Size Information
Dance Shoe Fitting Guide
Selecting the correct dance shoe is critical for your best performance
on the dance floor. If you have questions that are not answered in these
suggestions, we encourage you to call and speak to one of our sales representatives.
If this is your first time purchasing a dance shoe it is important to understand
the difference in the fit of a dance shoe compared to a street shoe.
Shoe Size Conversion
Ladies' Shoe Sizes
| US |
4.5 |
5 |
5.5 |
6 |
6.5 |
7 |
7.5 |
8 |
8.5 |
9 |
9.5 |
10 |
10.5 |
| EN |
2 |
2.5 |
3 |
3.5 |
4 |
4.5 |
5 |
5.5 |
6 |
6.5 |
7 |
7.5 |
8 |
| ER |
34 |
35 |
35.5 |
36 |
37 |
37.5 |
38 |
39 |
39.5 |
40 |
40.5 |
41 |
42 |
| JP |
21.5 |
22 |
22.5 |
23 |
23 |
23.5 |
24 |
24 |
24.5 |
25 |
25.5 |
26 |
26.5 |
Men's Shoe Sizes
| US |
5.5 |
6 |
6.5 |
7 |
7.5 |
8 |
8.5 |
9 |
9.5 |
10 |
10.5 |
11 |
11.5 |
12 |
12.5 |
| EN |
4.5 |
5 |
5.5 |
6 |
6.5 |
7 |
7.5 |
8 |
8.5 |
9 |
9.5 |
10 |
10.5 |
11 |
11.5 |
| ER |
38 |
38.7 |
39.3 |
40 |
40.5 |
41 |
42 |
42.5 |
43 |
44 |
44.5 |
45 |
46 |
46.5 |
47 |
| JP |
23.5 |
24 |
24.5 |
25 |
25.5 |
26 |
26.5 |
27 |
27.5 |
28 |
28.5 |
29 |
29.5 |
30 |
30.5 |
Abbreviations
US - American
EN - English
ER - European
JP - Japanese
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Size Selection
Dance shoes should be more form fitting than a street shoe. It is normal
for dance shoes to be at least one half size smaller than a street shoe.
The tighter fit allows for more control of your foot on the dance floor
and normal stretching of the shoe. Purchasing dance shoes that are too
large will result in poor performance and discomfort.
The feel of your dance shoe should be snug but not painful. It should
fit like a glove on your hand. Walk around on a carpeted floor and if there
is pain or discomfort, it is either too small or it is the incorrect shoe
style for you.
In ladies open toe shoes, the toes should be at the end of the shoe with
as little of the shoe visible as possible. It is normal and preferred by
most professionals to allow up to one quarter of an inch of the toe to
extend over the end of the shoe. This will seem strange or unusual to the
new dancer but it is important to understand that this will allow your
foot to be closer to the floor for better control and shaping.
Men’s dance shoes should fit tighter than a street shoe. The toes
should be at the end of the toe box without any bending of the toes. The
normal “thumbs length” at the end of the toe does not apply
when selecting your dance shoe size. Allow your toes to be as close to
the end of the shoe without discomfort.
Most dance shoes are sold in UK or European sizing. This differs from
American sizing and should be considered when selecting your shoe size.
Additionally, each dance company can run either larger or smaller than
the same size of another company. This makes choosing the correct size
even more challenging, however, we have added comments on each product
to help in your size selection. We also encourage you to read customer
reviews to gain a better understanding of the shoe you are considering.
Performance Shoe:
Performance shoes are designed for flexibility and movement on the floor.
These shoes are usually higher in cost reflecting the investment in research
and development. Many social dancers prefer the performance shoe and enjoy
the flexibility and control it offers.
Social Shoe:
A social shoe is designed for comfort and style. Many social shoes are
still excellent performance shoes but are not designed with the technical
specifications of a performance shoe. Social shoes are available in a variety
of heel heights and styles. Many styles are available with arch and metatarsal
support.
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Style Selection
If you are uncertain as to which style of dance shoe to purchase, please
consider the following:
Ladies Open Toe Style:
The open toe shoe is recommended for Latin and Rhythm dances. Most new
dancers prefer this style when purchasing their first shoe. Open toe shoes
are available in a multitude of styles from the strappy sandal to the popular
T-Strap.
Ladies Closed Toe Style:
The closed toe shoe is available in the closed toe sandal and the closed
toe pump. Both are acceptable for American Smooth dances while the closed
toe pump is recommended for International Standard dances.
Men’s Latin Style:
The men’s Latin style shoe is designed with a higher heel to allow
more forward weight distribution and movement. The Latin shoe is available
in a solid sole or split sole construction.
Men’s Standard Style:
The men’s standard style shoe is constructed with a one-inch heel
and is acceptable in both American Smooth and International Standard dances.
Men’s Standard shoes are available in leather or patent leather and
can be purchased with split sole construction.
Practice Shoes:
The practice shoe is designed for long hours of dancing and built primarily
for comfort, performance and durability. Practice shoes range from the
very basic social practice shoe to the more technologically advanced practice
shoe. Practice shoes are also available in solid sole or split sole construction.
Care of your dance shoe:
Ballroom shoes are constructed with a suede sole. Wearing your dance
shoe anywhere except the dance floor is not recommended. Suede sole shoes
need to be brushed before or after they are worn. Dance shoes will wear
according to the care of the shoe and the amount of use it receives. Your
suede sole can be replaced. Many manufacturers sell replacement soles for
their shoes.
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