Shoe sizing is complex and varies worldwide, particularly when considering differences in width fittings and sole adjustments. It's essential to know how to find the right size, especially when buying shoes online or internationally. This article will help you navigate the details of shoe sizing and fittings to ensure the best fit and comfort for your shoes, whether for dancing, walking, or everyday activities.
For further details, please consult our size guide by clicking here: Supadance Size and Heel Guide.
Width Fittings & Size Increments
When purchasing shoes, especially specialized ones like dance shoes, understanding width fittings is crucial. Many styles come in various width options, which impact the shoe's overall comfort and fit. Here's how width fittings work:
- Narrow vs. Regular: The difference between narrow and regular width is typically 3mm.
- Regular vs. Wide: A wide fitting adds about 3mm more than regular, while an extra-wide fitting increases the width by 6mm.
- Size Increment Impact: A wide fitting generally adds about half a size in width, and an extra-wide fitting corresponds to a full size increase. Narrow fittings decrease the width by about half a size.
For example, pointed-toe court shoes tend to be about half a size wider than round-toe court shoes, making the choice of toe shape an important consideration when selecting the right fit.
Sole Width & Upper Adjustments
One unique aspect of shoe fitting is the relationship between the sole width and the upper part of the shoe. For most of our women's dance shoes, the sole width remains constant at 8 cm across all sizes. However, the upper part of the shoe, which affects comfort and width, adjusts depending on whether you're choosing a narrow, regular, or wide fitting.
- Upper Adjustments: The circumference of the upper increases for wide fittings and decreases for narrow ones, especially around the toes. This ensures a tailored fit that addresses the specific needs of your foot shape without altering the insole width.
This detailed adjustment helps maintain foot stability, which is particularly crucial for dance shoes that require precision and comfort.
Measuring Your Foot for the Best Fit
To ensure a perfect fit, especially for online shopping, measuring your foot at home can help tremendously. Here’s a simple guide to help:
- Measure Foot Length: Place your foot on a piece of paper, mark from the tip of your longest toe to your heel, and measure this length.
- Measure Circumference: Measure the circumference around the widest part of your foot (usually at the ball of the foot).
These measurements help determine the best width and length for your shoes, and some brands, like Supadance, offer personalized sizing assistance. You can send your foot length, circumference, and the style of shoe you're interested in to their team for a more accurate fit recommendation.
The Importance of Toe Shape
The toe shape of your shoe also plays a role in determining the fit. For example, in ballroom shoes:
- Pointed-Toe Shoes: These often run half a size wider compared to round-toe shoes. If you wear a UK size 4 in round-toe shoes, you might need a 4.5 in pointed-toe styles.
- Rounded-Toe Shoes: Offer a more traditional fit with slightly less width, suitable for dancers who prefer a snugger fit without the extra space of pointed shoes.
Choosing between pointed and rounded toes is more than just a stylistic decision—it affects the width and overall feel of the shoe.
Specialized Heels for Dancing
Different heel types and heights also influence shoe fit. Here's a breakdown:
- Stiletto Heels: These tend to fit about half a size smaller than Flare, Slim, or Contour heels. Professional dancers often prefer this more secure fit for greater control.
- 2-Inch Flare Heels: Shoes with 2-inch Flare heels generally fit larger than those with 2.5-inch heels, which is something to consider if you're choosing shoes for both social and competitive dance settings.
For Latin sandals, a snug fit is preferred, ensuring no extra material extends beyond your toes when pointed. This keeps your feet secure during intricate movements.
