My daughter has been wearing this model shoe for the past 2 years.  She is 8 years old, and this shoe is easy for her to take on and off.  The dance teacher recommends it.  Last year she wore a size 2 in this shoe and a size 13.5 in a sneaker.  This year I sized up to a 4 since she is nearly a size 2 in sneakers.  Well, this year's size 4 is smaller than last year's size 2.  She couldn't even get her foot in it!  Back they go.  I'm trying another model shoe.