If you are absolutely sure of your shoe size in a given brand, then you can try getting a good deal and buy on line. Keeping in mind that even within a certain brand, a shoe may fit differently depending on the model, the heel height, square versus round toe and other unexplainable factors. For instance I consistently wear a Ray Rose Kalahari UK 6, but in Aida Karina’s I can vary between a 24.5 and a 25.5, depending on the heel height and shape (straight vs flared), toe box shape and probably depending on which cobbler made the shoe.
If you’re new to dance and don’t have a clue about shoes, I recommend either getting a low-priced practice shoe on line, or taking the time to travel to a dance shoe shop where you can get fitted for a good quality dance shoe. The effort is worth it because a high quality shoe can make a lot of difference in your dancing.
Dance shoes need to be comfortable, fitted and have a steady, balanced heel. When you buy a shoe on line without trying it on (either expensive or not ), you can end up with a toe box that is too tight and chafe your feet, or too loose, not giving enough support to your feet. Inexpensive shoes can also have an unbalanced heel making you feel wobbly even while standing and even wobblier when dancing. So it’s worth it to go to a dance shop to see what you like and what fits you best.
I found a lot of high quality shoes on line, in mostly new condition. The prices were low and made it worth it to buy and try, but actually, now I have about 10 pairs of really nice shoes that don’t fit me.
3 Responses
I have had some success buying off Amazon. Very easy to turn if they don’t fit.
Thank you for this advice! I like the suggestion to be fitted by a dance shoe shop. I worry about buying used dance shoes because I think the shoe took the form of the previous dancer’s feet, and that this can lead to some discomfort at least at first. Any thoughts on this?
I agree, I wouldn’t recommend buying very used shoes, rather shoes that someone is selling because they didn’t fit or just didn’t work. You can usually get these shoes nearly new at a discount compared to brand new from the shops.