How to Find the Perfect Fit for Irish Dancing Pumps

Choosing the right pair of Irish dancing pumps, or "soft shoes," is crucial for comfort, performance, and injury prevention. Here’s a comprehensive guide to finding the ideal fit based on foot shape, width, and your dancing level.

Understanding Foot Types

Before getting into the specifics of fitting, it’s essential to understand how your unique foot shape impacts the fit of your pumps. Irish dancing requires a snug, secure fit for control and precision. This means eliminating any (red) empty space around your toes, which can reduce control and increase the risk of discomfort or injury.

Different foot types—like Orient, Celtic, and Egyptian—will impact how a pump fits, for some dancers achieving a close fit can be challenging. Finding the right pump style for your foot shape is key to keeping toes supported without gaps.

Understanding Toe Space and Position (Curl) Inside the Shoes by Dancer Level

The position of your toes inside Irish dancing pumps is a key factor that impacts comfort, performance, and foot health. Depending on your experience level—beginner, intermediate, or championship—the degree of toe curl inside the shoe will vary. Here’s a detailed look at what to expect and aim for at each stage of your dancing journey:

Level 1 - Flat toes, shoes are to big, however at the starting level, dancers are still developing their technique and building strength in their feet. Comfort and support are priorities.

Level 2 Beginner: some curling of the toes is acceptable, but it should be minimal. Beginners often need a balance between snugness and comfort.

• Toe Curl: Minimal toe curl is ideal. The toes should be gently curled but not overly bent, providing a snug fit without discomfort.
• Fit: The pumps should be close-fitting, but with enough space to accommodate slight adjustments as the foot becomes accustomed to new movements.

Level 3 Intermediate: dancers require a tighter fit that allows for better control and more precise footwork as they advance in their skillset:

• Toe Curl: At this stage, toes should be moderately curled inside the pump. This closer curl enhances contact with the shoe, ensuring the dancer’s foot is firmly positioned to support more intricate moves.
• Fit: Pumps for intermediate dancers should feel snug like a glove, hugging the contours of the foot with minimal extra space. The leather or material should mold to the shape of the foot after a short break-in period.

Level 4 Championship (Advanced), dancers require the most precise fit due to the high level of technical skill and intensity of their routines. The position of the toes plays a critical role in achieving superior control and finesse:

• Toe Curl: Toes should be fully curled inside the shoe, creating a streamlined connection between the foot and the pump. This “second skin” fit is essential for maintaining maximum control during intricate, high-speed footwork and jumps.
• Fit: Pumps should feel like an extension of the dancer’s foot, with no extra room in any area of the shoe. The shoe should have already adapted to the dancer’s foot shape, eliminating any red space or gaps.

Level 5: Avoid excessive curling or tightness. If your toes are too cramped, it can hinder performance and lead to discomfort or injury.

Use this guide to assess your toe position in pumps, as illustrated in the diagrams above, to help identify if the fit is correct or needs adjusting.

Essential Tips for Fitting Irish Dancing Pumps

Achieving the perfect fit for your Irish dancing pumps ensures comfort, precision, and the prevention of injuries. Here’s a comprehensive set of tips and common questions to help you find that ideal fit:

Tips for a Perfect Fit

1. No Space at the Toe Area: Ensure there is no empty space in the toe area. Your pumps should fit like a “second skin,” maximizing control and responsiveness.
2. Curled Toes: Expect your toes to be slightly curled inside the shoe. The degree of curl will vary depending on your skill level, but soft leather pumps will naturally stretch over time, so they should feel snug initially.
3. Pull Up the Heel When Lacing: When putting on your pumps, make sure to pull up the heel securely before lacing to prevent slippage and keep your foot in place.
4. Keep Your Foot Centered: Always center your foot in the shoe while fitting and lacing to avoid unnecessary pressure points or discomfort.
5. Consider Narrow Feet Options: For those with narrow feet, pumps like "ERIN" may be a better fit, offering a more seamless appearance (more “white sock” showing look). In contrast, regular pumps might have black loops that look too close together. Using white tape can also provide a similar polished effect.
6. Proper Lacing Technique: Ensure you lace your shoes properly and snugly to keep your foot in place. Incorrect lacing can lead to heel slippage or pressure points.
7. Choose a Smaller Size Initially: It’s crucial to buy pumps that feel a bit tight at first because they will stretch and mold to your foot over a few weeks, achieving the perfect fit.

Common Questions

Q: How do I break in Irish dancing pumps?
A: Wear your new pumps around the house for about 10 minutes at a time over a few days. This helps the leather gradually mold to your foot shape without over-stretching.

Q: Why does my heel slide out of the pumps?
A: Heel slippage can be caused by a few issues:

• The shoes might be too large.
• Incorrect lacing can fail to secure the foot properly.
• The heel may not be pulled up firmly when lacing the shoes.

Q: Why is it important to buy pumps that feel tight initially?
A: Irish dancing pumps are made from soft leather that stretches over time. Starting with a tight fit ensures that the shoe will mold perfectly to your foot as it stretches, providing the ideal fit in the long run.

Q: How can I keep my foot from shifting inside the shoe?
A: Proper lacing and ensuring your foot is centered before securing the shoe are key. Double-check that you are using the right lacing method and tightening appropriately to avoid movement.

Final Note

Always check your shoe fit with your dance teacher. They can provide expert advice and feedback based on their experience and personal preferences, which may vary between instructors. Consulting with them ensures that you get the most out of your pumps and supports your progression in Irish dance.

Happy dancing!