GIRTH MEASUREMENTS FOR SUPADANCE
| 2.5" and 3" Stiletto Heel Last | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Size (UK) | 2 | 2.5 | 3 | 3.5 | 4 | 4.5 | 5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 |
| Inches | 7 3/4 | 7 7/8 | 8 | 8 1/8 | 8 1/4 | 8 3/8 | 8 1/2 | 8 5/8 | 8 3/4 | 8 7/8 | 9 | 9 1/8 | 9 1/4 |
| MM | 198 | 201 | 204 | 207 | 210 | 213 | 216 | 219 | 222 | 225 | 228 | 231 | 234 |
| Flare, Contour and Slim Heel Last | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Size (UK) | 2 | 2.5 | 3 | 3.5 | 4 | 4.5 | 5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 |
| Inches | 8 | 8 1/8 | 8 1/4 | 8 3/8 | 8 1/2 | 8 5/8 | 8 3/4 | 8 7/8 | 9 | 9 1/8 | 9 1/4 | 9 3/8 | 9 1/2 |
| MM | 204 | 207 | 210 | 213 | 216 | 219 | 222 | 225 | 228 | 231 | 234 | 237 | 240 |
INSOLE LENGTH MEASUREMENTS GUIDE
WOMEN'S
| UK | 1.5 | 2 | 2.5 | 3 | 3.5 | 4 | 4.5 | 5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 |
| EURO | 33.5 | 34 | 35 | 35.5 | 36 | 37 | 37.5 | 38 | 39 | 39.5 | 40 | 41 | 41.5 | 42 |
| USA | 4 | 4.5 | 5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 |
| JAP | 21 | 21.5 | 22 | 22.5 | 23 | 23.5 | 24 | 24.5 | 25 | 25.5 | 26 | 26.5 | ||
| INCH | 8 1/6 | 8 1/3 | 8 1/2 | 8 2/3 | 8 5/6 | 9 | 9 1/6 | 9 1/3 | 9 1/2 | 9 2/3 | 9 5/6 | 10 | 10 1/6 | 10 1/3 |
| CM | 20.74 | 21.17 | 21.59 | 22.01 | 22.44 | 22.86 | 23.28 | 23.71 | 24.13 | 24.55 | 24.98 | 25.4 | 25.83 | 26.25 |
SHOE FITTING GUIDE
Our shoes are designed to fit various preferences and styles. Below are some helpful tips to ensure the perfect fit for your specific shoe type.
Round-Toe Ballroom Shoes:
It’s recommended to leave a few millimetres of space between your toes and the end of the shoes for comfort. If your shoe size matches the exact measurement on our size chart, consider going up by half a size.
Pointed-Toe Ballroom Shoes:
Pointed-toe styles tend to run half a size larger than round-toe shoes. For example, a Style 1003 in UK size 4 will fit like a UK 4.5 on our size chart.
Latin Sandals:
For Latin sandals, avoid extra space between your toes and the insole. For maximum comfort and a secure fit, you might even opt for a slight deficit insole length, ensuring no material extends beyond your toes when pointed.
Stiletto/SD Latin Heels:
Stiletto and SD Latin heeled shoes generally fit half a size smaller than Flare, Slim, or Contour heeled shoes. The smaller fit is preferred by professional dancers who want to feel very secure in the shoes.
2” Flare Heel Shoes:
Social and Ballroom shoes with a 2-inch Flare heel tend to fit larger than those with a 2.5-inch Flare heel.
INSOLE LENGTH MEASUREMENTS GUIDE
MEN'S
| UK | 5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 |
| EURO | 38 | 38.5 | 39 | 40 | 40.5 | 41 | 42 | 42.5 | 43 | 44 | 44.5 | 45 | 46 | 46.5 | 47 |
| USA | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 12.5 | 13 |
| JAP | 23.5 | 24 | 24.5 | 25 | 25.5 | 26 | 26.5 | 27 | 27.5 | 28 | 28.5 | 29 | 29.5 | 30 | |
| INCH | 9 1/3 | 9 1/2 | 9 2/3 | 9 5/6 | 10 | 10 1/6 | 10 1/3 | 10 1/2 | 10 2/3 | 10 5/6 | 11 | 11 1/6 | 11 1/3 | 11 1/2 | 11 2/3 |
| CM | 23.71 | 24.13 | 24.55 | 24.98 | 25.4 | 25.83 | 26.25 | 26.67 | 27.09 | 27.52 | 27.94 | 28.63 | 28.79 | 29.21 | 29.63 |
Personalized Sizing Assistance
Given the intricacies of shoe sizing—whether it’s due to toe shape, heel type, or width fittings—contacting the manufacturer with your measurements ensures the best possible fit. For example, Supadance recommends providing:
- 1. The style number you’re interested in.
- 2. Your foot length.
- 3. The circumference around the widest part of your foot.
- 4. Your preferred heel type and height.
This personalized approach ensures that your shoes are tailored to your unique measurements, offering both comfort and performance.
Conclusion: Getting the Right Fit Matters
Because shoe sizing isn’t standardized globally, it’s easy to buy the wrong size if you're not careful. The right shoe size and fit go beyond just foot length; understanding your foot's width and shape is essential for both comfort and health. Whether you’re dancing, walking, or spending a day out, properly fitted shoes can prevent injury, alleviate foot pain, and improve your overall posture.
Invest in shoes that fit both your feet and your lifestyle. Ready to find your perfect pair? Measure your feet today and explore well-designed, comfortable options from specialized brands like Supadance.