Buying dance shoes online works very well as long as you measure your foot instead of relying on your street shoe size, read the product page carefully (sole, heel, material), and check the delivery times and return policy before paying. Most disappointments come from ten mistakes that keep coming up. Here they are, along with how to avoid them.
Sizing mistakes
1. Ordering your street shoe size without measuring
A dance shoe should fit more snugly than a street shoe, and every manufacturer sizes a little differently. The only reliable basis is the length of your foot in centimeters, measured standing, at the end of the day, with your heel against a wall. Then compare it to the seller's size chart, not to your usual shoe size. Our Dansezo size guide and the guide which size to choose for your dance shoes explain the method step by step.
2. Forgetting about width
A wide or narrow foot can't be fixed by changing size. Going up a size makes the shoe longer, the heel slips, and the rubbing just moves elsewhere. Look instead at the shape of the forefoot, the material, and adjustable straps. If you have wide feet, start with the wide-fit dance shoes collection.
3. Mixing up sizing systems
European, UK, and US sizes don't always convert the same way from one brand to another. If a site shows several systems, rely on the length in centimeters when it is given. At Dansezo, sizes are European.
Product mistakes
4. Not checking the sole
For ballroom dancing on a wooden floor, the sole should generally be suede: it lets you pivot while still keeping some grip. A rubber sole grips the floor and pulls on your knees during turns. Dance sneakers, on the other hand, have specific soles designed for pivoting. If the product page doesn't specify the sole, ask before ordering.
5. Misunderstanding the word "satin"
Satin is not a material; it is a weave that gives a shiny look on one side. It can be made of silk, cotton, or polyester, and the satin used in dance shoes is very often synthetic. That isn't a flaw: what matters to you is comfort, support, and care. To compare materials, see our comparison of nappa, satin, and patent leather.
6. Choosing the heel from the photo
A flattering photo tells you nothing about your balance. Check the height in centimeters and the shape of the heel: a flared or wider heel is more stable than a thin heel of the same height. For a first pair, a moderate heel is easier to handle. The beginner dance shoes selection follows this approach.
7. Relying on photos alone
Look at all the available views: the side view for height and arch, the top view for the shape of the forefoot, and if possible the sole. Also read customer reviews when there are any, looking for recurring comments about size or comfort.
Ordering mistakes
8. Ordering at the last minute
Allow plenty of time before a gala, a wedding, or a competition: time to receive the pair, try it on at home, break it in, and, if it doesn't fit, return it and reorder. At Dansezo, delivery is free from €50 in Europe; full details are on our Delivery page.
9. Not reading the return policy
For a distance purchase from a business, French law generally provides a 14-day right of withdrawal. But the terms vary: who pays for the return, what condition is required, whether exchanges are possible. Read them before paying. And above all, try your shoes on indoors only, on a clean surface: a suede sole marked by the pavement will generally no longer be accepted for return.
10. Not knowing who to ask a question
Before ordering, check that there is a clear point of contact (e-mail, form) and legal notices stating who the seller is. A seller who answers your sizing questions before you buy saves you many returns.
Checklist before paying
| What to check | Why |
|---|---|
| Foot length in cm | Your street shoe size isn't enough |
| Sizing system | EU, UK, and US don't convert the same way everywhere |
| Type of sole | Suede for ballroom, otherwise risk of sticking |
| Heel height and shape | Stability and comfort over time |
| Delivery time | Receiving it in time to try on and break in |
| Return policy | Deadline, required condition, fees, exchange or not |
| Seller contact | Being able to ask for advice before buying |
How it works at Dansezo
- Free size advice: send the length of your foot in centimeters to contact@dansezo.fr before ordering.
- Free delivery on orders over €50 to mainland France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Spain, and Switzerland.
- 30-day returns after receipt, for shoes not worn outdoors and in their original packaging. Return shipping costs are at your expense, except in the case of a defect. The first size exchange is free: we send you the right size without you having to return the first pair.
- Automatic 10% discount when you buy 2 or more pairs of shoes (excluding accessories).
If you don't know where to start, the best-selling shoes give a good overview of the models people love.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find my dance shoe size without trying them on in a store?
Measure the length of your foot in centimeters, standing and at the end of the day, then compare it to the seller's size chart. If you're unsure between two sizes, ask the seller for advice and give them this measurement.
Can you return dance shoes bought online?
For a distance purchase from a business in France, a 14-day right of withdrawal generally applies, but the terms vary by seller. Always try the pair on indoors, because a sole that has been worn outside is generally refused for return.
How long before an event should I order?
Allow enough margin to receive the pair, break it in, and possibly return it and reorder. At Dansezo, delivery is free from €50 in Europe; full details are on our Delivery page.
Are satin dance shoes made of silk?
Not necessarily. Satin refers to a shiny weave, which can be made of silk, cotton, or polyester. On dance shoes, it is very often synthetic.