Capezio Women's Hanami Ballet Dance Shoes - Lightweight & Comfortable for Ballet, Jazz, and Modern Dance - Perfect for Practice, Performances, and Dance Classes

These are my ballerina's FAVORITE ballet shoe by far. They fit the foot well and provide a snug, but flexible fit that most teen dancers prefer. She "feels the floor" better than leather shoes and the crossed elastic provide a secure fit. Basically, she loves them more than any other shoe!!BUT (and this is a major BUT), you have to know how to size them. These are NOT STREET SHOE SIZES! My daughter wears a 8.5-9 in street shoes and she wears a 10.5 in Hanami ballet shoes. We thankfully knew this the first time we bought (I think by checking out the Capezio's website sizing chart) and ordered accordingly.One final caveat. These are NOT leather or thick canvas. They stretch and are thinner (but double layered). My daughter dances 4-5 days a week for 2-3 hours per day and after 6 months, she usually needs a new pair. I am fine with that because I want her to have a good, comfortable shoe, but they are not as durable as leather and usually by the end of the dancing semester, she has made a hole in the outer layer of fabric (this is our clue to get a new pair). If durability and cost-cutting is your number one factor, you may want to opt for a leather shoe.