How to choose the right size ballet slippers for your child?
Finding the perfect fitting ballet slippers is crucial for your child's comfort and progression in dance class. Ill-fitting slippers can cause blisters, calluses, and even injuries down the road. Follow these tips to ensure your child's first pair or next pair of ballet slippers fit just right:
1. Trace your child's feet
Have your child stand on a blank sheet of paper. Trace the outline of both feet, making sure to capture the entire foot from heel to toe. This tracing will give you an accurate reading of foot length and width.
2. Measure the tracings
- Measure the length of the tracings from the center of the heel to the longest toe.
- Measure across the widest part of the foot for the width.
Compare these measurements against a sizing chart from the ballet slipper manufacturer. Charts vary, so be sure to refer to the one for the specific brand you plan to buy.
3. Consider room for growth
It's smart to buy ballet slippers with a little room for feet to grow, especially for very young children. For growing room, some recommend buying:
- 1/2 size larger for children under 5
- 1/4 to 1/2 size larger for children 5-8
- Exact foot size for children over 8
4. Try slippers on in person
The best way to get the right fit is to have your child try on the slippers in person at a dancewear shop. Have them flex their feet and toes to see how the slippers feel when dancing. The shoes should fit snugly without cramping the toes.
Going to a store may not always be possible. In that case, buy from an online shop with a good return policy so you can exchange if the size is off.
With these tips in mind, you'll be able to find ballet slippers that growing dancers can pirouette happily in!
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How to break in new ballet slippers so they don't hurt your child's feet?
Brand new ballet slippers can cause painful blisters and rub spots until they are properly broken in. Follow these tips to gently get your child's new slippers ready for dance class without hurting their feet:
1. Stretch the shoe
Help stretch out new slippers by:
- Pulling the heel forward
- Pulling the toe box back
- Rolling the slipper back and forth to soften it
This will loosen up stiff new shoes and materials like canvas and leather.
2. Use a shoe stretcher
Shoe stretchers are rods that gently push out the insides of shoes. Place new slippers over a stretcher for an hour or two at a time leading up to the first wear.
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3. Try on with tights
Have your child try on the new slippers with their tights or leggings that they'll wear for class. This ensures no rubbing on bare skin.
4. Tape blister-prone spots
Use masking tape, moleskin, or bandages to cover toes and heels as needed. This protects sensitive skin while breaking slippers in.
5. Wear around the house
Have your child wear the slippers at home for short periods over 2-3 days, building up to a few hours. Walking around will gradually mold them to your child's feet.
6. Bring thick socks
Pack an extra pair of thick socks in your dance bag. If new slippers start to hurt feet during class, socks can be worn over them as extra cushioning.
7. Visit the shoe fitter
Some dance stores offer shoe fitting services where slippers can be professionally stretched and customized for each child's feet prior to purchase.
Breaking in ballet slippers gradually will save tender young feet from pain and blisters. Pay close attention and stop wear if slippers start hurting feet. With patience, new shoes will conform and become comfortable for dance.
How to sew elastic and ribbons onto ballet slippers?
Adding your own elastic and ribbons to ballet slippers allows you to customize the fit and style. Follow these steps to easily sew on these details:
Elastic
- Turn slipper inside out and line up elastic along inner arch edge, matching ends.
- Pin elastic in place, smoothing out any bumps or twists in elastic.
- Thread sewing needle and tie knot at end of thread.
- Using a whipstitch, sew along edge of inner arch, catching elastic in stitches.
- When nearing ends, overlap elastic about 1/2 inch and continue stitching to secure overlap.
- Finish stitching at starting knot. Knot thread again, cut excess, and turn slipper right side out.
Ribbons
- Cut two ribbons to desired length for criss-crossing up legs.
- On inside of slipper, mark positions for ribbons with pins or chalk.
- Place pins on either side of heel, about 1/2 inch from edge.
- Front ribbon goes on inner ball of foot near toe box.
- Back ribbon aligns with ankle bone.
- Thread needle, knot thread, and sew ribbon ends in place using whipstitch.
- Repeat for second ribbon on opposite side.
- Try on slipper, cross ribbons up legs in an X shape, tie off in a bow.
