For dancers
Tango Shoe Size Matcher
Argentine tango shoes are built on a different last in every workshop — the same size number means different shoes. Measure your foot here to see suggested sizes and width fit by workshop. Photos never leave your device.
The key to choosing tango shoes is not the size number but the last — the wooden form each workshop builds on. The same EU 37 fits completely differently between a narrow-last house and a roomy one.
1. How to measure
- Place an A4 sheet on the floor and stand barefoot with your heel at the short edge.
- Photograph your foot from directly above, with all four corners of the paper visible.
- Pick the photo below and align the corners and foot points.
No photo? Enter tape measurements
Why mail order fails
Most tango shoes come from small Buenos Aires workshops, each with its own lasts. Size labels are only nominal: the same 37 can differ by several millimeters in length and more in width. Choosing by number alone is how mail order goes wrong.
The right order of decisions
Start from the foot, not the number. First, measure your actual foot length and width. Second, match them against each workshop's last character — narrow, medium or roomy, and whether it runs small. Third, narrow down models by dance style and heel height. This tool handles the first two steps.
About this database
Current matching uses reference values from public information. Over time we are adding measured data collected in Buenos Aires — real internal dimensions, workshop by workshop. Because that data can only be gathered on the ground, this database grows into something you cannot find elsewhere.
Questions
When should I measure my feet?
Feet swell slightly toward evening. Measuring in the late afternoon gets you closest to how your feet will be at a milonga. If your feet differ, use the larger one.
Does heel height affect size?
Yes. Higher heels slide the foot forward and load the toes; with open-toe models a slight toe overhang is often considered normal, depending on the house. When unsure, start with a lower heel.
Does this apply to men's shoes?
Yes. Men's lasts also differ by workshop, and the measure-first approach is identical. The current table reflects general tendencies useful for any dancer.
Results are reference values based on public information. Always confirm your final choice by trying shoes on.