Measurements
What we measured
For women's shoes, we measured the insole length (from inside the heel cage to the longest part of the toe, with the tape flat against the slope of the insole), outsole width (across the sole at the widest point), and circumference (around the widest part of the shoe). The length is measured at a slight angle to account for the position of the big toe.
For women's shoes, we measured the insole length (from inside the heel cage to the longest part of the toe, with the tape flat against the slope of the insole), outsole width (across the sole at the widest point), and circumference (around the widest part of the shoe). The length is measured at a slight angle to account for the position of the big toe.
For men's shoes and sneakers, we measure the outsole length (heel edge to toe tip of sole), outsole width (across the sole at the widest point) and circumference (around the widest part of the shoe).
How to use our measurements
If you're not sure whether the shoes you like will fit you, check the shoe measurements against shoes you already wear, and your foot measurements if necessary. Follow the steps below if you're not sure where to start:
Here's an example:
Your usual size in dance shoes is a womens UK 5. You measure your current dance shoes. The insole is 24.7cm and the width across the sole is 8.5cm. You've always found them a bit roomy and think you could go smaller. The length rules out pairs that are too long but adds in some in a size 4.5 that might also be better for you in width. Still not sure which to choose, you follow the instructions to measure your feet. It looks like you need a length of about 24.4cm. That reduces the options, leaving the choice only down to colour and style.
How the different brands and styles compare
Mr Tango Shoes and Very Fine use US sizes and Turquoise use European sizes. Conversions to UK are given in our size charts. For women, if going open heel you may need to go down half a size. For closed heel or closed toe you may need to go up half a size. If you're changing heel height that can affect size as well (higher the heel, smaller the size). Scroll down for more about heel heights.
Some very big and very small shoe sizes are only available as a custom order or a sneaker. These are noted in the size charts.
If you're not sure whether the shoes you like will fit you, check the shoe measurements against shoes you already wear, and your foot measurements if necessary. Follow the steps below if you're not sure where to start:
- Measure your shoes just like we measure ours above. To be really precise you can measure your feet too - this video from Mr Tango Shoes (opens in YouTube) tells you how. Be sure to measure both feet as most people have one foot slightly bigger than the other. If you are custom ordering shoes from Mr Tango Shoes or Milena's Designs you will need to provide them with your foot measurements.
- Start with your usual shoe size. If you've not worn dance shoes before you may need to go down half a size from your usual size as they are intended to be a snug fit.
- Compare the length to the length of your shoes and feet. For open-toed shoes the length should be within a few millimetres of your foot length. Closed-toed shoes will be a little longer. For men's shoes and sneakers, they will be longer by 5mm or more.
- Check the width. The width will be the same as your feet or less by up to 2cm. Wider feet tend to need more width; narrow feet and high arches need less. For men's shoes and sneakers, allow 5mm in the width for wearing socks.
- Check the circumference. Look for a close match to your measurements.
Here's an example:
Your usual size in dance shoes is a womens UK 5. You measure your current dance shoes. The insole is 24.7cm and the width across the sole is 8.5cm. You've always found them a bit roomy and think you could go smaller. The length rules out pairs that are too long but adds in some in a size 4.5 that might also be better for you in width. Still not sure which to choose, you follow the instructions to measure your feet. It looks like you need a length of about 24.4cm. That reduces the options, leaving the choice only down to colour and style.
How the different brands and styles compare
Mr Tango Shoes and Very Fine use US sizes and Turquoise use European sizes. Conversions to UK are given in our size charts. For women, if going open heel you may need to go down half a size. For closed heel or closed toe you may need to go up half a size. If you're changing heel height that can affect size as well (higher the heel, smaller the size). Scroll down for more about heel heights.
Some very big and very small shoe sizes are only available as a custom order or a sneaker. These are noted in the size charts.
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Heel heights
The heel heights given by shoe brands can vary wildly as some measure them on the side of the heel, the inside/front or back. Mr Tango Shoes are true to size, but Turquoise under measure their heels and Very Fine over measure. We standardized how we measured our heel heights. They are from the side of the heel, from the end of the heel tip to where it meets the body of the shoe in the middle of the heel cage. The picture shows where we measure (it shows a Mr Tango Shoes model with 7cm narrow copa). The same applies for men's shoes and sneakers: the measurement is the side middle of the heel. Mr Tango Shoes are popular in a 7cm heel with a narrow copa (slim flare) profile. Very Fine range from low to medium in various shapes. Turquoise are usually 8cm to 9cm and have a tapered stiletto profile that isn't too skinny. Men's shoes come with flat, low or medium heels in standard and cuban shapes. Internal riser heels can be custom ordered from Mr Tango Shoes and Very Fine (they have extra height concealed inside the shoe). |
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