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Your Child's First Ballet Shoes
A child's first ballet shoes rarely come from a fitting — they usually come from the school uniform list. Here's how to make sure the pair you buy actually fits, and what's normal in the first term.
What colour ballet shoe does my child need?
Pale pink is standard in the UK for girls and mixed classes. Boys' classes usually wear white or black. Check the school uniform list before buying — colour is often prescribed.
Full-sole or split-sole for children?
Full-sole every time. Split-sole shoes are for dancers with a working arch — children build that arch by wearing full-sole shoes for the first few years.
Should there be room to grow?
No. A ballet shoe is not a school shoe. It should fit snug like a sock, and be replaced when the foot grows or the sole starts to buckle.
What fastening is easiest for a young child?
Pre-sewn elastic across the arch is standard. A drawstring is included but should be cut to length and tucked in — never left dangling.
- Pale pink is the default UK colour.
- Full-sole for children.
- Pre-sewn elastic; drawstring tucked in.
- Refit every three to six months.