We want you to be happy with your new shoes, so please try them on a clean, soft surface to prevent soiling of the suede soles. SHOES WITH SOILED SOLES OR SHOES WHICH HAVE BEEN USED ON A HARD SURFACE CANNOT BE RETURNED FOR CREDIT OR EXCHANGE. Try both shoes on as one foot is normally a different length and shape than the other. Dance shoes are generally worn smaller than you would wear your regular street shoes. They must always fit snugly without hurting so you maintain proper balance on the dance floor. This means that all parts of the shoes should be covered by your feet. If your feet can move easily inside the shoes, you cannot properly control your balance or your dance posture. In closed-toe styles (ladies and men's), the toes should be as close to the end of the shoes as is possible without actually rubbing. In the sandals, the toes should completely cover the soles of the shoes and it is preferable if the toes actually "hang over the edges" of the shoes just a bit (up to 1/4 inch.) When the shoes begin to stretch enough to allow feet to slip inside them, invest in a pair of foam inner soles and use them. The more your feet can move inside dance shoes, the faster the shoes will stretch, become misshapen and wear out. Be sure to polish leather shoes regularly to keep them from looking scuffed and brush the suede soles of your shoes to keep them free of wax build-up from the dance floors. The wax causes soles to wear faster and clings to small dirt particles that can cause the soft suede soles to wear away. Use a silicon oil or polish to keep patent shoes from sticking and cracking. NEVER WEAR YOUR DANCE SHOES OUTSIDE AS LONG AS YOU WILL BE USING THEM AS DANCE SHOES. The beautiful shoes you buy from Dance Happy are made by skilled craftsmen, balanced and especially made for dancing. They are a necessary accessory of the dance and will make your dancing far more enjoyable. We're proud to be a Yahoo! Top Rated store!