Question about slippers

[Guest LaurieM]

In preparation for my summer classes, I dug out my old slippers - little black leather things with an elastic sewed on and electrical tape keeping the soles in place. I figure my feet deserve better - and I have visions of parts flying off during class and hitting someone in the head - so I'm going to get some new ones. Slippers for 5 weeks of Ballet shouldn't be a big investment, but as a starving student, I'm weary with my $$$. I want to buy slippers I can wear to class this summer, store in a little box on a shelf, and pull out for future Ballet without needing to re-attach parts with tape. What's good in the little Ballet slipper department? My old ones were once full soles, but I'm considering split-sole because I found it hard to get anything resembling a good point with my old slippers (especially later in their lifespan). I also want something that'll last like I said. What's the general longevity of little Ballet slippers? My old ones lasted only a year. (I wasn't doing Ballet but Irish dance.)

[spankster]

I wear a split sole, the Sansha pro. It's canvas though - not sure if it would stand up for your purpose because of that. I'm not quite sure if they make it in black either.

 

But if they do, I love this slipper. Looks nice on the feet.

 

They were about 20 USD maximum.

[Treefrog]

There are two cheap routes to go, both mail order. Canvas split sole slippers can be had for around US$12-14 from all the major mail order suppliers (e.g. Discount Dance, Back Bay). Of course, if slippers are the only thing you are ordering the shipping takes the cost up to about $20, at which point you should just go to your local dance store. We have found the canvas to be quite sturdy, although it does not have the longevity of leather.

 

The other route is to check the supply of leather split-sole slippers at the Capezio factory outlet. These are a little funky, with a sort of foam inset at the arch, and the pink is a weird color (more like nude), but at $5 you can't beat the price! They come in black, too.

[ashatNYU]

I second the vote for the Sansha Pros, I've had mine for about 2 years now and they are only now getting unrepairable holes (you can only use so much duct tape ....).

[Guest mic31]

try Principle split sole canvas, you can get them at them store where the National Ballet School is

[citibob]

I use Sansha Pros, they wear out in about 3 weeks of heavy use --- longer in light use. $12-14 It's a small cost compared to the other costs involved in ballet.

[Guest DancerJules]

hey there

if you want your shoes to last, definitely go for leather over canvas. it's much more durable and the leather moulds to your feet so much better (in my opinion). Gamba do great leather slippers - i don't know the cost in CAN$ but in the UK they are about £12 (US$20).

 

THey'll last longer if you buy a couple of pairs and rotate them so they aren't constantly sweaty.

 

Good luck!

[Guest LaurieM]

Thanks.

 

I'll pop over the local shop and check out their selection.

[Susanne]

Oh, and also, the lifespan of a pair of ballet slippers depends very much on the surface you dance on! Wooden floor is very harsh on those poor shoes while linoleum/plastic/marley is to prefer if you want long lasting ballet slippers.

 

I adore my Sansha pro's!

[Guest LaurieM]

I got some shoes - finally. I'd been putting off heading to the shop due to lack of time (and money), but I went yesterday and tried on about a million different pairs. I settled a pair of canvas split soles: the best fit after it was determined that one of my feet is bigger than the other. They fit really well and look good, and they were affordable enough that I won't have to resort to electrical tape if they should fall apart.

 

My next question is fairly predictable, but needs to be asked - what's the best way to sew on my elastics?

[Guest beckster]

If you have just been given a single elastic, fold the heel of the shoe forward against the inner, and pin the elastic inside the crease it makes on each side. You can then put the shoe on and adjust the elastic length and/or angle, before sewing it. If the shoes already have an elastic sewn by each heel, just put the shoes on, cross the elastics over your instep, and pin them where it feels cofortable. I put mine by the seam that goes under the arch, but you can make up your own mind. You want to make the shoes stay on, but not cut off your circulation! I sew by hand, and I try to make it so it doesn't show on the outside. Don't think there's any rules about this bit, just do enough to be sure the elastic won't come pinging off at a crucial moment. Give it a stretch to make sure your stitching is up to the job, and you're good to go.

[Mel Johnson]

And don't forget to take out the pins!!!

[Guest LaurieM]

Thanks much.