- Trim ribbon ends if needed. Use a lighter to seal cut edges.
Some tips for custom ribbons:
- Use 1/2 inch to 1 inch wide ribbons. Narrow ribbons pull less and stay tied better.
- Match ribbon color to slipper color.
- Choose a ribbon texture like matte satin that ties well and stays put.
- Overlap and stitch ribbon ends again if they start to pull out from wear.
With the proper supplies and technique, it's easy to personalize ballet slippers by adding your own elastic and ribbons. Custom touches give a one-of-a-kind look while helping keep slippers securely on dancer's feet.
How to clean and care for leather ballet slippers?
Leather ballet slippers require special care to keep the material supple and prevent cracking. Here are tips for cleaning and maintaining your child’s leather dance shoes:
Daily Care
- Air out slippers after each use to prevent buildup of moisture and bacteria.
- Stuff with crumpled newspaper or shoe trees to absorb sweat and retain shape.
- Apply leather cream/wax regularly to hydrate and condition.
- Avoid storing in plastic bags which trap in moisture.
- Let slippers fully dry between wears to prolong life of leather.
Cleaning
Clean leather ballet slippers as needed with:
- Leather cleaner/soap and soft cloth
- Baby wipes to spot clean
- Damp cloth for wiping out footbed
- Baking soda scrub for removing odors
- Wooden shoe shaper for absorbing sweat
Avoid submerging in water which can damage leather. Use minimal moisture when cleaning.
Treatment
Every few months, recondition your child’s slippers by:
- Cleaning with leather soap and let dry.
- Applying leather sealant which protects and waterproofs.
- Polishing with cream to replenish oils.
Proper conditioning keeps leather shoes flexible and crack-free even with heavy use in dance class. Rotate two pairs of slippers so each fully dries out between wears.
With regular cleansing, conditioning, and care, leather ballet slippers will stand up to years of twirling, leaping and pirouetting!
How to customize ballet slippers with your child's name or initials?
Adding a dancer's name or initials is a fun way to personalize ballet slippers. Follow these ideas to decorate your child's shoes:
Fabric paint
Use fabric paint pens or acrylic paint to hand letter names or initials. Tips for a clean look:
- Lightly pencil design first as a guide.
- Paint on the inside heel or bottom outer sole.
- Let paint fully dry before wearing (24-48 hours).
- Seal paint with fabric medium to prevent cracking.
Fabric markers
Fabric markers easily personalize slippers with freehand style:
- Test first on inconspicuous spot as some may bleed.
- Write name or initials on shoe innersole or heel.
- Heat set the ink afterwards with an iron to prevent fading.
Embroidery
Embroider names or monograms using a sewing machine or by hand:
- Use simple large stitches for writing.
- Match thread color close to slipper color.
- Place name on heel or top of foot.
Fabric patches
Sew a fabric name tag onto slipper:
- Cut patch out of cotton, felt or satin.
- Apply fabric glue to back of patch.
- Press onto slipper surface for 30 seconds.
Personalized shoes make great keepsakes. Take photos of your child wearing their decorated slippers to document the memories.
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How to use your Amazon Prime to buy "Premium Genuine Leather Baby Ballet Slipper/Ballet Shoes for Toddlers, Little Kids, and Big Kids"?
Amazon Prime offers a number of benefits when shopping for ballet slippers and dancewear. Follow these tips to take advantage of Prime perks and make purchasing leather ballet shoes easy and affordable.
1. Check Prime eligibility
Make sure the baby ballet slippers are eligible for Prime benefits. Look for the Prime logo or "Prime Eligible" tag on the product listing. Purchasing Prime eligible items means you get free and fast shipping.
2. Locate sizing options
Use the size charts in the product details to find the right ballet slipper size for your child. Many styles come in toddler, little kid, and big kid sizing. Prime's free returns for eligible items makes exchanging a breeze if the size doesn't fit.
3. Sign up for Prime Wardrobe
Prime Wardrobe allows Prime members to try eligible items like leather ballet slippers before buying. Products can be delivered and tried at home. Only pay for what you keep. Return unwanted items using the resealable bag and prepaid shipping label.
