The right size for dance shoes is chosen in two steps: measure the length of your foot in cm with a flexible measuring tape, then measure the width/circumference at the widest part of the forefoot. Compare both measurements with our size chart.

In our 35 years of experience in shoemaking, the most important rule is this: dance shoes must fit more snugly than regular shoes. A snug upper ensures foot control during pivots and turns. For most styles, women choose half a size smaller than their usual street shoe size.

To measure the length of your foot correctly: sit on a chair or sofa with your legs crossed and your foot lifted off the ground. Use a flexible tailor's tape measure. Measure from your longest toe to your heel, keeping the tape measure snug against the shape of your foot. Note the measurement in cm.

A common mistake is to measure the foot while it is resting on the ground: body weight slightly compresses the foot and alters the measurement. A lifted foot provides the most accurate measurement. If you have difficulty, you can use a high-heeled shoe that fits you well: measure the insole from the toe to the heel — it works the same way.

The width/circumference of the foot is the measurement of the forefoot circumference at its widest point — at the level of the joints below the toes. It is measured by wrapping a tailor's measuring tape around the foot (slightly diagonally), passing it both over and under, keeping it snug without tightening.

This is important for a proper fit. In our production, we can create custom-made shoes based on the given circumference measurement: a wider foot requires a different fit than a narrower one. Those who only measure the length risk choosing a shoe that fits in length but is tight or loose on the sides.

Not always, because every manufacturer has its own lengths and widths. Nicole dance shoes have a standard Italian fit, but it is essential to choose the correct size to ensure stability and foot control during movements, pivots, and turns.

For this reason, we always recommend verifying your measurements by following our size guide: without a precise measurement, there is a risk of choosing the wrong size.

For women's Latin American and Caribbean competitions, it is often recommended to choose a slightly shorter shoe (even a size smaller), so that it fits snugly and follows the foot perfectly when stretched during dancing.

For all other disciplines, and for non-competitive use, we recommend sticking to the size guide to ensure maximum comfort.

There is no fixed rule. The choice of size depends on the model, the discipline, and the intended use.

For non-competitive use (lessons, practice, social dancing), we always recommend following our size guide and choosing a correct and comfortable fit.

For women's Latin American and Caribbean competitions, it is instead common to choose a slightly shorter shoe (half a size or one size smaller), so as to have a tighter fit that allows the shoe to follow the foot when it is stretched.

In any case, we always recommend taking your measurements correctly and, if in doubt, contacting us: we can help you choose the most suitable size.

Exceptions: for closed-toe shoes (Standard ballroom pumps) and Day to Night shoes, the size is generally your regular size. For men, the size always corresponds to street shoe size. In case of doubt between two sizes, our team is available to guide you: just send your length and width/circumference measurements.

In a well-fitted dance shoe, the foot should feel contained but not compressed. The toes should reach the tip of the shoe or be very close to it, without any empty space in front. The heel must sit firmly in the heel cup without slipping. The instep should be held by the lacing without creating painful pressure.
A fit so tight that it causes immediate pain is wrong — this is not normal for a dance shoe. Slight pressure in the first 2-3 sessions is normal for natural leather shoes, which adapt progressively. If the pain is sharp or persists beyond the third session, the size is incorrect.

Salsa shoes almost always have an open toe: in this type of shoe, the fit is snugger and the toes should reach close to the front edge to allow for proper foot technique during pivots.
For men, the size corresponds to their regular street shoe size. The width/circumference is particularly important for those with a wide forefoot: in this case, even while maintaining the recommended size, it might be necessary to opt for the customization service with special width.

For Argentine tango shoes, the size generally corresponds to your regular street shoe size — for both women and men. Unlike salsa or Latin dance shoes, tango shoes can fit slightly less snugly because the technique requires precision in walking rather than speed in pivoting.
However, the width/circumference remains important: a shoe that is too wide in tango compromises the foot's sensitivity to the floor, which is fundamental to the technique. If you are between two sizes, choose the smaller one. For open-toe tango shoes, some dancers prefer half a size smaller to feel the floor better.

For competitive standard dances (Waltz, Foxtrot, Quickstep), the size generally corresponds to the standard street shoe size for both genders. The closed toe typical of standard dance shoes has a fit more similar to that of a regular dress shoe compared to an open-toe salsa shoe.
Pay attention to the width: standard dances require a stable fit, and if you have wide feet, you might need half a size larger than your normal size. The buffalo sole must rest evenly on the floor — a shoe that is too tight on the sides compromises balance during the wide turns typical of the waltz.

For children, we recommend their regular street shoe size with an additional 0.5 cm to allow for growth. Children's feet grow quickly — a shoe that is too short is uncomfortable and can hinder natural foot development.
Unlike for adults, we prefer a little bit of room in the toe area for children rather than the snug fit typical of adult dance shoes. Nicole children's dance shoes include styles with buckle or Velcro closures for ease of wear. If the child attends class more than 2-3 times a week, check the size every 3-4 months.

