Capezio Women's Student Footlight Dance Shoe

The leather on the Student Footlight is pretty stiff and will definitely need some breaking in. I'm hoping that it will soften quickly once it warms up after being worn.My actual shoe size is 9AAA but I frequently wear 8 1/2 N because I can rarely find the 9AAA. In the Jr. Footlight, I wear a 9 1/2 N. When I was trying to decide what size to get in the Student Footlight, I wondered if the fit was similar to the Jr. Footlight and I have to say the Student runs closer to street size. Based on my experience with the Jr. Footlight, I ordered the Student in a 9N and a 9 1/2 N and both were too long. The shoe does seem to run pretty narrow, for those who are wondering. I think the width will be fine once I get the length right.I didn't find a significant difference in the padding/insole of either shoe. High density foam, not much arch support. Not a cushy shoe underneath the foot, but then that may be because it is meant for dance and their assumption is that the wearer would want to be able to "feel" the floor through the shoe.As compared to the jr. footlight, the extra 1/2 inch in the heel height of the Student Footlight does make a difference in the leg line and will make the legs look even better on stage or anywhere else.

I love these white shoes! They make my feet appear so elegant and classy. It is a very well-constructed shoe, made of high-quality leather. Since it has a more sturdy leather sole, it can be worn anywhere, not just for ballroom dancing. These shoes would be perfect for a wedding or other formal occasion. The size 6.5N was a very tight fit on me but there was no size 6.5M available. I'm hoping the good-quality leather will stretch over time; But since dancing shoes are supposed to fit snugly anyway, these shoes will do very nicely for my ballroom dancing classes. At $38 compared to the $60 and up price at my local store, this was an unbeatable deal! Thanks, Amazon!

This shoe is very nice, BUT, order your regular size; it does not run large!! Bought these for my Mom and ordered a half size up based on the product description and will have to exchange them.

Very comfortable shoe. Runs very close to shoe size! I needed a shoe for an upcoming show and even beginners can use this shoe.

I figured it was worthwhile to try these since the price was $20 cheaper per pair than from the Capezio store. However, not knowing my perfect size, I ended up buying from a free-2-way shipping vendor. This shoe does run a bit narrower than street "M" width, so be warned. If you are a normal or narrow width, these should work fabulously. If you're on the fence, get the wide. If you're lucky enough to have a local store, go try them on first then get the discount from this seller! If you're not sure what size to get, I suggest skipping these since the seller does not pay for return shipping and the return cost brings the total up to the store price.The achiles cut out is amazing for those of us who blister easily from a too-deeply-cupped heel counter. The heel height is attractive without putting much strain on the metatarsal (ball of the foot) bones. Just be wary of the narrower width and remember your leather shoe-stretching tips:Put them on, then use a hair dryer to heat up the snug spots. Once nice and warm, bend and flex your feet in your normal motions. Repeat until the leather softens, then apply a coat of leather conditioner (or coconut oil since it never spoils) to any spots that feel dried out. Note: Test the conditioner/oil first on the inside of the strap to make sure it won't change the leather color of light dance shoes.The heat+ flex method works better than wearing them for several hours, but you can speed it up even more my spritzing rubbing alcohol on to the inside of the shoe at the hard spot then wearing them. The alcohol will moisten and soften the leather but not damage it as it evaporates around your foot. Note: Don't use alcohol on the outside, it may dull the leather's finish.Good luck dancer friends! :)

I bought this shoe for use working in a theatre. After a few months I had to have it re-heeled, and then shortly after the heel broke right off, causing me to fall down the stairs. I'd beware of this shoe, not made well at all.