Put on ballet tights prior to shopping for ballet slippers. This helps ensure the slippers fit correctly by creating the same conditions that exist when they are placed on the foot for dancing.
As a starting point, try a ballet slipper that is one size smaller than the dancer's street-shoe size. Ballet slipper sizes are usually smaller than standard shoe sizes. The difference in sizes is not exact, however, so it is important to fit the slipper on the dancer's feet before purchase.
Place the ballet slipper on the foot and have the dancer stand in first position. In first position, the heels are placed against each other and the feet are turned outward, forming nearly a straight line.
Check the fit at the toes. Ideally, toes should touch the end of the slipper and have just enough space to lay flat. If the toes are crunched up, the slipper is too small. If there is space between the end of the toes and the slipper, the slipper is too large. A small amount of space at the toes is allowable for young children who are growing quickly.
Check the fit in the heel. Have the dancer rise up on the balls of her feet and verify the heel fits snugly. There should be no open space around the heel. A smaller size is needed if the heel is not secure. Also, be sure the heel is not held too snugly. If the slipper is pressing in to the point of discomfort, the slipper is too tight and a larger size is necessary.
Observe the width of the slipper. If the fit at the toes and heel is appropriate, a small amount of gaping around the sides is acceptable and can be adjusted later with the drawstring. If the slipper is too tight and is obviously pulling across the width of the foot, a wider slipper may be needed.