How to Find the Right Light Shoes for Girls

Beginner/Intermediate Dancer – The Essential Pump

Made and designed by Antonio Pacelli, the Essential Irish dancing pump is a great option for beginner dancers. Made in a traditional design, the Essential pump has leather uppers, a full black suede sole, and a cushioned leather-lined foam insole for comfort while dancing. The perfect shoe for a beginner or intermediate dancer, at a competitive price!

Prelim/Championship Dancer

Aoife Pumps

Made and designed by Inish Free the Aoife Pump is a great option for prelim and championship dancers.

The key features of this shoe:

• Hugs and moulds your foot giving an award-winning arch
• Short split sole allows a really flexible and neat fit, it’ll wear like a glove
• Gives an incredibly professional and slim look with its short and pointed toe
• It Will not hurt and take any time to break in unlike our competitor’s versions
• It has a medical green ‘Poron’ Urethane ball and heel of the foot padding for superior cushioning, shock absorption and breathability
• Its full-grain leather will give a supple and quality look and increased longevity

We believe the Aoife Pump is a great option to showcase pointing, the soft leather also means there is no breaking in time, so it is perfect for dancers prone to blisters.

Hullachan Pro 4 Light Dancing Shoes

Made and designed by Antonio Pacelli, the Hullachan 4 has an elasticated arch enhancer that pulls the pump securely around your foot as you tie the laces creating a stunning arch profile while supporting your arches.

The key features of this shoe:

• Soft leather uppers for a professional onstage appearance.
• A higher heel seat so the pump feels extremely secure around the heel allowing you to dance with confidence and focus on your performance.
• A seam-free toe for an extra comfortable fit around the toe area.
• Hullachan signature red suede lining for that extra touch of elegance!

We believe the Hullachan Pro 4s are an excellent option for dancers wanting the perfect point and dancers with narrow feet.

Hullachan Hug Irish Dance Shoes

The Hullachan Hug Irish Dance Shoes is also made by Antonio Pacelli, their team design team have replaced the leather at the back of the Hugs, with a new hugging material, which shapes around the dancer’s heel to create a personalised fit and streamlined look. When you dance the shape of your heel is continually changing, depending on whether you are pointing your feet, leaping through the air, or up high on your toes. Hullachan Hug heels continually adapt while you dance, ensuring the pumps always feel secure, whatever the step.

We believe the Hullachan Hugs are a great option for dancers who struggle to find comfortable light shoes which mould to their feet.

Fay’s Celtic Choice

Fay’s Celtic Choice Dance Pumps are the latest in technology, with an ultra-flexible suede split sole design and special arch stitching that emphasizes the dancer’s natural arch. They have refined heels which hug the shape of the heel not allowing for any excess room in these areas so the pump feels secure during movement. Extra-heavy shock absorbing with this ultra-flexible black suede sole and full cushioned Poron® insole between inner and outer sole protects your feet.

The key features of this shoe:

• Highest quality Irish Dancing Pump design with 100% strong leather upper and sole for comfort and durability
• Fitted with full Poron® insoles, between the inner and outer sole, for extra cushioning
• Heavy shock-absorbing on the heel and metatarsal areas to protect the feet
• Well-fitting pump with perfect foot shaping

 We believe Fay’s Celtic Choice pumps are the perfect options for dancers with wider feet or dancers wanting a cushioned and durable shoe.

When it comes to light shoes there are so many options, and it is all about finding the perfect fit. Light shoes also stretch and mould after the first wear, so we recommend choosing a size and style that fits correctly but isn’t necessarily comfortable, to begin with – tight shoes are the right shoes!

If you need further assistance choosing the right shoe or with sizing, get in contact with us for advice or to book a fitting at our shop.

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Finding the Right Heavy Shoes

Beginner/Intermediate Dancer – The Essential Jig Shoe

Made and designed by Antonio Pacelli, the Essential jig shoe is a fabulous jig shoe for beginners and intermediate-level dancers. The suede sole has been designed to be very flexible but still offers support to the foot. Ensuring beginner and intermediate dancers can point easily without compromise. The Leinster heel has also been designed so that it has a curved bubble on the inside, to make heel clicks a lot easier. The perfect shoe for a beginner or intermediate dancer, at a competitive price!

Prelim/Championship Dancer – Fays & Rutherford

When it comes to shoes for prelim and championship dancers, we feel there is no better option than Fay’s Ultra Flexis, Ultra Lights, Gavin by Fay’s or Ultra-lite Jig Shoes by Rutherfords.

