Ballet shoes are carefully made to be light, flexible, and comfortable, helping dancers move with ease and control. They’re usually made from leather, canvas, or satin, with a soft or split sole made of suede for grip and support. The materials are cut, sewn together, and shaped to fit closely to the foot. A drawstring helps pull the shoe snugly around the foot, while elastic ensures a secure fit. For pointe shoes, ribbons are also added for additional support.

Pointe shoe making is a true art form, with each pair carefully crafted by hand. Many dancers become very attached to their specific makers, trusting their unique craftsmanship and the subtle differences that make each pair feel just right.

Here’s a wonderful behind-the-scenes video from Freed of London, filmed at their London factory, which offers real insight into the handmade process and artistry behind each pair of pointe shoes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-zExmSmO35Q.

Put the shoes on and make sure they fit snugly but comfortably. Pull the drawstrings gently to tighten the shoe around your foot. Tie the drawstrings in a small bow (like tying shoelaces). Tuck the bow ends neatly inside the shoe so they don’t show or come undone while dancing. If the shoes have ribbons (like on pointe shoes), wrap them around your ankle twice and tie them in a small, secure knot on the inside of your ankle, then tuck in the ends. 

Put your ballet shoes on and make sure they fit snugly but comfortably. Gently pull the drawstrings to adjust the fit, then tie them in a small bow, just like tying shoelaces. Tuck the bow ends neatly inside the shoe so they don’t show or come undone while dancing.

If your shoes have ribbons (as with pointe shoes), wrap them around your ankle twice and tie a small, secure knot on the inside of your ankle just above the ribbons. Tuck the ends neatly under the ribbons for a tidy finish.

 ✨ Tip: Your shoes should feel snug but never hurt, if they do they might be a little small for you.

Canvas ballet shoes

Brush off dirt or dust with a soft brush or cloth. Hand wash in cool water with a small amount of mild detergent.Stuff with newspaper to keep their shape. Air dry completely 

(You can also machine wash them inside a mesh laundry bag on a gentle cycle, but hand washing lasts longer.)

Leather ballet shoes

Do not machine wash. Wipe with a damp cloth or use leather cleaner for tough spots. Let them air dry naturally. 

Satin ballet shoes

Spot clean only using a damp cloth or gentle makeup wipe. Avoid soaking as satin stains easily and loses shape. Let them air dry naturally. 

 ✨ Tip: Always reshape shoes while drying to keep the fit perfect.

For children flat ballet shoes, they costs between £12 to £20 depending on the material of the shoe. Canvas options tend to cost less but may be less durable. For dancers to really get to the end of their toes, we recommend canvas over leather. For pointe shoes they cost between £65-£90 per pair. Pointe shoes can wear out quickly for professionals, sometimes after just a few performances, while students might get several months out of one pair depending on use and training intensity.

You can buy ballet shoes online if you know the exact size, length, and width, but it’s worth noting that specialist dancewear shops emphasise the importance of a proper fit, especially for children and recommend visiting in person or calling for advice. 

If you're seeking expert ballet shoe fittings in London, these reputable danceware shops offer professional fitting services:

BLOCH Store

Ballet Boutique London

FREED of London

The lifespan of ballet shoes depends on how often they are worn, the material, and the type of dance floor they are working on- wooden or lino. For children and beginners, shoes typically last 6 months but they may last longer if worn only once or twice a week and depending on how quickly their feet grow! Leather shoes generally last longer than canvas, which tends to wear out more quickly. It is time to replace ballet shoes when the soles become soft, the fit loosens, or holes start to appear.

Split sole ballet shoes are a type of ballet shoe designed with two separate suede or leather patches on the bottom, one under the ball of the foot and one under the heel, instead of a single full sole. They tend to be more flexibility, as the gap between the heel and toe sections allows the arch of the foot to move and point more freely.They make the dancer’s foot look more pointed and defined, popular with older students and advanced dancers. Less material on the sole means they feel softer and allow for greater control. However, full sole ballet shoes (one continuous sole) offer more support and are usually recommended for younger or beginner dancers to help strengthen their feet.

LCB has a wonderful production of Ballet Shoes, based on the much-loved novel by Noel Streatfeild. Originally choreographed for London Children’s Ballet by Cathy Marston and beautifully restaged in 2019, this production captures the heartwarming story of the Fossil sisters as they pursue their dreams on stage. With charming storytelling, expressive choreography, and a delightful score, Ballet Shoes is a perfect production for audiences of all ages. You can visit our online shop and purchase the DVD! (Link to shop)

If you're interested in attending a live performance, we are delighted to be re-staging Anne of Green Gables this year, at the Peacock Theatre in London's West End. Tickets go on sale very soon!