The 5 Best Ballet Flat Brands of 2024: Ultimate Guide
There are so many choices when it comes to different ballet flat brands.
Every dancer has different foot shapes and needs, so it’s important to take the time to find a shoe that works for you in terms of comfort, quality, support, and durability.
As a professional dancer who has tried many different styles, it often takes some trial and error to find the perfect pair.
However, once you find the right ballet flats, you’ll certainly notice a difference in your dancing and the appearance of your feet.
In this blog post, I will highlight the top five ballet flat brands of 2024, helping you find the right style and fit.
WHAT ARE THE BEST BALLET FLAT BRANDS?
The best ballet flat brands of 2024 are:
SO DANCA SD 16 – STRETCH CANVAS SPLIT-SOLE BALLET SHOE
The So Danca SD16 is a favourite among dancers for its lightweight canvas material and split-sole design, which provides a sleek appearance and exceptional flexibility.
This ballet flat features pre-sewn elastics for added convenience and eliminates the need for a drawstring, ensuring a smooth fit.
The high-quality canvas material moulds perfectly to the shape of your foot, offering maximum comfort and support.
I wish I had discovered the So Danca ballet flats sooner during my dancing career because they have become my personal favourite!
I spent so much time using Bloch, but So Danca has truly won me over.
They’ll cost you $30 (USD).
CAPEZIO HANAMI – CANVAS SPLIT-SOLE
The Capezio Hanami is a best-seller among professional dancers, renowned for its 4-way stretch canvas and split-sole design.
The latter eliminates bulk in the arch while providing a flat surface.
It features a seamless diamond gusset in the arch for exceptional comfort and no drawstrings (appear almost invisible on your feet).
When it comes to sizing, you’ll probably want to order 2 sizes up from your street shoe size and go up in width since they’re quite narrow.
They’ll cost you $27.50 (USD).
BLOCH PERFORMA – STRETCH CANVAS BALLET SHOE
The Bloch Performa is made from ultra-soft canvas with 360-degree stretch.
The Performa’s lightweight construction and minimalist design are perfect for dancers who want a shoe that moves fluidly with their feet.
Its contoured split-sole pads, front pads and heel pads provide optimal weight distribution and shock absorption.
This provides a nice balance of protection, support and comfort.
They’ll cost you $23 (USD).
MDM ELEMENTAL REFLEX – LEATHER WITH STRETCH PANEL
MDM Elemental Reflex ballet flats are designed with a focus on foot health and development.
With built-in arch support and reflex technology, these shoes:
They’re ideal for both students and professionals.
While they’re one of the pricier options, their leather construction aids in strengthening the feet for demi pointe and pointe work.
They’ll cost you $55.90 (USD).
GRISHKO DREAM STRETCH
Grishko’s Dream Stretch flats provide exceptional comfort with their thick stretch canvas material, making them perfect for professional dancers.
The shoe moulds to the foot, hugging the arch, while cushioned heel padding enhances balance and comfort.
With durable construction, these flats are designed for long-lasting wear and fit any dancer’s foot beautifully.
They’ll cost you $28.70 (USD).
BASIC BALLET FLAT SHOE GUIDE
Here’s a guide to help you understand the essential components of a ballet flat and what to look for in terms of quality and comfort.
MATERIAL
The two most popular materials used in ballet flats are leather and canvas.
LEATHER
Leather offers durability and support, making it an excellent choice for beginners who need to build foot strength.
However, leather can sometimes feel too stiff, particularly for dancers looking for more flexibility.
CANVAS
Canvas is lightweight, breathable, and sculpts better to your feet.
It provides superior comfort and allows the shoe to mould to the shape of your foot, making it ideal for full-time students or professional dancers.
Canvas shoes also make it easier to work through your metatarsals, achieve higher demi pointe positions and complement the look when your foot is fully stretched.
SPLIT-SOLE VS FULL SOLE
Nowadays, the most popular choice for ballet flats is the split sole, as it enhances the aesthetics of the foot by highlighting and accentuating the arch.
SPLIT-SOLE
Split-sole shoes provide much more flexibility and a greater range of movement.
This makes them the preferred option for more experienced dancers who want to showcase a beautifully defined arch and footwork.
FULL SOLE
A full sole offers more resistance and is ideal for beginner dancers who are still learning how to articulate and use their feet properly.
COLOUR
Ballet flats come in a variety of colours, with ballet pink and flesh/skin tone being the two most popular choices.
However, ballet flats are also available in other colours like black, white, and even more vibrant shades to complement specific roles or costumes in performances.
FIT
When it comes to fit, ballet flats should feel snug and hug your foot closely (almost like a second skin), but still allow you to keep your metatarsals flat on the floor.
They shouldn’t feel baggy or saggy!
If your shoes are pinching or creating pressure points, they’re likely too tight.
Fortunately, most brands offer half sizes and a range of widths to accommodate different foot shapes.
Additionally, pay close attention to how your shoes wear and tear over time.
While canvas shoes tend to wear out faster than leather, consistent damage can signal that the fit isn’t quite right.
If you notice the material ripping or developing holes frequently, it may indicate that you have the wrong size.
Note: Holes in the big toe area are not necessarily an indication of an improper size; rather, they can be a sign that you are effectively using your feet and engaging with the floor correctly.
ELASTICS
Fortunately, most ballet flats these days come with pre-sewn elastics, saving dancers a lot of unnecessary sewing time.
Typically, the elastics are positioned perfectly to provide extra support and secure the shoes to your ankles.
However, it’s crucial to ensure that the elastics don’t dig into your skin and put unwanted pressure and strain on your Achilles.
If they feel too tight, you can easily readjust them and you might need to bring out your sewing kit!
CHOOSING THE RIGHT BALLET FLAT BRAND
YOUR LEVEL OF DANCE
Your experience level plays a big role in choosing the right ballet flats.
THE AESTHETICS
The design and fit of ballet flats can significantly enhance the overall look of your foot.
Different materials can offer unique advantages. For example, leather provides durability, while canvas offers more flexibility and comfort.
THE COLOUR
The choice of colour for ballet flats largely depends on the context in which you’ll be using them.
Since ballet shoes can be expensive (and they don’t last that long), it’s important to choose a colour that matches your actual needs.
BEST BALLET FLAT BRANDS – FAQs
WHAT ARE THE MOST POPULAR CHOICE OF BALLET FLATS?
The most popular choice of ballet flats is the split sole, as it enhances the aesthetics of the foot by highlighting and accentuating the arch.
CAN I PURCHASE BALLET FLATS ONLINE, OR IS IT BEST TO VISIT A STORE?
You can purchase ballet flats online, especially if you’re familiar with a specific brand, size, or model, as this offers convenience.
However, if you’re a beginner or trying out a new brand or style for the first time, it’s always a good idea to visit a store.
HOW DO I KNOW WHEN TO REPLACE MY BALLET FLATS?
You’ll know it’s time to replace your ballet flats when they start losing their shape, develop holes, the soles become worn out, or start causing discomfort.
These signs indicate the shoes are no longer offering the necessary support and comfort that you need for dancing at your best.
HOW MUCH ARE GOOD QUALITY BALLET FLATS?
Good quality ballet flats typically range between $20 to $50 (USD), depending on the brand, material, and style (leather is a bit more expensive).
WRAP UP
When it comes to ballet flats, you’ll want to pick a pair that makes you look and feel good as well as allow you to articulate your feet and improve your technique.
A good-quality ballet flat that fits perfectly can truly transform the way you work and dance.
Once you’ve developed a solid foundation and technique through consistent practice in your ballet flats, the next step is transitioning to pointe shoes.
You’re not as far away as you think!
