Dance Shoe Buying Guide

We are pleased to announce that you may now purchase all of your dance shoes right at the Limitless School of Dance studio. Our shoe prices are 35–50% off of retail shoe prices. By purchasing your shoes at the studio, you save yourself not only money, but time. Also, you never have to worry about if you've purchased the correct shoes or if the sales associate fitted you properly.

If you choose not to purchase your shoes at the studio, please use the following information to help you find the proper shoes.

Fitting

Adults

If you are buying dance shoes for yourself or someone whose foot has stopped growing, you will generally want the shoes to fit like a sock. Ballet and jazz shoes will need to fit with no toe room. These shoes are generally made of leather and will form to fit your foot and loosen with wear. Tap shoes should not be purchased with too much toe room, as many tap moves require striking the toe of the shoe on the ground. If these shoes are too loose, they will slide around and become uncomfortable. Jazz sneakers should fit like a pair of regular sneakers with a little bit of wiggle room at the toes.

Never wear your shoes "barefoot". You'd be amazed at how much looser dance shoes feel when worn with a pair of tights or dance socks. Wearing shoes "barefoot" also make the shoes wear out faster.

Children

Fitting children's dance shoes can be somewhat of a challenge, as most dance shoes are to be worn like a second skin. However, here are a few guidelines to help you get the most out of children's dance shoes.

Have your child wear a thick pair of sweat socks when being fitted. Your child may continue to wear the sweat socks during class while the shoes are too big to be worn with tights alone.
Once your child complains that the shoes are too small, have him/her wear them with tights or dance socks instead of sweat socks. This will usually allow for at least another month or two worth of wear.
Never have your child wear his/her shoes "barefoot". You'd be amazed at how much looser dance shoes feel when worn with a pair of tights or dance socks. Wearing shoes "barefoot" also make the shoes wear out faster.

Socks

We highly recommend purchasing a pair of dance socks. These are made of the same material as tights. They are the perfect thickness for dancing and come in ankle or knee high. You will always want to wear either a pair of tights or a pair of dance socks with your shoes. However, regular socks may be worn for hip hop.

Ballet

ballet shoes Any pair of pink ballet slippers will work. Personal preference will determine if you choose leather or canvas. We have found that leather shoes provide better traction, while canvas shoes can be somewhat slippery. Canvas shoes are less expensive than leather shoes and can be washed when they become soiled. Ballet slippers typically do not come as right or left footed. The shoes are designed to fit either foot and will take the shape of either foot with wear. Once you have tightened and tied the bow, the excess string should be cut to about 3 inches. The bow will be tucked into the shoe during wear.

Hip Hop

Any pair of sneakers can be worn for hip hop dance. However, there are dance shoes designed for hip hop. Jazz sneakers can be found at any dance supply store. If you choose not to purchase jazz sneakers, please do not wear street shoes to class. Please purchase a pair of sneakers to wear only to class.

Jazz

Jazz shoes are leather or leather-like with a split sole. These shoes come in two styles: lace-up or slip-on. Black slip-on jazz shoes are preferred. Some jazz shoes have a rubber sole, while others have a suede sole. You will want to get the ones with the rubber sole.

Tap

There are several different types of tap shoes, any of which will work. We have listed them here in the order of preference.

Jazztaps

Jazztap shoes are leather or leather-like. These shoes come in two styles: lace-up or slip-on. These produce the best sound, are the most comfortable, and are generally the most expensive. These can be worn by girls or boys and are the preferred shoe for most adult tap dancers.

Mary Jane, velcro

Mary Jane tap shoes are leather or leather-like. The velcro ones velcro on the side and produce a good sound. These shoes are the easiest to put on (and keep on) and are perfect for even the youngest tapper. These are a great choice for a girl who wants to wear good quality "girly" shoes.

Mary Jane, buckle

Mary Jane tap shoes are leather or leather-like. The buckle ones buckle on the side and produce a good sound. Since the buckles are pretty small and require a fair amount of fine motor skills, we only recommend these shoes for any girl that can buckle them on her own. These are a great choice for a girl who wants to wear good quality "girly" shoes.

Tyettes

beginner tap shoes Tyettes are patent leather and have a bow. Some of these come with elastic under the bow, as these shoes can be a nightmare to keep tied. If it does not come with elastic, you should purchase elastic buttons at a dance store for a couple of dollars. tap elastics In general, these shoes do not make a very good sound and can be quite uncomfortable. We generally do not recommend these shoes.