I bought these for my granddaughter who is 2 and taking a dance class. I haven't attended so I don't know how much dance is really involved, but these shoes are soft and work well for what she's doing. My son sent a quick video of her first class, and I saw other toddlers had ballet slippers on. My granddaugter, on that particular day was wearing sandals. These ballet slippers seem to be much better than being in their socks or barefeet. Sneakers and sandals aren't pliable enough for their activities at this 2 year old level. Her mother told me she's a size 5, so that's what I purchased. She said they're a smidge big, so I don't know if it's a sizing difference between these slippers and her sneakers, or if she's not quite a true size 5. But, for what she's doing, these slippers seem to be great! I'd def recommend