Fay’s Ultra Light Jig Shoes

The Ultra Light range was launched in 2014. The Ultra Lights are the lightest of all Fay’s shoes, they are designed for dancers who struggle to break in heavies. The heel stiffeners have been reduced to avoid blisters and they are also made from more lightweight and flexible materials. Because of their flexibility, they are also an effective choice for dancers who find pointing or toe stands challenging. Ultra Lights also come with Hi-tech heels for that extra sharp sound. We recommend ordering the Ultra Lights a half size smaller than your regular shoe size for a tighter fitting.

Fay’s ultra-light Jig Shoes are the perfect choice for prelim or championship dancers who require light and flexible shoes.

Fay’s Ultra Flexi with Black Suede Sole

The Ultra Flexi range is also very suitable for experienced dancers. Whilst they are not as light or flexible as the Ultra Light range, we believe they are more durable. The Ultra Flexis are a great choice for dancers who are confident with pointing, toe stands, and breaking in shoes. If you feel your Fay’s Ultra Lights become too soft or ‘baggy’ over time these are also more suitable. High-density heels are also screwed onto the shoe for a terrific sharp sound and added strength.

The key features of Fay’s Ultra Flexis and Ultra Lights:

• The highest quality Irish Dancing shoe design is made entirely with 100% calf leather providing terrific flexibility and durability.
• Moulded click heels aid in easier heel clicks.
• Fays specially formulated Millenium Tip with many years of refinement and fine-tuning, providing an excellent sharp sound, very tough and durable.
• Flattened toe delivering extra support and balance during toe stands.
• Made with experience, worn by champions, and guaranteed to last.

Fay’s Ultra Flexi heavy shoes are an excellent choice for championship dancers requiring durable shoes.

Gavin by Fay’s

Newly designed by Gavin Doherty, the Gavin by Fay’s shoe is perfect for all ages and all levels of dancers, from beginners to world champion. It blends Fay’s world-renowned quality, durability, and craftsmanship, with a stylish new look, shape, and fit that has been developed with Gavin.

The key features of Gavin by Fay’s:

• The Gavin by Fay’s shoe is lower cut, so it looks neater and tighter without requiring tape.
• It hugs and shows off the arch of the foot.
• It’s easier to break in.
• It allows you to go on your blocks instantly.
• It’s hand-stitched so it’s durable yet flexible.

They are perfect for dancers who struggle to break in new shoes and go on block.

Rutherford’s Ultra-lite Jig Shoes

Constructed with an Ultra-Lite Black Suede Sole for Easy Flexibility and Super Soft Leather and fitted with the World Famous Rutherford SoundBlaster heels and tips this shoe is a great option for all dancers.

The key features of Rutherford’s Ultra-Light Jig Shoes:

• SoundBlaster Heels and tips
• Easy flexibility
• Super soft leather
• Easy to break-in

Rutherford’s Ultra-lite Jig Shoes are a fantastic option for dancers with wider feet that require flexible shoes.

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Taping Heavy Shoes

This is part of our “How to” series on choosing and using Irish Dancewear, Taping Heavy Shoes is definitely another popular question, so here’s a video and a text instructions in case you prefer that.

There will be more videos to follow shortly! Please subscribe and click the bell icon to be notified of new videos.

Instructions

Begin with the shoe tied as normal with the laces in a double knot. If necessary, and if you feel your shoes are loose use black electrical tape to hold the shoe in place. Go round areas that need to be more secure, such as: the heel and underneath the shoe. This will be covered up with tape so does not need to be neat.

Start at the front of the shoe, using white electrical tape. We suggest, starting from two eyelets back. Wind the tape round the shoe, pulling it tightly as you do so and smoothing out any bumps. Ensure you meet up with the tape where you started. Continue this until the upper black parts of the shoe are covered and smooth the tape together.

To finish off the look we suggest using black electrical tape to go round the heel of the shoe.

Taping shoes is not necessary however it does create a neater look.

How to tie up Hullachan Light Shoes

This is part of our “How to” series on choosing and using Irish Dancewear, How to tie the many types of Irish Dance shoes we offer is a question we get asked frequently so here’s a video and a text version in case you prefer that.

There will be more videos to follow shortly! Please subscribe and click the bell icon to be notified of new videos.

Step by Step Instructions

• When the shoe arrives it will already be laced in a criss cross pattern. 
• Ensure the laces are loose and place the foot into the shoe.  Pull the laces tightly around the foot starting from the front to the back. 
• Adjust the laces where necessary for a snug fit.  It is also important to note that there won’t be a shoe specific for right and left foot, but after your first wear, you should decide which shoe will be which and stick to this.
• Take one lace and cross it over the ankle to the opposite side and place it through the second eyelet, closest to the heel, inside out.
• Then pull the lace through the loop at the back of the heel.  Repeat this again on the opposite side.
• You should now have two laces going through the back loop.
• Take one lace and cross it over the ankle and pull it through the first eyelet, again inside out.  Repeat this on the other side.
• Pull both laces upwards to tighten the shoe.  Cross them over and tie a knot and a double bow.
• It is also important to double knot the bow so that the laces do not come undone during dances.
• Excess laces can be cut or tucked in for a neater look. 
• It is important to note that the laces should NOT be tied under the foot.

