LO, who is nearly 5, is starting dance in a couple of weeks and she needs ballet shoes. There are so many options out there and I'm overwhelmed! Any suggestions for affordable ballet shoe brands that are a reasonable quality - or any to stay away from? This is obviously our first dance experience and LO might hate it so I don't want to make much of an investment.
If it helps, she's current just growing into a toddler size 9.
squash / 13208 posts
These our the ones our studio suggested we get
$9 with Prime
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LPPHGAK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s03?ie=UTF8&th=1&psc=1
nectarine / 2180 posts
My studio preferred leather to canvas for little girls and full sole so make sure to check if your studio has any requirements like that, some even straight up require a specific brand and dye. You should be able to get a reasonable pair for $10-15 check amazon. I favored bloch growing up but they are slightly more expensive then some brands.
grapefruit / 4144 posts
Having danced ballet for years, as well as, having instructed children in dance, I prefer slippers from Capezio or Bloch. That stated, my daughter has comfortably worn ballet slippers from Stelle. All of these brands can be found as either a single or split soft sole and do have either leather or fabric options. (* You can find Capezio, Bloch, and Stelle shoes at any dance shop, however, for better prices, check Amazon). Capezio usually run true to size, Bloch are a bit of a smaller fit, and Stelle (depending on the material and design), can run either a tad large or true to size.
persimmon / 1367 posts
@snarkybiochemist: Only studio requirement was ballet pink. They have ones we can buy through them but they're almost $40 and that seems absurdly expensive to me!
grapefruit / 4045 posts
I like Capezio. These are the ones I have bought for my girl in various sizes and they will be fine to pass down to my younger girl. We do not walk outside in them, but rather put them on when she gets to her dance room.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002USFUU/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
nectarine / 2180 posts
@Rocker2014: oh thats a super mark-up you can get capezios on amazon for like $12 and even at a dance place will probably be around $15-16. If you have a dance store near you it might be worth it to see if they do fittings (and if they charge for them)
@agold: agree never wear ballet shoes outside of class, it will help save the shoe I could make a flat shoe last all year and I was in class 2+ hours at a time 4 or so days a week.
grapefruit / 4278 posts
We got these and they've lasted well over the summer for a three year old. No way would I spend $40 on shoes for a toddler. https://smile.amazon.com/Leather-Ballet-Toddlers-Slippers-Length/dp/B07SFM7VD4/ref=sr_1_2?m=A32HCE86IOP5S7&marketplaceID=ATVPDKIKX0DER&qid=1567103047&s=merchant-items&sr=1-2&th=1&psc=1
kiwi / 617 posts
Dance Teacher Here!
I would recommend these: https://www.discountdance.com/dancewear/style_T2000C.html?pid=7784&Shop=Style&rfilter=Category%23Shoes%3ASubCategory%23Shoes%21Ballet+Shoes%3ASubCategory%23Shoes%21Ballet+Shoes%2C+Child%3AAge%23Toddler%3AAge%23Child%3ASubCategory%23Shoes%21Ballet+Shoes%2C+Full+Sole&SID=1378907463
Or any full-sole ballet slippers: https://www.discountdance.com//dancewear/shoes/ballet-slippers/page1?rfilter=Category%23Shoes%3ASubCategory%23Shoes%21Ballet+Shoes%3ASubCategory%23Shoes%21Ballet+Shoes%2C+Child%3AAge%23Toddler%3AAge%23Child%3ASubCategory%23Shoes%21Ballet+Shoes%2C+Full+Sole&SID=1378907434
DiscountDance.com is a good place to order quality dance supplies without much markup.
Theatricals is a solid brand, usually on the lower end of prices. This is why my original studio had all student purchase. In a few more years, I would recommend Capezio or Bloch, because they will last a little longer, but at this age she will outgrow them before she wears them out!