If you are between two sizes, the choice depends on the discipline and the shape of your foot. In general, for open-toe dance shoes (salsa, bachata, Latin, tango), choose the smaller size — a snug fit is necessary for technique. For closed-toe shoes (standard) or Day to Night shoes, choose the larger size if you prefer more comfort.
Our advice: send us the exact length and width/circumference measurements of your foot before ordering. Our team — who knows every model in detail — will tell you which of the two sizes is best suited to your morphology and discipline. No automated responses: Learco or his team will reply directly.

You can tell a dance shoe is the right size by these signs: the toes reach the tip of the shoe or are very close to the edge, with no empty space in front. The heel sits firmly in the shoe without slipping. The instep is held by the lacing without pain. The shoe does not move during pivots and turns.
Signs of the wrong size: compressed toes and pain at the tip (size too small), heel slipping (size too large), intense pressure on the instep (insufficient width), the shoe 'wobbling' during movements (excessive size or width). Slight pressure in the first sessions with natural leather is normal — it is not wrong.

Natural leather dance shoes adapt to the foot with continued use. The leather softens, breathes, and progressively takes on the shape of the foot's anatomical structures — toes, bunion, and instep. After 2-4 weeks of regular use, a well-constructed leather shoe feels like a second skin.
This adaptation is much less pronounced in fabric or Lycra shoes, which adapt immediately but do not change further thereafter. Satin shoes adapt very little. Important: 'adaptation' does not mean that a wrongly sized shoe will become correct — it means that a correctly sized shoe will become progressively more comfortable. If the shoe is too small, it will not stretch enough.

Width/circumference is the measurement of the forefoot circumference — that is, the perimeter of the foot at its widest point, measured with a tailor's tape measure wrapped around the sole. In the Nicole size chart, we place it next to the length because both measurements determine the correct fit.
How to use it: measure your length and find the corresponding size in the first row of the chart. Then, check if your width/circumference matches the value indicated for that size. If your circumference is significantly higher than the indicated value, your foot is wider than average: contact us to evaluate our bespoke service or a slightly larger size.

Yes, but we recommend you follow the two-step measurement procedure before ordering: measure your foot length and width/circumference with a tailor's tape measure. It takes less than five minutes and significantly reduces the likelihood of choosing the wrong size.
On the scarpe-da-ballo.com website, you will find the complete guide with step-by-step instructions and a demonstration video. If you are still in doubt after taking the measurements, contact us at the numbers — we will help you choose. In 15 years of specializing in professional dance, we have learned that investing five minutes in correct measurement avoids exchanges and disappointments.

Yes. The Nicole bespoke service allows for the creation of shoes with widths other than the standard: wide feet, narrow feet, high insteps, or specific foot shapes such as bunions. We also produce sizes outside the standard range (below EU 33 or above EU 48 for men).

The bespoke service is available for the entire Nicole collection. To request it: send us the length and width/circumference measurements of your feet via WhatsApp at +39 331 254 4303 or by email at nicole@scarpedaballo-nicole.it. Our team will evaluate your needs and guide you through the process. Bespoke shoes have longer production times compared to standard models — we take this into account during planning.

If your foot is wider than average, the width/circumference you measure will be greater than the value indicated in the table for your length. In this case, you have two options: you can try half a size larger than the one indicated by the length, or request our made-to-measure service with special width.

In our artisanal production, the shoe width can be modified within certain construction limits without altering the length. This is one of the fundamental advantages of artisanal production over industrial manufacturing. Those with wide feet who have always struggled to find comfortable dance shoes often find the definitive solution in Nicole's made-to-measure service.

For natural leather shoes, 2-4 weeks of regular use are sufficient for the shoe to fully adapt to the foot. During the first few sessions, it is normal to feel slight pressure, especially at the toe and instep — this is not a sizing error if it is contained and not painful.

To speed up the break-in process: wear the shoes for short sessions at first (30-45 minutes) and increase gradually. Do not force long sessions with new shoes — the foot tires more than necessary. For fabric or lycra shoes, the break-in is almost immediate. For satin shoes, it is minimal. The made-to-measure service (custom width) significantly reduces the break-in time even for leather shoes.

Nicole size charts are based on foot measurements in cm—length and width/circumference—which are universal. The corresponding EU size in the Nicole chart may differ by half a size compared to other dance shoe manufacturers, because each manufacturer uses slightly different lasts.

This is one of the reasons why we always recommend basing your choice on measurements in cm rather than the EU size of another brand. If you already have dance shoes from another manufacturer that fit you well, send us the brand and size: our team has direct experience with the main brands and can help you find the equivalent Nicole size.

Having feet of slightly different sizes is absolutely normal — it happens to most people. The difference is almost always small (a few millimeters) and does not create problems when choosing a size.

Our advice is to always use the measurement of the larger foot as a reference for choosing your size. If the difference between the two feet is significant (half a size or more), contact us directly: in special cases, we can evaluate customized solutions. For dance shoes, the fit of the larger foot must be correct — the smaller foot will still be stabilized by the lacing.