The size ballet shoe you will need varies greatly from brand, style, material and more. In addition, foot shape, width and length of toes can change how a ballet shoe fits each individual. Over time, you may notice the tap on your tap shoe loosening. This is often nothing to worry about – taps attached with screws are designed to loosen slightly over time, which helps create a clearer sound when you dance. At BLOCH, our ballet shoes come in four different widths, A, B, C and D, so you can adapt your footwear to your size. A is the narrowest fit, while D is the widest. Our size guidelines are based on a medium foot width, so if you have wider feet, we’d recommend sizing up by a half size. If the ballet shoe is hurting the side of your feet, that is a good indicator that the shoe is too narrow. If toes are bending, curling or overlapping when a ballet shoe is worn, that indicates the dancer needs to try a bigger size. If there is extra material in the shoe, especially near the toes, then the shoes may be too large.

In some cases, tap shoes may feel slippery because the dance floor is slippery. If you think that the dance floor you are dancing on could be the reason your tap shoes feel slippery, it’s important to speak to your instructor or a studio representative. Dirty, dusty, wet or waxy floors can feel slippery to dance on. Try Rosin spray Spin-spot – designed to allow dancer’s to turn and glide smoothly, the spin-spot also features extra padding to protect dancer’s bonesLike all dance shoes, ballet shoes must fit accurately to serve the dancer properly. Ballet shoes should feel snug on the foot without compromising comfort.

When choosing a pair of BLOCH ballet shoes, we strongly recommend visiting a local retailer with knowledge of BLOCH ballet shoes. If that’s not possible, please get in touch for fitting advice. While it’s always best to be properly fitted by a professional, you can find more information on sizing and conversion charts on our BLOCH UK size guide. The elastic strap or straps on a ballet shoe should hold the shoe onto your foot securely. It should not dig into the top of the foot or ankle uncomfortably, impact the foot’s circulation or prevent you from pointing and flexing. Full sole tap shoes have a continuous base material on the underside of the shoes. The full, hard soles ensure correct foot and ankle support for dancers. What is a split sole tap shoe? If you are purchasing children’s ballet shoes or beginner ballet shoes, a full sole shoe with a durable material is a great place to start. For example, full sole ballet shoes in leather will provide a beginner with a solid foundation for improving foot strength. The Children’s Arise Leather Ballet shoes are an introductory full sole design, perfect for young girls and boys beginning their dance journey. The Ladies Arise Leather Ballet Shoes are also ideal for new dancers.

How to buy ballet shoes

From the anatomy of tap shoes to choosing the most comfortable size, here is our guide to tap shoes. What is a Tap Shoe Made of? The anatomy and materials that make up a tap shoe are designed to provide the perfect tap sound while accommodating the tap dancer. Although there are many different variations of the tap shoe, common tap shoe components are listed below. Heel

While tap shoes should feel firm on the feet, it is important to recognise if the shoes are too tight. If the shoe is hurting the side of your feet, that is a good indicator that the shoe is too narrow. If toes are bending, curling or overlapping when the shoe is worn, that indicates the dancer needs to try a bigger size. As the innovation leader in ballet shoes for nearly a century, BLOCH understands the importance of a high-quality, durable and beautifully-crafted ballet shoe. This is why we still make all our pointe shoes by hand, and we continue the tradition of listening to dancers, understanding what they want and what they need. Split sole tap shoes are similar to split sole jazz shoes – but with taps attached. Split sole tap shoes are flexible because the base, or underside, of the shoe does not have continuous material. Instead, there is a gap in material under the arch of the foot. Tap Shoe Fastening Slip on tap shoes A full sole ballet shoe doesn’t allow for much flexibility since the base of the shoe is coated in one layer of material. However, this style shoe includes more resistance beneath the arch of the foot. If you are a beginner in ballet or looking for a ballet shoe that is sturdy, the full sole style is a favourable choice. However, if you can feel the tap moving up and down when you move, it’s likely the tap needs tightening. You can do this easily with a twist or two, taking care not to over tighten as this can damage the hole holding the screw in place.

How Can I Make my Tap Shoes Less Slippery?

BLOCH ballet shoes promise high performance, the perfect leg line and exceptional comfort for beginners to professionals. From simple ballet slippers to stunning tonal designs, our ballet shoes offer the ultimate in style and functionality. Neo-Flex Slip On is a split sole shoe featuring a sleek low profile silhouette for the most flattering profile in jazz. Crafted from specifically developed soft, durable leather with a new low profile heel to get that closer-to-the-floor feeling. Slip on tap shoes typically have a split sole. A slip on fastening allows dancers to slide the shoe on without having to take the time to tie laces and adjust the shoe’s pressure on the foot. Lace up tap shoes Full sole ballet shoes have a continuous sole on the underside of the shoe. The sole typically is leather, canvas or suede. Choosing a full sole ballet shoe style will allow the dancer to build strength and muscle, as the style is very structured. Whether you’re choosing your first or twentieth pair of ballet shoes, there are important considerations to make when determining which sole, style, colour and material will make the perfect pair for you.