Find Your Perfect Fit with DanceWear Corner

Try new styles and sizes with confidence. Make sure you select Checkout+ at checkout. It gives you free returns and exchanges on eligible items, so ordering online feels as easy as trying it on in-store.

With Checkout+

• Free returns & exchanges on eligible items
• Free shipping protection on covered orders
• Priority handling when something goes wrong
• DWC support team helping resolve issues faster

No. Ballet sizing runs differently and varies by brand, so a size 6 sneaker isn't a size 6 ballet shoe. Always check the size chart or size recommendation. If you are unsure what size you should by, send us a message and we will be sure to help you.

Dance shoes rarely match your street size, and each brand runs differently, so a size that fits in Capezio may not fit the same in Bloch or So Dança. Always check the brand-specific size recommendatiopn on the product page, and if you're between sizes or new to a brand, ask a fitter before you order.

We build in a little room to grow — never more than a half to full size. Bigger than that and the shoe bunches and can trip a toddler, so we keep the fit safe.

Your child should not wear his/her ballet shoes outside the studio, walking on the street if you want them to last. Always switch into regular street shoes before leaving the studio.

Full sole leather shoes for toddlers and beginners will provide the most support and floor grip little feet need.

No. Toddler shoes come with the elastic already attached and ready to wear.

Stand them on a piece of paper with weight on the foot, and mark from the heel to the longest toe. Toddlers curl their toes when sitting, so always measure standing.

Canvas is lighter, breathes better, and molds to your foot almost immediately, so many dancers and teachers prefer it. Leather is more durable, offers more support, and lasts a few months longer, which makes it a common pick for young, beginner dancers to provide more stability. Both come in full and split sole.

Read more: Canvas vs. Leather Ballet Shoes

For little ones, an easy on-and-off style is ideal, and a velcro tap shoe is highly recommended for the youngest dancers since it's simple for small hands to manage on their own. Mary Jane styles with a buckle or velcro closure are the go-to here. The Capezio Jr. Tyette and the Capezio 356 Shuffle are longtime staples for this age, both comfortable and true to size. These often come with the taps already attached and factory-tuned, which is what most parents want.

Screwed-on taps are the better choice because you can tighten them as they loosen and fine-tune the sound.
Riveted taps on budget shoes can't be adjusted, so once they loosen there's little you can do. Most dancers prefer buying shoes with taps already attached and factory-tuned.

No. Teletone taps actually sound their best slightly loosened rather than cranked down tight, which is part of why screw-on taps are preferred. Keep a small screwdriver in your dance bag and adjust them if they drift too loose over time.

Once a dancer is past the basics, look for screwed-on taps instead of riveted ones, since they can be tightened and tuned for a cleaner, louder sound, plus a leather upper and a low heel. A lace-up Oxford is the most versatile pick. The Bloch Tap-Flex is a popular step-up shoe at this level thanks to its split-sole flexibility and full-grain leather upper. If you're unsure, our fitters can match a model to your dancer's foot and level.

Read more: How to Choose the Right Tap Shoe

For the stage you want the clearest sound and a secure, broken-in fit. Jazz-style tap shoes are a favorite among advanced performers because the slip-on design allows more fluid movement and nuanced sound. The So Dança TA05 lace-up is a strong performance-oriented choice, and the Bloch Tap-Flex is a reliable all-around pick. Avoid buying a brand new pair right before a show, since taps sound and feel best once worn in.

Tights aren't always required for tap the way they often are for ballet, but your dancer should wear either tights or socks, never bare feet inside the shoe. Many studios spell out a specific requirement in their dress code, so check with yours first. For combo classes that cover more than one style in a session, studios often prefer convertible tights, since they make quick changes between shoes easier.

It depends on her age. For a child or younger teen, a low character shoe with about a 1 to 1.5 inch heel is the safe, comfortable choice, and if she already owns character shoes she can likely use those. Comfort, ankle stability, and lasting through a long day matter far more than heel height at this stage. Adult beginners typically start higher, around a 2 to 2.5 inch flared heel, but that's not what you want for a young dancer. Look for a suede sole for the right grip and glide, and never wear suede-sole shoes outdoors. Check with the convention or studio too, since some require a specific shoe.

One of our expert fitters can confirm the right style and size before the event.

Start low and prioritize stability. Children and young dancers do best in a low character or practice shoe around 1 to 1.5 inches, or even a flat for a first try. Adult beginners usually start around 2 to 2.5 inches with a flared heel, which is more stable than a slim or stiletto heel, and can move higher once balance is established.

Practice shoes are built for comfort and durability over long hours, usually with a lower, broader heel in black lace-up styles. Performance shoes prioritize the look and line of the foot, with more elegant heels and finishes. Many intermediate dancers own both, one pair to train in and one to perform in.