As a side note, only purchase from amazon/Walmart/payless if they are dance name brand such as Theatricals, Capezio, or Bloch. otherwise they are terrible quality that are uncomfortable, will breakdown, and will not match real ballet shoes.
Let me know if you have any questions!
grapefruit / 4584 posts
@Rocker2014: As much as I like to support local businesses, dance store shoe prices can be outrageous. Not worth it for simple full sole toddler ballet shoes! When you get into things like half sole turners (just had to purchase these for the first time for my daughter’s lyrical class!) where fit is more critical, it’s worth getting to know your local dance shop.
I’m surprised no one has said to check local mom swap boards, kids consignment shops, etc. - we’ve regularly gotten essentially new brand name dance shoes (esp. tap) from these sources for a few dollars. Her studio may even have a swap box (we went to one that did, and it was great!)
grapefruit / 4045 posts
@PinkElephant: I was just going to suggest this! I love supporting small businesses, and so I am always happy to shop at my local consignment shop. That is where I have gotten all of my girl's tap shoes. I'd get ballet shoes there, too, if I saw some in decent quality.
persimmon / 1367 posts
@Mamaof2: @snarkybiochemist: @Kaohinani: @agold: @kiddosc: @jennlin821: @PinkElephant:
Thank you all, so helpful!! I never did dance so I had no idea where to start, this is great. I've got a pair of capezio shoes in my amazon cart, still trying to figure out sizing, lol!
I LOVE local consignment and resale shops/groups, I'm actually getting her "baby taps" from a local mom. I haven't seen any ballet shoes in decent shape, so to amazon I went.
grapefruit / 4144 posts
@Rocker2014: Fantastic! Capezio are top rate. I am so glad that you were able to secure a good deal. I have found that Capezio are true to size. There should be a measuring chart on the Capezio web page (* There is also, usually one on Amazon, and I know they have one on Discount Dance Supply. Also, if you ever need an extra discount from DDS, PM me.... They, periodically, send out codes).
grapefruit / 4045 posts
@Rocker2014: My just-turned-3 year old is wearing size 9.5 in the capezio's i liked above. I hope that helps you a little with sizing.
cantaloupe / 6086 posts
We loved the Bloch bunny hop until she just grew out of their sizes (tops out at 13.5). I think they’re fairly true to size and amazon has free returns so I ordered a few sizes to try.
wonderful cherry / 21504 posts
@Rocker2014: I definitely had a hard time figuring out fit when ordering online- if you aren’t sure I would make sure you get free returns.
@jennlin821: related note- do you have specific recommendations for beginner tap shoes? Studios only requirement is Black Mary Jane style and she is 6 yo, size 11 (But I’m hoping to buy a size up and avoid buying two pairs?)
kiwi / 617 posts
@Foodnerd81: a quick search of discount dance showed me these, they are again Theatricals and about $20. These are also good because they are Velcro instead of ties.
Absolutely feel free to size up so that they last all year. Just remember, its ok for them to be a little long but not too wide; You do not want her heel slipping out of the shoe. https://www.discountdance.com/dancewear/style_T9050C_html?pid=20313&shop=Style&&skey=mary+jane+tap&search=true&SortOrder=R&SID=1379166238
I'm sure there are many more options than this, but this is my quick off the top of my head advice for you 
Again at this age they will outgrow the shoes before they wear them out.
also, don't be afraid of asking the studio for sizing and brand information. If you have questions bring whatever shoes you buy and show the teacher before class - they will be able to tell you if they are correct or not.
grapefruit / 4045 posts
@Rocker2014: She does wear a size 9 regularly. Its a comfortable size for her. So I am at least finding they run TTS if not a little on the small side.
nectarine / 2243 posts
I just got capezio ballet, tap and 2 leos from my local mom board for $20
When I just had to order a size up ballet shoe, I got Stelle from amazon and they were comparable to Capezio.
Target also sells leos and dance gear (at least in ours), just fyi. I didn't realize that.
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