I hope this guide will help you if you're buying or selling ballet shoes on eBay. Those new to ballet, whose children have just started classes, or want to try, might find it useful when buying ballet shoes, and anyone selling worn or used ballet shoes might find it helpful too. I'm sure those selling new shoes will be all too familiar with what I'm going to say.

BALLET SHOE SIZES

Ballet shoes should fit like a glove. Most ballet mums (and some dads too?!) will be well aware that ballet shoes are usually a size or two smaller than regular shoes. So if, for example, your daughter takes a size 11 in her school or casual shoes she'll need a size 12, 12½ or even 13 for her ballet shoes. I say 12, 12½ or 13 because it will depend on the make/brand of shoe and also on what she wears with the shoe (i.e. thicker 'woolly' socks or tights with her school shoes but thin cotton socks, nylon/lycra tights or even barefoot in her ballet shoes). Go one size bigger if she's barefoot and another half-size with socks or tights on. A good fit is when you can pinch the seam together on the back of the heel, all the way down, while she stands with her feet flat on the floor, toes outstretched.

A WORD ABOUT WASHING BALLET SHOES
Don't! If you wash ballet shoes - particularly a hot wash in a machine - they're likely to shrink slightly and also lose their shape or, more precisely, the shape of the foot that they've moulded to. In addition, the sole will stiffen and, in the case of leather shoes, the leather will become less soft and supple or even crack. Whilst it might be tempting to put the shoes through a wash, especially if you're going to sell them, I'd strongly advise against it or at least suggest that you mention it in your auction ad so the buyer will know.

NEW OR SECONDHAND?

Naturally, as parents, we all want to give our children the best and there's no doubt that new ballet shoes will always be better than those worn before. BUT... not everyone can afford new! The cost of dancewear for classes (shoes, leotards, tights and accessories) can be very expensive and off-putting to many parents. I read in another guide (by someone with a shop!!) that you should only ever buy new ballet shoes because used or worn shoes could harm your child's feet and new shoes aren't that expensive anyway. Whilst I'm sure that might so, I think most parents would exercise a degree of caution when buying any ballet shoes and do everything possible to protect a child's growing feet. That said, if you have three girls who all go to ballet classes, and who outgrow their shoes in the space of a few months, buying new all the time can prove very costly and, in the case of a child who's just shown an interest but quickly goes off the idea, a complete waste of money. Personally, I don't have a problem with used or worn shoes - providing they're in good condition - they'll quickly mould to the new wearer's feet and are only intended to last a few months (until she outgrows them or gives up on ballet).

SATIN OR LEATHER?

There are protocols and conventions about where and when to wear leather or satin ballet shoes. Generally, leather shoes are worn for practice and classes (being more hard-wearing and resistant to scuffing) and satin shoes are kept for exams and performances (being prettier and more delicate). The teacher or tutor will be able to advise you about what to wear, when and where. Of course, if your daughter just wants a pair of ballet shoes for dressing-up or just to play in, leather will certainly last longer but going tip-toe in shiny satin shoes will make her feel like a real princess!

ELASTIC OR RIBBON?

Again, there are protocols and conventions about elastic or ribbons and it pretty much follows on from above. Elastic is better on shoes used for practice and classes (although some ballerinas prefer ribbons) whilst ribbons should be used on shoes for performances and shows. And again, the teacher or tutor will be able to advise you on the correct, or preferred, option in each instance. Ribbons definitely look prettier but elastic is more practical.

AND FINALLY... POSTAGE!

A word of caution here (for buyers and sellers alike). Some sellers on eBay, including people selling secondhand ballet shoes, often inflate the cost of postage for various reasons, which can push the price up considerably. Of course, the postage isn't just the cost of the stamp - there's the padded envelope and other packaging to take account of - and First or Second Class or Recorded Delivery (Signed For) will make a difference. My advice is to ALWAYS take note of the postage and add it to the price when you're thinking of bidding. And just for the record, the cost of posting a pair of girls ballet shoes (they're very lightweight) is only about 65p for First Class (in the UK), add the cost of the packaging/envelope (another 50p) and the total shouldn't be more than about £1.15... sellers please take note!


I hope this guide was helpful to you. Please let me - and others - know by voting (Yes or No) below. Thanks!