Jul 10
14
When shopping around for your childrens danceshoes , you will notice some dance slippers do not have a complete sole on the bottom of the shoe. Instead they will have a leather or plastic patch on the heel and one at the ball of the foot leaving the arch covered only in leather or canvas. This is commonly called a split sole.
You can find split sole shoes for ballet slippers, jazz shoes and boots, tap, dance sneakers and even pointe. Of course these shoes also come with a full sole if you prefer.
Many beginner dancers choose danceshoes with a full sole mostly because they tend to cost less due to their simple construction of a single piece of material, often leather or plastic, sewn to the bottom of the slipper.
Besides price, there are other benefits of the full sole slipper such as availability, extra arch support and the belief by some dancers that it may help strengthen the foot in preparation for pointe.
In contrast to the full sole, the split sole has suede patches on the bottom under the toes and one under the heel. This design provides minimal support for the arches but the benefits include; increased flexibility, making it easier to point the toes and that it presents a pleasing articulation of the arch, showing off the foot better.
Jazz or dance sneakers have a rubber split sole, which makes pointing and flexing a lot easier. The extra cushioning in the rubber soles increases comfort when dancing on hard surfaces.
Split or full sole danceshoes provide the dancers with selection in comfort and style. Most jazz instructors will encourage students to get split sole shoes or sneakers but it is recommended that young ballet dancers purchase full soles ballet slippers until they have more experience and stronger arches.
Dance Class Pink Full Sole Leather Ballet Shoe for Children size 5–12 — DC-B400 Classic children’s pink ballet slipper in soft full-grain leather with hand-stitched full suede sole.
Bloch Dansoft Split Sole for Ladies– S0258L When she’s ready to step up to a split sole, step into the S0258L. It’s a wonderful continuation of the ballet shoe most beginners prefer.
