Ballet Shoes vs Jazz Shoes: What Does My Child Need?

If you are a dance mum standing in a store trying to work out what shoes your child actually needs, you are not alone. Ballet shoes and jazz shoes are two of the most commonly confused items in dance, and it is an easy mistake to make when you are new to it all. Here is a straightforward guide to help you work out which shoe is which and what your child needs for class.

What are ballet shoes?

Ballet shoes for girls are soft, lightweight shoes designed specifically for classical ballet. They sit close to the foot, have a thin sole, and are made to allow the foot to flex, point, and move freely. They come in leather or canvas and in two sole styles.

• Full sole - the sole runs the full length of the shoe. Great for younger children as it helps build foot strength.
• Split sole - the sole is split between the ball of the foot and the heel, giving more flexibility through the arch. Popular with older children and teens.

Leather ballet shoes are more durable and hold their shape well, making them a great choice for regular classes. Canvas shoes are lighter and mould to the foot quickly, which many dancers prefer as they progress.

Ballet shoes are typically pink for girls. They are worn for ballet class, RAD exams, and any syllabus work that follows a classical ballet curriculum.

Ballet shoes for boys come in white or black rather than pink. White is typical for younger children and black is standard as they progress through their training. The same full sole and split sole options apply, and getting the right fit matters just as much for boys as it does for girls.

What are jazz shoes?

Jazz shoes for girls are designed for jazz, musical theatre, and acrobatics. They have a low heel, a rubber sole for grip, and a split sole design that allows the foot to flex and point through movement. They come in black or tan and are mostly slip-on styles, making them easy for kids to get on and off quickly.

Jazz shoes are suitable for both boys and girls and are a staple in most dance kits from the early years onwards. We stock jazz shoes for boys as well as girls across a range of styles and sizes.

Jazz shoes give more traction on stage and studio floors than ballet shoes, and the small heel helps with the posture and style required for jazz technique.

So what is the difference?

The simplest way to think about it is this. Ballet shoes are for ballet. Jazz shoes are for everything else, including jazz, tap prep, acro, and musical theatre. The two shoes are not interchangeable. A child wearing ballet shoes in a jazz class, or jazz shoes in a ballet class, will not have the right support or flexibility for what the style requires.

The other key difference is the sole. Ballet shoes have a very thin, soft sole designed for the feel of the floor beneath your feet, which matters in classical technique. Jazz shoes have a rubber sole designed for grip and a small heel that changes the angle of the foot for jazz movement.

What about tiny tots and beginner classes?

This is where it gets a little confusing for new dance parents. Many tiny tots and beginner classes cover a mix of ballet, jazz, and sometimes tap in the one session. In these cases, your teacher will usually tell you which shoe to start with. If they have not specified, ballet shoes are the safest starting point as they work across the most styles at a beginner level.

As your child moves into separate classes for each style, their teacher will let you know when it is time to add jazz shoes to the kit bag.

Our Dance Direct jazz shoes for children

Our own Dance Direct children's jazz shoes are a popular choice for beginners and experienced dancers alike. Made from leather with a split sole, they are flexible, durable, and easy to slip on and off. Available in black and tan to suit your school's requirements.

We also stock jazz shoes from Bloch, Capezio, and Energetiks, so whatever your budget or preference, you will find the right shoe for your dancer here.

How to know which one to buy

Not sure what your child needs? Here is a quick guide.

• Ballet class only - buy ballet shoes.
• Jazz class only - buy jazz shoes.
• Tiny tots or mixed beginner class - check with your teacher. Ballet shoes are usually the starting point.
• Multiple classes covering different styles - you will likely need both. Your teacher will guide you on timing.

How to get the right fit

Getting the right fit matters as much as choosing the right shoe. Ballet shoes should fit snugly with no excess fabric at the toes. A loose ballet shoe will affect how the foot works through pointe and flex. Jazz shoes should fit close to the foot without pinching, with just enough room for natural movement.

Both styles are sized differently to school shoes, so do not assume your child's regular shoe size will translate. At Dance Direct we fit shoes in store so you can be confident your child is leaving with the right size. If you are buying online, check our size guides or get in touch and we will help you find the right fit before you order.

A good rule of thumb is to check the fit at the start of each term. Children's feet grow quickly and a shoe that fitted in February may be too small by July. If the sole is separating, the fabric is wearing thin, or your child's toes are touching the end, it is time for a new pair.

Still not sure?

Come in and see us at our Maroubra store and we will point you in the right direction. We work with dancers and dance families every day and we know exactly what each school and style requires. Or shop online at dancedirect.com.au and get in touch if you have any questions. We are always happy to help.