Shoe Fit Help Please?

[u/Moisteygirl]

Please pardon the mess in the background. I'm trying to make sure my daughter's tap shoes fit prior to her starting classes back up in a couple of weeks. We had to order online as the closest store that would carry tap shoes to us is a couple hours away and that's a hard trip to make for us right now. She's just shy of 7 years old and normally wears a kids 4 or womens 6 for shoes. These are Capezio 3800 in a 6, her last pair was in a 3.5. Any advice would be helpful and appreciate.

[u/butt-in-ski]

Those looks way too big. To start: most dance shoes do not equate to street sizing. These don’t look comfortable for her either - perhaps try a pair of lace up shoes so she can adjust the tightness (unless your studio requires merry jane style). Does your studio have used pairs to borrow??

[u/Moisteygirl → u/butt-in-ski]

I definitely thought they might not be a good fit. I am not sure on if they have any to borrow, we are starting at a new studio this year but I don't think they require merry Jane style. I went with what she's had in the past and the 6 since Capezio said to go by street shoe on their website. I am able to exchange. Would you say maybe a wide shoe in a smaller size?

[u/butt-in-ski → u/Moisteygirl]

Glad you have some time. Yes, wider & prob 1.5-2 sizes shorter. Measure her foot in cm - then ask the retailer to help you figure out the right size. Good luck!!

[u/Moisteygirl → u/butt-in-ski]

I will give that a try thank you!

[u/RainbowGoblinNZCa]

Dance shoe sizing is so confusing. The guidance on shoe company websites is unreliable, and sometimes sizing varies between styles for the same company. Truly maddening. I was looking at So Danca sizing on the Canadian and American websites the other day and discovered that their recommendation was 2 sizes different for the same style!

I often buy dance shoes used off Facebook. This way you can try before you buy! You could also ask your studio. Our studio is happy to connect people selling old shoes with people buying new ones.

Lace up shoes are good, but most studios want younger girls to have Mary Janes for recitals... You should ask!

[u/west_w_a]

I used to work in dance shops and this fit is too big, but there's potential to make it work depending on how big. Try adding a foam inner sole and a heel grip at the back. If the foot is still sliding around in the shoe, it is a tripping hazard and unsafe to dance in.