Finding the right dance shoe changes everything. The wrong fit throws off technique, causes injury and knocks a dancer's confidence fast. The right pair supports every relevé, leap and turn. If you need to buy dance shoes online in Australia, this guide covers what to look for, how each style fits and how to get sizing right the first time.
Dance Shoe Styles and What They Are Used For
Different dance forms need different footwear. Buying the wrong style for the wrong class is a common and easily avoided mistake. Here is a breakdown of the main styles and where each one belongs.
Ballet Shoes
Soft leather or canvas, split-sole or full-sole. Beginners usually start in a full-sole shoe because it builds foot strength. Split-sole designs allow more flexibility and are common for students moving into grades. Canvas is lighter and easier to wash. Leather moulds to the foot over time. Fit should be snug with no bagging at the toes. Our guide on how ballet shoes should fit and dance shoe sizing explains this in detail, including width fittings and how to measure at home.
Pointe Shoes
Pointe shoes are not a beginner purchase. A student needs sufficient strength and technique before going en pointe, assessed by their teacher. Fitting should always be done in person where possible. If you are navigating this for the first time, our parent's guide to choosing ballet pointe shoes is a practical starting point before you buy.
Jazz Shoes
Split-sole jazz shoes are the most popular choice for jazz and contemporary classes. They flex with the foot and allow full articulation through the arch. Lace-up styles give more support across the midfoot. Slip-on or elastic styles suit younger dancers. Fit close to the foot with minimal extra room.
Tap Shoes
Tap shoes come in lace-up or buckle styles and are fitted close, similar to a street shoe. Check whether your dance school specifies a heel tap configuration, as some studios prefer Oxford style and others allow Mary Jane for younger students. Taps can be adjusted or replaced as the dancer progresses.
Lyrical and Contemporary Shoes
Half sole shoes, foot undies and pirouette shoes fall into this category. They protect the ball of the foot while leaving the heel and toes free for floor work. Sizing runs small. Go up half a size if between sizes.
Character and Ballroom Shoes
Character shoes have a low heel and are used across RAD, Cecchetti, CSTD and other syllabus examinations. Check exam uniform requirements before purchasing. Our article on Australian dance exam uniform requirements for RAD, Cecchetti, CSTD and ATOD outlines exactly what is required for each syllabus so you buy the correct style first time.
How to Size Dance Shoes Correctly
Dance shoes are not sized the same as street shoes. Most styles run at least half a size to a full size smaller than a regular shoe. Always measure the foot in centimetres and compare against the brand's size chart rather than assuming based on school shoe size.
- Measure both feet. Fit to the larger foot.
- Measure at the end of the day when feet are at their largest.
- For children, allow no more than half a centimetre of growing room. More than that and the shoe will not support correctly.
- Canvas ballet shoes stretch with wear. Leather does not stretch as much but does mould to the foot.
- Tap shoes should fit like a firm street shoe with no heel slip.
- If a student is between sizes in lyrical or contemporary footwear, go up, not down.
If you are unsure after measuring, contact us before ordering. Getting sizing right before dispatch saves time and avoids the frustration of returns.
What to Look for in Quality Dance Footwear
Not all dance shoes are built the same. A shoe that looks similar can perform very differently depending on the sole construction, material and stitching quality. Here is what actually matters.
- Sole flexibility. The shoe should flex where the foot flexes, not midway up the arch.
- Secure fit around the heel. Heel slip during turns affects balance and creates blisters.
- Breathable materials. Feet work hard in dance class. Leather and canvas both allow airflow better than synthetic alternatives.
- Durable construction at stress points. Check the toe box stitching and sole attachment, particularly on tap and jazz shoes.
- Brand reputation in the Australian dance community. Brands stocked by specialist retailers are generally trialled and vetted.
Browse our full range of dance shoes for every style and level to find the right pair for your class requirements. We stock shoes suited to beginners through to advanced students across ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary and exam styles.
Buying Dance Shoes Online with Confidence
Buying online works well when you know the brand and have sized correctly from the chart. For a first-time purchase in a new style, take the time to measure carefully and read the product notes on each listing. Most of our listings include specific fit notes and advice on whether a style runs true to size or needs adjustment.
For families working through exam preparation, club requirements or a first pair for a new student, getting the style and size right from the start makes the whole experience easier. Shop our Australian dance shoe range and filter by dance style to find exactly what you need.