How to Tie Fay’s Celtic Choice Light Shoes / Pumps

This is part of our “How to” series on choosing and using Irish Dancewear, How to tie the many types of Irish Dance shoes we offer is a question we get asked frequently so here’s a video and a text version in case you prefer that.

There will be more videos to follow shortly! Please subscribe and click the bell icon to be notified of new videos.

Step by Step Instructions

• When the shoe arrives it will already be laced in a criss cross pattern. 
• Ensure the laces are loose and place the foot into the shoe.  Pull the laces tightly around the foot starting from the front to the back. 
• Adjust the laces where necessary for a snug fit.  It is also important to note that there won’t be a shoe specific for right and left foot, but after your first wear, you should decide which shoe will be which and stick to this.
• Take one lace and cross it over the ankle and place it in the first eyelet, inside out.  Repeat this on the other side.
• Take one lace and cross it over the ankle again, but this time take it through the 3^rd eyelet, closest to the heel.  Then pull it through the back loop, at the back of the heel.  Repeat this on the other side.
• You should now have both laces coming through the back loop.
• Take one lace and cross it over the ankle again and pull it through the middle eyelet.  Repeat this on the other side.
• The two laces should be tied in a knot and then a bow.  It is also important to double knot the bow so that the laces do not come undone during dances.
• Excess laces can be cut or tucked in for a neater look. 
• It is important to note that the laces should NOT be tied under the foot.

How to tie Aoife Pumps

This is part of our “How to” series on choosing and using Irish Dancewear, How to tie the many types of Irish Dance shoes we offer is a question we get asked frequently so here’s a video and a text version in case you prefer that.

There will be more videos to follow shortly! Please subscribe and click the bell icon to be notified of new videos.

Step by Step Instructions

• When the shoe arrives it will already be laced in a criss cross pattern, with two laces coming through the back loops. 
• Ensure the laces are loose and place the foot into the shoe.  Pull the laces tightly around the foot starting from the front to the back. 
• Adjust the laces where necessary.  It is also important to note that there won’t be a shoe specific for right and left foot, but after your first wear, you should decide which shoe will be which and stick to this.
• Take one lace from the back loop and cross it over the ankle and pull it through the first eyelet inside out.  Repeat this on the other side.
• The two laces should be tied in a knot and then a bow.  It is also important to double knot the bow so that the laces do not come undone during dances.
• Excess laces can be cut or tucked in for a neater look. 
• It is important to note that the laces should NOT be tied under the foot, if you still feel that the shoe is loose, there is an additional way to tie the shoes for additional tightness.

How to tie Aoife Pumps with Additional Tightness

• When the shoe arrives it will already be laced in a criss cross pattern, with two laces coming through the back loops. 
• Ensure the laces are loose and place the foot into the shoe.  Pull the laces tightly around the foot starting from the front to the back. 
• Adjust the laces where necessary.  It is also important to note that there won’t be a shoe specific for right and left foot, but after your first wear, you should decide which shoe will be which and stick to this.
• Take one lace from the back loop and cross it over the ankle and pull it through the first eyelet inside out.  Repeat this on the other side.
• Then cross the laces over the ankle again and back through the eyelet, again, inside out.
• This should provide additional tightness.
• The two laces should be tied in a knot and then a bow.  It is also important to double knot the bow so that the laces do not come undone during dances.
• Excess laces can be cut or tucked in for a neater look.

Attaching Buckles to Irish Dance Shoes

This is part of our “How to” series on choosing and using Irish Dancewear, attaching buckles is a question we get asked frequently so here’s a video and a text version in case you prefer that.

There will be more videos to follow shortly! Please subscribe and click the bell icon to be notified of new videos.

Step by Step Instructions

• Before starting, ensure that the Heavy Shoes are unlaced.
• Position the buckle upside down, take one side of the lace and thread it through the buckle.  Then take the opposite lace and thread that through.
• Throughout the process try and ensure that the laces remain of equal length, without one side being significantly longer than the other.
• Once both sides of the lace have been threaded through the buckles, you can take these and thread them through the next set of eyelets on the heavy shoe.
• Then repeat the same process, threading each lace through the buckles and then through the eyelets of the heavy shoe.
• Throughout the process it is easier to keep the laces loose. These can be pulled tight at the end.
• If the lace is difficult to thread through the back of the buckle, we suggest pushing it through sideways as it is easier to pull through.
• Keep repeating the process until all the holes have been laced.  Then ensure the buckle is the right way up and pull each lace, one at a time.
• The buckle should now be secure and you can tie the laces in a double knotted bow.