Proper Fit:
To achieve ultimate support and comfort, nth fitter needs to determine the best model and size for each dancer. Normally the shoes are fitted three sizes smaller than street shoe size with the same width, or possibly one width wider. The fitter should check to be sure there is no gapping at the sides or heel. It is especially important that the fitter educate the parent about proper fitting to prevent injuries and on the life expectancy of the shoes. To maximize the longevity of the shoes, the dancer should dry out completely after wearing, preferably for 3 days, and should stuff with paper towels to keep their shape whale they air dry.
Gapping:
Since the bones of a foot are not totally hardened and joined until the age of 20-23, incorrect sizing, can damage a dancer's foot. The shoe must fit snugly. Before allowing the dancer to try on the shoe, take the box and flatten it in the palm of your hand. This is necessary to guarantee there is no gapping at the "V" of the vamp.
Bigger is worse:
Although a perfect fit is optimal, it is safer to have shoes that are tighter than looser. It is impossible to achieve proper support and balance with a shoe that is too large. A shoe that is too big will give inadequate support to he arch and it could possibly collapse, causing the dancer to go over on pointe. The platform can also collapse in a large shoe when a dancer has soften the edge of the platform by continuously sliding on it. The dancer should not sink into the box of the pointe shoe, but rather be able to just lightly feel the floor. Remember, shoes stretch out as they are worn and may cause the foot to sink into the shoe which can cause the big toe to twist. Shoes which are too big can cause bunions, corns, blisters and bruised nails.
For The Beginner:
Any roll-through model in soft shank is recommended for dancers just beginning pointe. A hard shank is often appropriate for feet with over-extended arches or for particularly strong feet. Not usually recommended for beginners.
Long Toes:
Long toes require a higher vamp. If a vamp is too short, it will cause the foot to break over the toe, which is unattractive. If the vamp is too long, it will throw the dancer back and prevent full pointe positioning.

WIDTHS: NARROW X, MEDIUM XX, WIDE XXX, EXTRA WIDE XXXX, OX width available in ELITE only.
STREET SHOE	3 1/2	4	4 1/2	5	5 1/2	6	6 1/2	7	7 1/2	8	8 1/2	9	9 1/2	10	10 1/2
Grishko®	1	1-1.5	1.5-2	2	2.5	3	3.5	4	4.5	5	5.5	6	6.5	7	7.5

HOW TO SIZE Só Dança SHOES for BEST FIT
Shoe Style	Sizing
Children's Ballet Shoes (seizes 6.5s - 1.5 l)	Same as street sizes
Women's Ballet and Pointe Shoes	Subtract 2.5 - 3.0 full sizes from usual street sizes
Men's Ballet Shoes	Subtract 1.5 - 2.0 full sizes from usual street sizes
Jazz, Tap and Character Shoes Character Shoe CH52 Character Shoe CH53 Tap Shoe TA57	Same as street sizes, except for: Add 1/2 size from usual street sizes Add 1 size from usual street sizes Add 1/2 size from usual street sizes
Modern Lyrical (MD01) and Ghillie (MD02) Sandals	Subtract 2.5 - 3.0 full sizes from usual street sizes
Modern Grecian Sandal (MD03)	Same as street sizes
Gym Shoe (GY01)	Subtract 2.5 - 3.0 full sizes from usual street sizes