Frequently Asked Questions

Dance shoes fit much closer than street shoes. Your toes should reach the end without curling over, with no gaps at the heel or along the sides — the foot should feel supported and in control of the shoe, not swimming in it. A little snugness when new is normal; leather and satin ease slightly with wear.

Usually not. Dance shoes tend to run smaller and are sized differently from brand to brand and country to country (UK, EU, US). Most dancers take between a half and a full size down from their street size, and it varies by brand — International Dance Shoes, Freed of London, Aida and BD Dance all differ. Because of this we recommend an in-store fitting, or contacting us with your measurements before ordering online.

Ballroom (Standard) shoes have a closed toe and a lower, stable heel for smooth, gliding movement. Latin shoes are more open, flex more, and have a higher heel set further forward to shift weight onto the ball of the foot — they're usually fitted very snug so the foot doesn't slide forward with the toes just at the edge of the sole.

Beginners are usually most stable and comfortable in a lower heel — roughly 1.5" to 2.5". Higher Latin heels (3" and up) take practice and stronger ankles. Control matters more than height: a heel you can balance on beats a taller one you can't. When in doubt, start lower and work up.

Suede (chamois) soles give grip-with-slide on wood and sprung floors and are the standard for ballroom, Latin and social dancing indoors. Leather soles slide more and suit certain styles and floors. Important: suede soles are for indoor dance floors only — walking on concrete or grit wears them out quickly.

Keep them for the dance floor only and carry your shoes to the venue rather than wearing them there. When the nap gets shiny and packed down and grip fades, revive it with a dedicated wire shoe brush. Store shoes in a breathable bag, never sealed in plastic, and let them air out between sessions.

Leather and satin uppers give a little and mould to your foot within a few wears, so a snug (not painful) fit when new is ideal. Suede and synthetic uppers stretch less. But pain is not part of breaking in — pinching, numbness or the heel slipping out means the size or shape is wrong, not that you need to push through it.

Ballet flats fit snugly with the toes flat (not curled) and no excess fabric — there's no "growing room." Pointe shoes are highly individual and must be fitted in person: the wrong pointe shoe can cause injury. We fit pointe shoes by appointment, and pointe should only be started under a qualified teacher.

Dancewear should be snug and second-skin so it moves with you and lets teachers see line — without digging in or restricting your breathing. Sizing varies by brand and style, so check each item's size guide. For growing children, choose room to grow rather than buying something already tight.

Yes to both. We fit dance shoes and pointe shoes by appointment at our Ottawa and Montreal showrooms, so we get the size, shape, sole and heel right for you — book an appointment before you visit. Prefer to order online? Tell us your usual dance-shoe size and the brand or model you're considering (or send a foot measurement) and we'll advise on sizing first.