You’ve found a pair you love, but you’d like them in another color. Or with a lower heel. Or with a sole that feels right on the floor where you usually dance. And a little more room for your toes would be lovely.

Yes, all these details we can work on together. At Harlem Shoes, you choose the design and we make your pair to order. The shoes shown on our website are examples of pairs we have created for our customers. You can order this exact design or change the details to make it your own. With our free size recommendation service, we also use your measurements and photos to help with the shape and fit before production begins.

Whether it's a Lindy Hop party or a long Blues evening, you know how much your shoes affect the way dancing feels. We make Swing Dance shoes with that in mind - the way you move, the floors you use and the fit you need.

The pair in the photo is your starting point

You don’t have to design a shoe from scratch. If you love the pair in the photo, that’s a perfectly good place to start. We’ll make a new pair for you, with your chosen details - all changes you can request in the comment section of the order.

Looking for something already made? We have a limited selection in our Stock section. Those pairs are available in the sizes and combinations listed. Changing the design means ordering a new pair to be made.

Choose the details that matter to you

Model and color. Start with a model style from our collection, then choose your material and shade. If you don't see the color you are looking for - explore our Color Card to see the choices. A model shown, for example, in black leather, can be made in another available color or material, including suede or vegan options.

Heel. Would you prefer a different height or a covered heel? We offer several options, including low heels, 4 cm and 6 cm heels, depending on the model and construction. See our heel guide and tell us what you have in mind. We can also help with options for Latin dances such as Salsa, and for Tango.

Outsole. Your dance style, the floors you use and your preferred feel all matter. Tell us whether you need slides in Solo jazz, want more grip for fast dancing or prefer a sole that bends easily. Our outsole guide explains the main choices. Flexible leather is available with heels up to 2 cm, flexible suede can be made with all our heel heights. 

If any  combination is missing from the product page, add your request to the order comment section or email to [email protected] us before ordering.
We will check what works with the model and available materials.

Customization also means looking at your feet

Two people who usually wear the same size may need very different fits. One may need more room at the front, another a closer fit around the heel, and another extra depth for a personal insole.

When you choose our free size recommendation service, we review your measurements and photos, recommend the final size and discuss the adjustments your pair needs. 

This can include adjustments for narrow or wide feet, extra space around particular toes, or more room over the instep.  Read more about our shape and fit customization options.

If you have bunions, Morton’s neuroma or another concern that affects how shoes fit, tell us where ordinary shoes feel tight or uncomfortable. We can discuss possible fit adjustments for your chosen model. Different sizes for each foot are also possible, please request this during sizing confirmation.

Many closed models can be made with extra depth for your own insoles, including Oxfords, Brogues, Frankie, California, Barbie and Spring. Send us photos of your insoles before ordering so we can discuss the space and model you need.
 

A barefoot shaped toe box can come with a heel

If you want more room to spread your toes, take a look at our barefoot dance shoes. Their roomy, foot-shaped toe box can be combined with a zero-drop sole or one of our available heel heights.Tell us which features matter to you, and we will help you choose a suitable combination. Read more about Barefoot High Heels  here

How your idea becomes your pair

1. Choose a model and select the available options you want. If you would like our help with fit, select the size recommendation service. Your usual shoe size is just a starting reference.

2. Add your color choices, design wishes and fit concerns in the comment section of the order. If you need the shoes for a particular date, contact us before placing the order.

3. With the size recommendation service, we email you within 24 hours with our measurement guide and any follow-up questions. Check your spam folder and contact us if the email has not arrived. You can preview our measurement guide .

4. Send your measurements and photos by email. We review them, recommend the final size and fit adjustments, and ask you to confirm before production starts.
   
   If you’d prefer to pay through Wise or Western Union, email us for the details.
    

Please note that our recommendation is based on the measurements, photos, and information you provide. Since the fitting process is carried out remotely and every foot is unique, occasional size or fit adjustments may still be necessary. In this case we offer a free size exchange and remake the shoes at our cost.



Ordering without a size recommendation

If you choose this option, we make the size and details you select, without reviewing your measurements. Before choosing this option, please carefully check the Size Chart on the product page of each model, as sizing may vary between models. Our size charts differ from standard EU and US sizing. The measurements shown refer approximately to your foot measurements, not to the internal length or width of the shoes or insoles.

We start making your shoes immediately after the order is placed, so you skip the time needed to review and confirm the size. This can shorten the wait, although making and shipping the shoes still takes time. Exchange conditions also differ, so check the Exchange and Return Policy before choosing this option.

Allow time for making your shoes

Production (including the size recommendation process) currently takes approximately 1.5–2 months, followed by around 1–2 weeks for shipping. These are estimates, and holidays, a busy workshop, customs or local delivery can make the wait longer.

For a festival, wedding or another fixed date, email us before ordering. Faster production may sometimes be possible for an additional cost, depending on the deadline and our capacity.

If the fit needs another look

When your shoes arrive, try them on a clean carpet first. If something feels wrong, contact us within seven days of receiving them, before wearing them for dancing. We’ll review the issue with you. Since our fitting process is carried out fully online and every foot is unique, occasional size adjustments may still be necessary. This is why we offer a free size remake for full-price made-to-order shoes produced with our size recommendation. Exchange eligibility and costs depend on your order type, you’ll find the details in our Exchange and Return Policy.

Start with a pair you like

Choose something that catches your eye and tell us what would make it work for you. It might be a different material, more space for your toes or simply the same design made in your size.

We focus on comfortable, durable shoes that you’ll enjoy dancing in. You bring your preferences and your experience on the floor; we help with the shoe-making details. If you’re unsure where to start, write to [email protected]. We’ll work through it with you.