feet.

Satin ballet flats

Satin shoes are similar to canvas shoes in their softness, but the outer layer is a shiny, silky material. These shoes are the least durable and are mainly used for shows and exams. They are sometimes paired with ribbons to mimic the look of pointe shoes. You may see younger children wearing satin shoes too as they are undeniably pretty!

Best for: children or performances and exams.

Full sole shoes

A full sole is a long strip of leather on the underside of the shoe. Full soles are often combined with leather shoes as they also provide extra resistance, making them ideal for beginner dancers. Children are encouraged to wear full soles as they also provide more traction and reduce the risk of slipping.

Best for:

Split sole shoes

Split shoe shoes will have two pieces of leather on the underside of the shoe- one just under the metatarsals and one under the heel. This enhances the shape of the arch, helping to make the dancer’s feet look more flexible and allowing more articulation, which in turn can feel more comfortable than a tougher leather shoe.

Best for: more advanced dancers who are focussing less on strengthening their feet and more on the aesthetics.

Drawstrings:

Some flat shoes will come with drawstrings and some won’t. If your chosen pair has them you will first want to pull them to make the shoe fit more closely to your foot and then either tie a double knot or a bow. If you find that there is an excessive amount of elastic left, you may want to trim the ends before tucking them away neatly inside your shoe. Despite what you may see in magazines and children’s cartoons, drawstrings are not left out in a pretty bow, they are tucked away to avoid tripping over a loose end.

Fit and Sizing:

Ballet flats should fit snugly but not constrictively. Consider the width and length of your feet, and try on different brands and sizes to find the best fit. Ensure there is enough room for your toes to move comfortably and avoid any rubbing or discomfort.

Elastics

Some ballet flats come with elastic straps secure the shoe in place. Typically, this is either one strip of elastic that stretches from one ankle bone to the other, or it can be two pieces of elastic that cross over the top of the foot. The latter provides a closer fit and it usually preferred by more experienced dancers.

Some shoes do not come with the elastics sewn in place, in which case you may need to sew the elastics yourself. The simplest option is to sew just one elastic on each shoe. Start by folding in the back of your shoe and then mark where the corners are- this is where you should sew each end on the elastic. Once you have sewn the first side, put the shoe on and check the length of the elastic is correct before sewing the other side. You don't want it to be so tight that your movement is restricted, nor should it be too loose that your risk the shoe sliding off while dancing.

If you choose to sew two pieces of elastic that cross over (my personal favourite), you will want to start by putting the shoe on and marking just in front of the ankle bones (A1 & A2) and then by the centre of your arches (B1 & B2). Then sew the first elastic from A1 to B2 and the second elastic from A2 to B1, so that they cross over the top of your foot. After sewing the As, always check the length of the elastic is suitable before sewing the Bs.

When choosing ballet flats for ballet class, consider your personal preferences or the age and experience level of the person you're buying for. Leather flats provide durability, but are less flattering, while canvas flats are budget-friendly and easy to clean but don't last as long. Split sole flats offer enhanced flexibility but may have reduced traction, whereas full sole flats provide encourage the dancer to strengthen their foot and offer more traction, but can limit flexibility. By understanding the pros and cons of each type, you can select the ballet flats that best align with your priorities and enhance your ballet training experience.