How to Fit Soft Ballet Shoes
When purchasing a new pair of soft ballet shoes, it is important to make sure the shoes fit properly. This will not only make dancing more comfortable but also will prevent injuries such as blisters from forming on the foot.
Dancers commonly wear ballet slippers, or soft ballet shoes when they practice. Soft shoes are easier to move in than pointe shoes and help keep the foot aligned during dancing. Soft ballet shoes are very common for young ballerinas as they help wearers learn proper muscle control as they master steps. Once a new pair of soft ballet shoes has been purchased, it is important that they are properly fitted to the foot. Fitting a pair of soft ballet shoes is essential, but it is also a very easy process.
- Get the proper size. When buying your soft ballet slippers, make sure you get the proper size. The shoe is usually about two sizes smaller than your normal shoe size. To test the fit, point the toes in first position with the shoes on and make sure they feel snug against the foot. The shoes should never be uncomfortably tight or cut off circulation.
- Make sure they're snug. The most important thing to remember is that the toes in a soft shoe should never move around or slide forward while dancing. You should be able to wiggle your toes, but that's about it. The slipper should never press too tightly on the heel of the foot.
- Move around in the heel and make sure the shoe stays on comfortably without ever tightening the drawstring. You may tighten the drawstring for extra security later on, but the drawstring should essentially not be needed.
- Wear them to break them in. After purchasing the shoes, move around in them around your home before using them for actual dancing. They will probably feel a little stiff. Apply shoe oil on the slippers to help soften the shoe and make them more comfortable and flexible.
- Apply rosin on the entire sole of the soft shoe. Place your hands in the shoes and flex the sole back and forth to loosen up the sole so it will better adhere to the shape of your foot when you begin dancing.