FAQ

Harlem Shoes makes made-to-order (pre-order) dance shoes. This means that most of our shoes are not ready-made in standard sizes. After you place an order, we contact you by email, send you our measurement guide, check your measurements and photos, and recommend the best size and fit adjustments before production starts. 
Read more information about us here: https://harlemshoes.com/posts

We ask you to select the size because we need to know your usual shoe size as a starting point.
Please select your approximate usual size on the website. After your order is placed, we will recommend your final Harlem Shoes size based on your measurements and photos.
Read more about it here:
https://harlemshoes.com/posts/how-to-order-custom-dance-shoes

Yes, you can buy ready-made shoes from our Stock section:
https://harlemshoes.com/category/sale

Stock shoes are ready-made, available in one specific size and color combination, and can usually be shipped quickly. You can find our Stock section here:
https://harlemshoes.com/category/sale
Pre-order shoes are made from scratch for you after ordering, sizing confirmation, and customization. https://harlemshoes.com/posts/how-to-order-custom-dance-shoes
 

You can read the full step-by-step guide here:
https://harlemshoes.com/posts/how-to-order-custom-dance-shoes

Within 24 hours, we send you our measurement guide by email so we can confirm your best fit before production starts. Please keep an eye on your spam folder as well.
Read more here:
https://harlemshoes.com/posts/what-are-the-next-steps-once-after-placed-an-order

Please check your spam folder first. If you still do not see our email, please contact us at [email protected] and include your order number.

After your order is placed, we contact you by email with the next steps. Please make sure to check your spam folder as well.

Yes, of course. We create custom shoes for weddings, performances, and other special occasions.
Please place your order in advance and mention the date of your event in the comment section so we can do our best to make the shoes on time.

Barefoot dance shoes are a special line created for dancers who want a more natural foot shape and more space for the toes.
Our barefoot-shaped construction includes:

• a wider, foot-shaped toe box

• options for zero-drop flat soles

• options with heels up to 6 cm

• styles for different dance types, including Swing and Latin dances

• flexible sole options, depending on the model

We make barefoot shoes for Swing and Latin dancers, both with a completely flat zero-drop sole and with heels up to 6 cm, all with a barefoot-shaped toe box.
We also make shoes with flexible soles, available in suede and leather. Flexible leather is currently available only for the Frankie model.
Read more about it here:
https://harlemshoes.com/posts/unleashing-potential-the-first-barefoot-swing-dance-shoes-on-the-market

- Flexible leather outsole: available only for the Frankie Soft model
- Flexible suede outsole: available for most shoe types with heels up to 4 cm and for all barefoot shoes up to 6cm heel

Most of our models are suitable for Lindy Hop if you choose a leather or neolite outsole. These soles give a good balance between sliding, turning, and control on the dance floor.

We make shoes for many dance styles, including Lindy Hop, Solo Jazz, Balboa, Blues, Boogie Woogie, Salsa, Tango, Urban and other dance styles.
The best model and sole depend on your dance style, floor type, and personal comfort needs.
Find more information here: https://harlemshoes.com/posts/how-to-choose-shoes-for-swing-dancing or write us directly to [email protected]

Yes. We have vegan material options.

You can find our range of materials here:
https://harlemshoes.com/pages/color-card

For more options, please contact us by email:
[email protected]

Yes, we can make different sizes for each foot, but this must be clearly requested during the sizing confirmation.
Otherwise, we make both shoes based on the larger foot.

You can order a virtual gift card here:
https://harlemshoes.com/certificates

Please choose the gift card amount and place the order.
After the order is placed, the gift card will be sent automatically to the recipient. If you would like to receive it yourself, please enter your own email address as the recipient.

We can also send you a PDF version of the gift card, ready to print. Please contact us directly by email:
[email protected]

We can adapt many models for narrow, wide, super wide, and other special fit needs, including barefoot options.

Best models for narrow feet:
Muse, Sugar, Isabel, Milan, Oxfords, Doris, Smooth Boots.

Best models for wide feet:
Rosy, Summer, Sandals, Spring, Sugar, Mary Jane, Barbie, Harmony, Harlem Boots, Frankie, New York, Brogue, California, Jazz Slide, Broadway Slide, Oxfords.

Best models for super wide feet:
Spring, Harlem Boots, Frankie, New York, and barefoot-shaped models.

The best sole depends on your dance style and where you plan to wear the shoes.
Leather outsole: suitable for most dance styles. It becomes more flexible with use.
Neolite outsole: suitable for many dance styles and a good vegan-friendly option.
EVA outsole: light, soft, and shock-absorbing. Popular for Boogie Woogie and Lindy Hop.
Suede outsole: best for Latin and Tango, especially when you need a very flexible sole.
Rubber outsole: good for dancers who do not like very slippery floors or want to use the shoes for casual wear.
Street rubber outsole: best for street and everyday wear.

Read more here:
https://harlemshoes.com/posts/types-of-soles

If you are not sure what to choose, please contact us by email:
[email protected]

You can view our Color Card here:
https://harlemshoes.com/pages/color-card

Production usually takes about 3–6 weeks after your size and custom details are confirmed.

Yes, we ship worldwide.

Shipping cost depends on your country and is shown at checkout.

Depending on your country, customs fees or import taxes may apply. These fees are the responsibility of the customer.

Once your parcel is shipped, we send you a tracking number by email.

Please contact us via [email protected] if your parcel is delayed, and we will check the shipment with the carrier.
Customers should also track the parcel using the tracking link and, if needed, contact their nearest post office or local delivery provider.

Yes, unworn shoes in original condition may be exchanged according to our exchange policy.
Items bought during sales at a discounted price can be exchanged after covering the difference up to the original price.
Items bought from Stock are final and are not eligible for exchange or return. For more details, please read our Exchange & Refund Policy:
https://harlemshoes.com/pages/exchange-and-return-policy

We do not recommend dancing in new shoes just to check the size, because this may damage them.
You can try them indoors, on a clean carpet, and with care.
The shoes must remain unworn and in their original condition. Once they have been used, especially for dancing, they cannot be exchanged or returned.
The outsole and leather should remain as they were originally. Any marks, damage, or signs of use on the outsole or leather may prevent the exchange.

We are happy to offer size exchanges if your shoes do not fit right. However, returning shipping back to us is the responsibility of the customer. 
For more details, please read our Exchange & Refund Policy:
https://harlemshoes.com/pages/exchange-and-return-policy

Yes, you can cancel your order and receive a refund before shoe production starts.
Production starts after the size and custom details are confirmed with the customer by email.
Any fees incurred during the refund process, including payment system or bank fees, may be deducted from the refunded amount.

You can pay on the website using credit or debit cards.
Alternative payment options include Wise, Western Union, and cash.
For payment-related questions, please contact us at:
[email protected]

An additional fee may be applied to card payments because we use a Ukrainian payment system on the website, and some international banks may charge extra processing fees.

This can sometimes happen for bank security reasons aimed at preventing fraudulent transactions.
We recommend trying another card or using one of the alternative payment methods.
If your card is declined, please contact us by email:
[email protected]