With a wide foot, the right dance shoe is chosen first by the width of the forefoot, then by the material and type of straps, and only then by style. Measure the width and circumference of your foot, compare it with the manufacturer's specifications, and opt for a flexible material, adjustable straps, and a forefoot that allows your toes to lie flat. Going up a size is almost never the solution.
How to tell if you have a wide foot
The signs are similar: the side of your foot hangs over the sole, the straps leave marks on your skin after an hour, your little toe rubs against the seam, or you always choose a larger size to get enough width while your heel floats. In this case, the problem is the width, not the length.
Measuring the width and circumference of your foot
Measure at the end of the day, standing barefoot: the foot spreads under weight, just as it does when you dance.
- Width: place your foot on a piece of paper, mark the highest point on each side at the metatarsals with a pencil held vertically, then measure the distance in millimeters.
- Circumference: wrap a tailor's tape measure around this same area without tightening it. This is the measurement some manufacturers use to define their widths.
- Length: measure from the heel to the tip of the longest toe against a wall. Our guide to choosing your dance shoe size explains the method in detail.
Measure both feet and keep the larger measurement. These figures do not provide a universal "width size," but they allow you to compare them with manufacturers' charts.
The width codes you will encounter
There is no single width standard for shoes. Each system has its own logic, and the same letter does not mean the same thing from one country or manufacturer to another.
| System | Common codes | What you need to know |
|---|---|---|
| American (letters) | AA, A, B, C, D, E, EE (or 2E)… | The further along the alphabet, the wider it is. B generally corresponds to standard women's width, D to standard men's width. A women's D is therefore already wide. |
| German (Weite) | E, F, G, H, K | Based on the circumference of the foot. Depending on the manufacturer, F or G designates normal width, H a more generous width, K a very wide foot. You should always read the brand's chart. |
| Dance shoes | N, M, W (narrow, medium, wide) | Some brands offer a few models in several widths, often character shoes and dance shoes. Most models are only available in one width. |
In practice, most dance shoes in European sizes, including those at Dansezo, do not display a width code. It is the shape of the model that makes the difference, hence the criteria below.
The fit criteria that really matter
The forefoot
A rounded or almond-shaped toe allows the toes to align, while a very pointed toe squeezes them together. On an open-toe Latin or salsa sandal, check that the front strap covers the entire width of the foot without the skin hanging over the sides.
The material
Satin and suede take on the shape of the foot slightly with wear, as does soft leather. Patent leather and rigid synthetics stretch much less. To compare materials in more detail, see our nappa, satin, and patent leather comparison.
The straps
- Prefer adjustable (multi-hole buckle) or elastic straps, which adapt to the volume of the instep.
- Avoid very thin straps that concentrate pressure on a line and leave marks on the skin.
- On models with crossed straps (in a T or X shape), the distribution of support is often better than with a single high strap.
The heel
The higher the heel, the more the weight slides toward the forefoot and the more the width is felt. With a wide foot, a medium heel or a flared heel is often more comfortable for a first pair. Our great comfort dance shoes collection includes models designed for long evenings.
Common mistakes
- Going up a size to gain width: the shoe becomes too long, the heel slides during pivots, and the friction moves elsewhere.
- Relying on breaking them in to fix everything: a flexible material gains a little comfort, but a shoe that is frankly too narrow will remain so.
- Ignoring the discomfort: regularly dancing in a shoe that compresses the forefoot promotes calluses, corns, and pain under the metatarsals.
- Choosing based on the photo only: read the description (material, type of straps, heel height) and, if in doubt, ask for advice before ordering.
Wide foot and hallux valgus
If your width comes partly from hallux valgus (bunions), the priority is to avoid any seam or strap that presses on the bump. A flexible material in this area, a non-pointed forefoot, and a reasonable heel limit the pressure. The subject is developed in our hallux valgus and dance guide and in the hallux valgus dance shoes collection. In case of persistent pain, a podiatrist can assess your foot and, if necessary, offer insoles adapted to your practice.
Ordering online with a wide foot
At Dansezo, the models with the most generous fit are gathered in the dance shoes for wide feet collection. The sizes are European. Before ordering, you can write to contact@dansezo.fr indicating the length of your foot in centimeters, and if possible its width and the dance you practice: we will reply to you for free to help you choose the size.
Try the pair indoors, at the end of the day. If it does not fit, you have 30 days after receipt to return it, unworn outdoors and in its original packaging (return shipping costs at your expense, except in case of defect), then reorder.
Frequently asked questions
Should you go up a size when you have a wide foot?
Generally no. One size up elongates the shoe without necessarily widening it where you need it, and the heel risks sliding during turns. It is better to look for a model with a wider fit, with a flexible material and adjustable straps, in your usual size.
What do the letters E, EE, or W mean on a shoe?
These are width codes. In the American system, the further along the letter is in the alphabet (or the more it is repeated), the wider the shoe, and W simply means "wide". These codes are not standardized between brands, so you should always refer to the manufacturer's chart.
Will a satin dance shoe widen over time?
Satin and suede stretch slightly with wear and take on the shape of the foot. This remains slight: a shoe that hurts from the moment you try it on because of a width that is too tight will remain uncomfortable.
How to get advice before ordering from Dansezo?
Send the length of your foot in centimeters to contact@dansezo.fr, adding if possible its width and the dance you practice. The size advice is free and helps you avoid ordering at random.