Know Your Arch Profile

Your arch is your foot's powerhouse. Identify its shape to choose a shoe that offers the right support and flexibility.

High Arches: Often require a shoe with a higher vamp (the part that covers the top of your foot) and more flexibility in the shank to allow your arch to articulate fully. A tapered or narrow box might complement your foot shape.

Low or Flat Arches: Look for a shoe with a softer, more pliable shank that won't fight your natural foot shape. A wider vamp can provide better distribution and comfort.

Medium Arches: You have the most versatility. Focus on the shoe's overall proportion to your foot length and width.

Width is Everything

Never force a wide foot into a narrow shoe or vice-versa. The box of the shoe should hug your metatarsals snugly without pinching or allowing excess space.

Narrow Feet (Width X): Seek out brands known for a more tapered fit. Shoes that are too wide will cause you to "claw" for grip, leading to cramps.

Wide Feet (Width W or XX): Prioritize brands that offer wider fittings. A wide foot squeezed into a narrow box won't be able to properly point through the joints and can lead to bunions and other issues.

Standard Width (Width S): You're the standard, but don't get complacent! Always try on multiple brands, as their "standard" can vary.

The widest part of your foot should align with the widest part of the shoe's box for optimal weight distribution and balance.

Heel-to-Toe Ratio & Vamp Length

This is about the proportion of your foot from your heel to your toes and where your toes end in relation to the shoe's vamp.

Long Toes: If your toes are long in proportion to your overall foot length, you may need a deeper, longer vamp to prevent your toes from curling over or cramping. A shorter vamp will leave your toes unsupported.

Short Toes/Long Heel-to-Ball: If the ball of your foot sits far forward in the shoe, a shorter vamp can provide better articulation and prevent the shoe from "breaking" in the wrong place.

The vamp should end where your toes meet the ball of your foot. When you demi-pointe, the shoe should crease cleanly at the exact same point your foot bends.

Shank Strength is Not One-Size-Fits-All

The shank provides support under your arch. Its strength should match your foot strength and technical level.

Beginners/Young Dancers: Start with a soft, full shank or even a pre-arched shoe. This allows you to build strength gradually without the shoe doing all the work.

Intermediate/Strong Arches: A medium shank is often the sweet spot, offering a balance of support and flexibility for rolling through the foot.

Advanced/Professional Dancers: Often prefer shoes with stronger shanks (hard or extra-hard) for maximum support during demanding work. Some may even use different strengths for different repertoire.

Listen to your foot: If you feel pressure or pain on a bone in your arch, the shank might be too strong or too long for your foot shape.

The Professional Fitting is Non-Negotiable

Even if you know your size, nothing replaces an in-person fitting with a knowledgeable expert.

A professional fitter will assess the nuances of your foot—the taper of your heel, the shape of your toenails, the compressibility of your metatarsals—things you might never consider. They can see how the shoe behaves when you plié, relevé, and fully point your foot.

Come prepared with your regular ballet tights, and be ready to spend time. Try multiple brands and styles. Walk, dance, and test them out. The perfect shoe should feel like a second skin the moment you put it on, with no "breaking in" period needed for the fundamental fit.

Remember, sizing varies dramatically between brands and even between models within the same brand. Let your foot, not a number, be your guide.