4. Download the Amazon app
The Amazon app makes shopping, tracking orders, and managing Prime benefits convenient on mobile devices. Enable push notifications to receive delivery updates.
5. Add to Baby Registry
Expectant parents can create a baby registry and add items like ballet slippers. Family and friends can view and purchase gifts off the registry. Prime members get 15% discount on remaining unpurchased items.
6. Set up Subscribe & Save
For products used regularly like dance shoes, Subscribe & Save offers discounted scheduled deliveries. Customize the delivery frequency so new ballet slippers arrive when old pairs need replacing.
7. Compare seller prices
If purchasing from a third-party seller, be sure they ship with Prime to get the free shipping and returns. Compare seller prices through the "Other Sellers on Amazon" link on the product page.
With all the Prime member perks for online shopping, you can conveniently purchase quality leather ballet slippers for your child direct to your door. Take advantage of these tips and benefits to become a Prime savvy dancewear shopper.
How To Choose The Right Size For Your Child's Ballet Shoes?
Choosing the right size for your child's ballet shoes is important to ensure comfort and prevent injuries. Here are some steps to follow when choosing the right size for your child's ballet shoes:
- Measure your child's feet. Use a ruler or tape measure to measure the length of their foot and the width at the widest point. Make sure your child is standing and keep an eye on their toes, as toddlers and younger children tend to curl their toes under which will give you an incorrect measurement.
- Determine the size of the ballet shoes. Ballet slippers tend to run slightly smaller than regular shoe sizes. Your size for a ballet slipper may be one to two sizes smaller than your regular shoe size. For example, if you're normally a size 6, your ballet size may be size 3 1/2 to 4. Sizes vary by company. If you're looking to buy ballet shoes from a particular manufacturer, you should see if their company provides a size conversion chart online.
- Try on the shoes. You or your child will stand on a platform or flat surface in the store. A worker will measure your feet and then bring you a range of sizes to try on. Properly fitted shoes should feel snug, without being too tight. You will likely be asked to walk around some to get a sense of how well the shoe fits.
- Check the fit. The elastic strap or straps on a ballet shoe should hold the shoe onto your foot securely. It should not dig into the top of the foot or ankle uncomfortably, impact the foot’s circulation or prevent you from pointing and flexing.
- Consider the brand and type of shoe. The size ballet shoe you will need varies greatly from brand, style, material and more. In addition, foot shape, width and length of toes can change how a shoe fits.
- Buy the shoes. If you are buying your new ballet shoes online, use the method above and measuring your child’s foot should be a big help. Then refer to the maker's size chart which will list the different sizes and foot measurements to help you work out the best size for your dancer. If you are heading into a store for new ballet shoes, try a pair with the exact fit, according to your measurements, and a pair the next size up.
What Are Some Common Mistakes To Avoid When Sizing Ballet Shoes For Children?
When sizing ballet shoes for children, there are some common mistakes to avoid to ensure a proper fit. Here are some of them:
What Are Some Signs That Ballet Shoes Are Too Small For A Child?
When sizing ballet shoes for children, it is important to avoid choosing a size that is too small or too big. Here are some signs that ballet shoes are too small for a child:
To avoid these issues, it is important to measure the child's feet and refer to the size chart provided by the manufacturer. It is also important to try on the shoes to ensure a proper fit and consider the brand and type of shoe. Additionally, it is recommended to get professionally fitted at a local dance store, especially if switching styles or brands of ballet slippers. Finally, it is important to choose a size that fits properly and replace the shoes when they no longer fit, rather than buying a larger size to allow room for growth.
What Are Some Potential Consequences Of Wearing Ballet Shoes That Are Too Small?
Wearing ballet shoes that are too small for a child can have potential consequences, including:
To avoid these potential consequences, it is important to choose a well-fitted shoe to suit the child's foot shape and needs. It is also important to measure the child's feet and refer to the size chart provided by the manufacturer, try on the shoes to ensure a proper fit, and consider the brand and type of shoe. Additionally, it is recommended to get professionally fitted at a local dance store, especially if switching styles or brands of ballet slippers. Finally, it is important to choose a size that fits properly and replace the shoes when they no longer fit, rather than buying a larger size to allow room for growth.
