Contra Pro Men's Ballroom Shoes • Split Sole, Lightweight
Contra Pro Men's Ballroom Shoes • Split Sole, Lightweight - Black / 6 UK is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
Size & Fit Advice
Size & Fit Advice
Materials & Construction
Materials & Construction
Care information
Care information
International shoe sizes can vary slightly between brands and models. Use your measured foot length as the best starting point, then compare it with the individual brand's size recommendation. Where a product page gives model-specific sizing advice, that guidance should always take priority over a general conversion chart.
International Adult Shoe Size Conversion
A general reference for comparing EU, UK and US adult shoe sizes. Foot length is shown to make cross-brand comparison easier.
| Foot Length cm |
EU | UK | US Women | US Men |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21.5 | 35 / 35.5 | 2.5 – 3 | 4.5 – 5 | 3 – 3.5 |
| 22.0 | 36 | 3 – 3.5 | 5 – 5.5 | 3.5 – 4 |
| 22.5 | 36.5 / 37 | 3.5 – 4 | 5.5 – 6 | 4 – 4.5 |
| 23.0 | 37 / 37.5 | 4 – 4.5 | 6 – 6.5 | 4.5 – 5 |
| 23.5 | 38 | 4.5 – 5 | 6.5 – 7 | 5 – 5.5 |
| 24.0 | 38.5 | 5 – 5.5 | 7 – 7.5 | 5.5 – 6 |
| 24.5 | 39 / 39.5 | 5.5 – 6 | 7.5 – 8 | 6 – 6.5 |
| 25.0 | 40 | 6 – 6.5 | 8 – 8.5 | 6.5 – 7 |
| 25.5 | 40.5 | 6.5 – 7 | 8.5 – 9 | 7 – 7.5 |
| 26.0 | 41 / 41.5 | 7 – 7.5 | 9 – 9.5 | 7.5 – 8 |
| 26.5 | 42 | 7.5 – 8 | 9.5 – 10 | 8 – 8.5 |
| 27.0 | 42 / 42.5 | 8 – 8.5 | 10 – 10.5 | 8.5 – 9 |
| 27.5 | 43 | 8.5 – 9 | 10.5 – 11 | 9 – 9.5 |
| 28.0 | 44 | 9 – 9.5 | 11 – 11.5 | 9.5 – 10 |
| 28.5 | 44.5 | 9.5 – 10 | 11.5 – 12 | 10 – 10.5 |
| 29.0 | 45 | 10 – 10.5 | 12 – 12.5 | 10.5 – 11 |
| 29.5 | 46 | 10.5 – 11 | 12.5 – 13 | 11 – 11.5 |
International Kids' Shoe Size Conversion
Children's shoe sizing changes from child to youth sizing as feet grow. Measure the child's foot rather than converting from an existing school or trainer size wherever possible.
| Foot Length cm |
EU | UK Kids | US Kids / Youth |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14.0 | 24 | 7 | 7.5 |
| 14.5 | 25 | 7.5 | 8 |
| 15.0 | 25.5 – 26 | 8 – 8.5 | 8.5 – 9 |
| 15.5 | 26.5 | 9 | 9.5 |
| 16.0 | 27 – 27.5 | 9.5 | 10 |
| 16.5 | 28 | 10 | 10.5 |
| 17.0 | 28.5 | 10.5 | 11 |
| 17.5 | 29 – 30 | 11 – 11.5 | 11.5 – 12 |
| 18.0 | 30.5 | 12 | 12.5 |
| 18.5 | 31 | 12.5 | 13 |
| 19.0 | 32 – 32.5 | 13 – 13.5 | 13.5 / 1Y |
| 19.5 | 33 | 1 | 1.5Y |
| 20.0 | 33.5 | 1.5 | 2Y |
| 20.5 | 34 / 34.5 | 2 | 2.5Y |
| 21.0 | 35 | 2.5 | 3Y |
| 21.5 | 35.5 | 3 | 3.5Y |
| 22.0 | 36 | 3.5 | 4Y |
| 22.5 | 37 | 4 | 4.5Y |
| 23.0 | 37.5 | 4.5 | 5Y |
| 23.5 | 38 | 5 | 5.5Y |
| 24.0 | 38.5 | 5.5 | 6Y |
| 24.5 | 39 | 6 | 6.5Y |
| 25.0 | 40 | 6.5 | 7Y |
Never choose a dance shoe from conversion alone. Ballet, jazz, ballroom and character shoes can fit very differently depending on the last, upper material, width and intended level of compression. Use this table to understand international equivalents, then follow the fit advice for the individual shoe.
How to Measure Your Feet for Dance Shoes
Measure both feet while standing, preferably later in the day. Use the longer foot when comparing your measurement with a shoe size chart.
Foot Length
Key MeasurementStand with your heel lightly against a wall and place your foot flat on a sheet of paper. Mark the end of your longest toe and measure the distance from the wall to the mark.
Measure in centimetres for the most accurate comparison with international shoe charts.
Measure Both Feet
Repeat the measurement on the other foot. It is very common for one foot to be slightly longer than the other, so always use the larger measurement when choosing your starting size.
Foot Width
Measure across or around the widest part of the forefoot. Width can be just as important as length in dance shoes, particularly in fitted ballet, jazz and ballroom styles.
