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Irish Dancing Shoes

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Choosing the Right Irish Dancing Shoes

The correct Irish dancing shoe depends on the dancer’s level, foot shape, teacher’s preference and the type of training being undertaken. A beginner learning foundational technique needs something very different from an experienced competitor looking for a sculpted pump or an ultra-flexible championship jig shoe.

Do not choose purely by brand, appearance or the softest available construction. The most suitable shoe is the model that provides the appropriate combination of fit, support, flexibility, sound and break-in for the individual dancer.

Irish Dancing Pumps, Ghillies or Jig Shoes?

  • Irish Dancing Pumps, Soft Shoes & Ghillies

    Irish dancing pumps, also called soft shoes, ghillies or pomps, are lightweight lace-up shoes used for soft-shoe dances. Construction can range from traditional full leather soles for beginners to highly shaped split-suede soles for experienced and championship dancers.

    Look for this if you need:
    Soft-shoe class • reels and light jigs • first Irish dancing shoes • flexible pointing • close foot articulation

  • Irish Dancing Jig Shoes & Hard Shoes

    Jig shoes, also called hard shoes or heavy shoes - use specialist tips and heels to produce the rhythmic sound required for trebles, clicks, drums and hard-shoe choreography.

    Beginner hard shoes normally prioritise support and controlled resistance. Intermediate and championship models may introduce greater flexibility, lighter construction, faster break-in and more powerful sound components.

    Look for this if you need:
    Treble jigs • hornpipes • clicks and drums • hard-shoe training • feiseanna and competition

Antonio Pacelli, Goleen, Hullachan, Fays & Rutherford Irish Dancing Shoes

  • Antonio Pacelli Irish Dancing Shoes

    Antonio Pacelli offers carefully developed Irish dancing footwear from progression pumps to supportive first jig shoes. The collection balances traditional construction with practical cushioning, fit and beginner-focused support.

    Known for: beginner jig shoes • progression pumps • Poron cushioning • traditional Irish dance accessories

  • Goleen Irish Dancing Shoes

    Goleen provides a clearly structured progression from first pumps to beginner and intermediate jig shoes. The range includes traditional full soles, Featherflexi™ insoles and coordinated EchoDrive™ and EchoBase™ sound systems.

    Known for: beginner progression • traditional leather construction • Featherflexi™ insoles • matched sound components

  • Rutherford Irish Dancing Jig Shoes

    Rutherford combines powerful SoundBlaster components with distinctive 1Heel technology. Flexi Gold provides a more supportive performance construction, while Ultra-Lite Gold prioritises reduced weight and immediate flexibility.

    Known for: SoundBlaster tips and heels • 1Heel technology • powerful projection • flexible performance shoes

  • Hullachan Irish Dancing Pumps

    Hullachan specialises in technical performance pumps with model-specific arch and heel solutions. The H4 uses elasticated arch enhancement, while the H5 introduces an adaptive heel-hugging back.

    Known for: technical pump construction • arch support • heel security • impact cushioning

  • Fays Irish Dancing Jig Shoes

    Fays is known for handmade Irish dancing hard shoes with calf-leather uppers, specialist tips and heels and model-specific levels of flexibility. Ultra Flexi offers advanced movement while retaining more substance than an ultra-light shoe.

    Known for: Irish craftsmanship • championship heritage • flexible suede soles • sharp sound

There Is No Single Best Irish Dancing Shoe

Beginner, Intermediate or Championship Irish Dancing Shoes?

  • First Irish Dancing Pumps

    Beginner pumps generally use a traditional full sole, straightforward lacing and a natural, non-pre-arched construction. This allows the dancer to develop foot strength, pointing and foundational technique without relying on the shoe to create an advanced competition profile.

    Look for: full sole • natural arch • lightweight construction • secure lacing • beginner support

  • Performance Irish Dancing Pumps

    Performance pumps may use split suede soles, pre-shaped arches, shorter toe profiles, additional cushioning or specialist heel-holding systems. These constructions create a closer, more sculpted line but require careful fitting.

    Look for: split sole • close arch definition • secure heel • responsive leather • competition line

  • First Irish Dancing Jig Shoes

    First hard shoes should provide a supportive base while the dancer learns rhythm, trebles, clicks and controlled foot placement. A beginner shoe should not be expected to feel as soft or flexible as a championship model.

    Look for: supportive sole • manageable break-in • secure ankle strap • clear sound • teacher-approved construction

  • Intermediate Irish Dancing Jig Shoes

    Intermediate shoes begin introducing greater forefoot flexibility, faster response and more developed sound systems while retaining enough structure for progressing technique.

    Look for: controlled flexibility • quicker break-in • secure heel • balanced tip and heel sound

  • Advanced & Championship Jig Shoes

    Advanced hard shoes often prioritise flexibility, reduced weight, fast toe work and powerful sound projection. These characteristics require the dancer to have sufficient strength, control and teacher approval.

    Look for: responsive suede sole • reduced weight • specialist sound components • controlled toe-work platform

Irish Dancing Shoes FAQs

What are the two types of Irish dancing shoes?

Irish dancers generally use soft shoes and hard shoes. Soft shoes are commonly called pumps, ghillies or pomps, while hard shoes are also known as jig shoes or heavy shoes.

What Irish dancing shoes should a beginner buy?

Most beginners begin with a traditional full-sole pump. Hard shoes are normally introduced later under the dancer’s teacher’s guidance. Always follow the requirements provided by the dancer’s school.

What is the difference between full-sole and split-sole Irish dancing pumps?

A full sole provides a more traditional and supportive base, making it common in beginner footwear. A split sole separates the forefoot and heel sections, allowing greater articulation and closer arch definition.

When should Irish dancing shoes be replaced?

Replace shoes when the upper, sole, heel, tip, stitching or fastening no longer provides secure and reliable support. Hard shoes should be checked regularly for movement or damage around the tips and heels.

How should Irish dancing pumps fit?

Pumps should fit closely around the toes, arch and heel without painful pressure. They should remain connected to the foot when pointing, with no significant bagging, twisting or heel movement.

How should Irish dancing jig shoes fit?

Jig shoes should hold the heel securely while allowing the toes to remain naturally positioned. The front tip and widest part of the shoe must align correctly with the dancer’s foot.

Are Irish dancing shoes the same size as ordinary shoes?

Not necessarily. Sizes vary between brands and models, and everyday footwear may already contain growing room. Measure both feet and use the individual model’s size chart.

How much growing room should children have?

Growing room must be assessed carefully. Too much space can allow the shoe to move independently from the foot and interfere with control. Use the model-specific chart and ask the dancer’s teacher to approve the fit before the shoes are fully worn.

Do Irish dancing shoes need breaking in?

It depends on the model. Supportive beginner hard shoes may require gradual class wear, while flexible competition shoes can feel much softer from the beginning. Avoid aggressive artificial softening.

Can beginners wear split-sole pumps?

Some progressing beginners may move into a split-sole pump with their teacher’s approval. A highly shaped competition pump should not automatically be selected simply because it creates a more dramatic arch.

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