Ballet shoe guide
Character Shoes
Sturdy heeled shoes for character and folk syllabus work.
What are character ballet shoes?
Character shoes are the heeled leather shoes worn for character dance in RAD and ISTD ballet syllabus, as well as for musical theatre. They have a small block heel, a suede sole and a fastening strap.
Who they're for
Character dance students, musical theatre performers, and anyone in an intermediate+ ballet syllabus.
Materials and construction
Leather or satin upper, block heel (usually 1.5–2 inches), leather or suede sole, buckle or ribbon fastening.
How to fit them
Character shoes should fit like a court shoe — snug at the heel, no gap at the strap. Wear a thin ballet-tights weight sock in the fitting.
Top picks
Our current UK picks. Prices in GBP; links go to trusted retailers.
Low-Heel Character Shoe
£28–£45The classic ISTD 1.5-inch character shoe with adjustable strap.
Best for: Ballet character syllabus
2-Inch Heeled Character Shoe
£35–£55A slightly taller heel for musical theatre and senior character work.
Best for: Musical theatre, seniors
Frequently asked
Related ballet shoes
Ballet Flats (Soft Ballet Shoes)
The everyday soft shoe every dancer starts in.
Split-Sole Ballet Shoes
Two suede pads under the ball and heel for a stronger arch line.
Full-Sole Ballet Shoes
One continuous suede sole — the traditional exam shoe.
Canvas Ballet Shoes
Breathable, washable and gentle on the purse.