Measure While Standing
Take measurements with your full weight on your feet. Standing allows the foot to spread naturally and gives a more realistic measurement than measuring while sitting.
Check the Dance Fit
A correctly fitted dance shoe should feel secure without restricting the toes or causing pressure. Different dance disciplines require different amounts of growing room, compression and heel security, so always follow the model-specific Dance World Fit Advice.
This chart is designed as an international reference rather than a replacement for individual brand sizing. Bloch, Capezio, So Danca, IDS, PortDance, Diamant and other dance footwear brands may use their own conversion systems or fit differently from standard street shoes. Always use the individual product's Dance World Fit Advice where available.
Contra Pro Men's Ballroom Shoes • Split Sole, Lightweight
Contra Pro Men's Ballroom Shoes • Split Sole, Lightweight - Black / 6 UK is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
Best For: Ballroom • Standard • Competition • Advanced Training • Teaching • Dancers Wanting Maximum Flexibility
Description
Description
The International Dance Shoes Contra Pro takes the traditional men's Ballroom shoe and gives it a much more flexible, performance-focused construction. Lightweight, cushioned and unusually articulate through the foot, it is designed for dancers who want the polished appearance of a classic Ballroom shoe without the stiffness of a conventional full sole.
Its standout feature is the innovative split suede sole that wraps around the inside edge of the big toe, a clever detail developed to create smoother movement when using the inside of the foot while also protecting the upper in this high-contact area.
Personality
Technical • Flexible • Refined • Professional
Contra Pro looks reassuringly traditional from above, but underneath it is anything but conventional. The Black Nubuck keeps the finish understated and competition-ready while the split construction gives the shoe a noticeably more performance-driven identity.
International Dance Shoes Contra Pro Men's Ballroom Shoes – Design & Performance
Contra Pro is built around freedom through the foot. Rather than using a continuous full sole, International Dance Shoes separates the forefoot and heel sections, allowing the shoe to articulate much more freely through the arch.
The most distinctive feature appears around the inside edge of the big toe. Here, the suede sole material continues upwards around the edge of the shoe. This helps the foot move more smoothly when working through its inside edge and reduces the tendency for the upper to catch against the floor.
Inside, the construction is considerably more comfort-focused than its streamlined appearance suggests. Specially developed arch padding helps support foot alignment, cushioning beneath the heel absorbs impact and gel padding runs from the front of the toes through to the back of the heel. A soft foam lining completes the close, comfortable interior.
The 1" / 2.5cm heel maintains the classic low men's Ballroom profile while providing a stable base for controlled travelling movement, posture and weight transfer.
Contra Pro Technical Profile
International Dance Shoes Contra Pro Shoe DNA™
Our Dance World Ballroom & Latin Shoe DNA™ highlights the five characteristics that define how Contra Pro feels in movement.
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A higher score does not necessarily mean a better shoe – the Dance World Shoe DNA™ shows the balance of characteristics that creates each style's individual feel.
Dance World Notes
Flexible doesn't mean stripped-back.
Contra Pro combines considerable sole flexibility with arch padding, heel cushioning and full-length gel. That makes it an interesting option for experienced dancers who want articulation without sacrificing underfoot comfort.
A serious Ballroom shoe.
International Dance Shoes describes Contra Pro as its most popular Ballroom design and notes that it is worn by professional and amateur Ballroom World finalists. Its appeal is the combination of a traditional visual profile with a much more modern construction underneath.
Dance World Fit Advice
Overall Fit
Contra Pro should feel close and secure around the foot without uncomfortable pressure through the toes. A performance Ballroom shoe should move with the foot rather than allowing it to slide internally.
Length
The toes should sit comfortably towards the front of the shoe without being compressed or leaving unnecessary empty space ahead of them.
Width & Hold
Pay particular attention to how securely the shoe holds through the heel and midfoot. The flexible construction works best when the foot remains properly connected to the shoe.
Dance World Starting Point
Our current guidance for this Contra Pro is a comfort fit and true to size, so we recommend beginning with your regular UK Ballroom shoe size.
Dance World sizing recommendations are intended as a starting point. Fit can vary with foot width, shape and individual preference.
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About International Dance Shoes Brand
About International Dance Shoes Brand
About International Dance Shoes – Handmade Ballroom & Latin Dance Shoes
International Dance Shoes (IDS) is one of the world's leading manufacturers of ballroom and Latin dance shoes, trusted by social dancers, teachers and World Championship competitors alike. Handmade in England using premium materials and traditional craftsmanship, every pair is designed to deliver exceptional comfort, stability and performance on the dance floor.
Renowned for their elegant styling, precise fit and innovative cushioning, International Dance Shoes offer outstanding support for ballroom, Latin, salsa and social dancing. From practice shoes to competition footwear, each design combines lightweight flexibility with lasting durability, helping dancers perform confidently through every lesson, rehearsal and performance. With decades of expertise, IDS continues to set the standard for premium British-made dance shoes.
Delivery & Returns
Delivery & Returns
All orders are sent via GLS. A signature will be required upon receipt of your order. If there is no-one available to accept the package a calling card will be left behind for you so you can re-arrange delivery.
Free EU Standard Delivery on orders over 99€
Please visit our delivery page for further delivery information and our returns page for returns information.
Customer service can be contacted via email : orders@danceworld.ie
By phone - Ireland: 01 497 6129, UK and Rest of World: 00 353 1 497 6129
