How should my dance shoes fit?
It is very important that your dance shoes have the right fit in order for you to be your best on the dance floor.
Dance shoes need to be quite tight and snug from the start, in order to avoid that they get too big and sloppy. This is particularly important with dance shoes, as they need to follow your foot instantaneously, (be 'one' with the foot), in order for you to be able to move quickly and elegantly on the dance floor. As you start wearing your shoes, they will give and mold to fit better around your feet. Most people go down by half a size in dance shoes from their normal shoe size.
All Dance Addiction Shoes are US size, which is what most normal shoe stores refer to in New Zealand. If you know your size in European sizing (e.g. 37, 37.5, etc.), just let us know, and we will let you know the US equivalent.
You can also have a look at our shoe size chart on the Order page.
Ladies Open Toed Latin Dance Shoes:
Ladies open toed Latin Dance Shoes should be only just long enough! It is better to have the toes hanging over the edge than having excess sole at the end, as you will have a better control with the floor.
There should be no excess space between your heel and the heel cap on the shoe. The straps around the front of your foot should be tight, so they hold your foot in place in the shoe.
If you find, you slide forward in the shoe, leaving a big gap at the back, there can be two reasons:
1- If your toes are not hanging over the edge of the shoe, the shoe is too big.
2- If your toes are hanging way over the edge, it is probably because the straps are not tight enough around your foot and you need a narrow fitting shoe.
If you find, you are pushed right back against the heel cap in the shoe, there can be two reasons:
1- If your toes are at the end or hanging over the edge of the shoe, the shoe is too small.
2- If your toes are nowhere near the end of the shoe, the straps are probably too tight around your foot and you need a wide fitting shoe.
Men's Latin Dance Shoes:
It is paramount that your dance shoes are not too big!
Always try on new dance shoes with thin socks, as the shoes have not stretched yet and you will get more room in the shoes, once you start dancing in them.
There should be no excess space between your heel and the heel cap of the shoe. There should be very little space between the tip of your longest toe and the tip of the shoe (press down your thumb on the tip of the shoe to see how much excess space you have in the tip of the shoe). If the shoe feels tight across the foot, but there is ample space for your toes, it is very likely that the shoes are too big. The width will give to fit your foot, but the length does not change. Therefore, it is not a problem, if the shoe is tight across the foot. However, if your longest toe is pressed against the end of the shoe, the shoe is too small.
If your dance shoe gets too roomy/sloppy after a while, put thin foam insoles or half insoles in them in order to maintain the snug fit.
What width am I?
Most people fit a normal width (M). If your feet are a bit wide or narrow, it is usually just a case of getting the right style; some dance shoe styles are narrower than others and some have buckles that allow you to adjust the width across the foot. However some people find that normal dance shoes are either too narrow or too wide for their feet. In these cases you need a dance shoe that is either wide (W) or narrow (N).
What if the shoes don't fit?
We are happy to exchange any full priced, unworn and un-marked footwear within 2 weeks of purchase. Sale items and accessories are final sales, i.e. these are not exchangeable. We do not offer refunds on purchases unless a product is faulty and we are unable to repair or replace it. Note, in case an exchange is required any additional postage fees will not be covered by Dance Addiction.
Do you do mail orders?
Mail orders may be opening again very soon, please enquire.
Why should I invest in proper dance shoes?
Safety- A well-fitted dance shoe will minimise risk of joint injuries as they are designed to give your feet optimal support and have the correct connection with the dance floor.
Control- The suede soles give you the right amount of resistance on the dance-floor for the ultimate control & balance.
Comfort- The extra cushioning in the insoles relieves the ball of your foot from unnecessary discomfort.
Care- Dance shoes are made with the purpose of dancing in mind, they are designed to endure strain & stress from dancing.
Elegance- Wearing proper dance shoes will make you a better dancer because dance shoes are constructed in a way that gives you the best possible balance. The outstanding flexibility of the soles combined with the secure fit of a dance shoe enables you to move freely, without any unnecessary constraints or limitations.
Focus- What better way to show off your fancy footwork than by attracting focus to your feet with outstanding footwear?