Canvas Ballet Dance Shoes
There is a great debate as to which is better, leather or canvas ballet dance shoes. The truth is that leather is better for some dancers, while canvas ballet dance shoes are better for others. There are many factors to consider when choosing between the two. Here is some information to help you choose the right ballet shoe for you.
First, consider your weight. Lighter people often do better with leather – but heavier people, such as male dancers, often do better with canvas, because their weight causes the leather soles to stick to the floor more. This ‘sticking’ causes the shoe to wear out faster. It also makes many moves more difficult, resulting in a greater number of injuries.
Canvas shoes are generally less expensive. They can usually handle about ninety days of ballet classes. The flooring that the dancing is done on is important. Smooth floors are ideal, but wooden floors are not easy on canvas ballet shoes. Canvas shoes can be washed in a washing machine, while leather needs more specialized treatment. Another advantage of canvas shoes is that they are easier to dye different colors.
When purchasing canvas shoes, it is important to purchase shoes that use the heaviest canvas. Common manufacturers of canvas shoes are Bloch, Capezio, and Sansha. Most stores that sell ballet shoes will try to get you to buy leather, without even letting you know that they carry the canvas shoes. This is most often because the leather costs more. Make sure you ask to try on a pair of canvas ballet dance shoes. You might also consider a mixture of canvas and leather. These shoes have are mostly leather with a canvas instep. Be sure to try a few ballet steps in the shoes before making a purchase!
