KIDS DANCE SHOES

No, ballet shoe sizes are not always the same as regular shoe sizes. They are meant to fit snugly, so dancers often go a half or full size smaller than their street shoes. It’s best to measure your child’s foot and check the brand’s ballet shoe sizing chart, as sizing can vary by brand and style.

For a more detailed guide on measuring kids’ ballet shoe size, please see our ballet shoes size guide.

For beginner ballet shoes, both leather and canvas can be good options depending on your child’s needs.

Leather ballet shoes are often a great choice for beginners because they offer a bit more structure and durability, which can help support growing feet and hold up well to regular class use. Canvas ballet shoes are lighter, softer, and more breathable, making them a comfortable option for everyday practice.

At Stelle, we offer both leather and canvas ballet shoes in our girls’ dance shoes collection, so you can choose the style that best fits your child’s comfort, class needs, and stage of training.

The best tap shoes for beginners depend on the dancer’s age and comfort. For toddlers and young children, Mary Jane styles with a sturdy buckle or elastic strap are ideal because they stay securely on the foot and are easy to put on.

Older children and teens often prefer Oxford-style tap shoes, which offer a more adjustable fit and a classic look.

At Stelle, we offer both beginner-friendly Mary Jane and Oxford styles designed for comfort, secure fit, and clear sound for learning basic rhythms.

Most parents choose slip-on jazz shoes because they are easy to put on and provide a snug, comfortable fit—especially for younger dancers and everyday classes. At Stelle, our slip-on jazz shoes feature stretch panels that help create a secure fit while staying easy to wear.

Lace-up jazz shoes offer a more adjustable fit and can provide additional support, making them a good option for dancers with wider feet or those who prefer a more customized fit.

If your child’s dance shoes are too small, they may feel tight in the toes, leave red marks, or make it hard to point and move comfortably. Dance shoes should fit snugly, but they should not pinch, squeeze, or cause pain.

A good fit should feel secure and close to the foot without extra bunching or large gaps. If you’d like to learn more about finding the right fit, please read this article.