How to Size Dancing Shoes From Ireland

One of the most difficult practical aspects about pursuing Irish dance is sizing the dance shoes. Irish dance shoes are made in Ireland and often must be purchased from catalogs or over the Internet, so dancers can't try them on.

The U.S.-to-U.K. size conversion charts are misleading, because Irish dance shoes fit smaller than regular shoes. Thus, many dancers buy the wrong size.

But you can buy dance shoes without flying to Ireland. All it takes is a visit to a shoe store that sells dress shoes.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pair of dress shoes to try on
• Dance socks
• Dress shoe store

1. Try on a pair of leather, snug-fitting, hard-soled dress shoes at a store while wearing dance socks. If the store sells non-Irish dance shoes, such as jazz shoes, try those on.
   
   The shoe should be be very tight, because Irish dancing shoes are made of soft leather that stretch a half size or more. If choosing between two sizes, select the smaller size.

2. If the shoe fits properly, look at the box. U.K. sizes are listed alongside U.S. sizes. Write down the U.K. size of the shoe. The U.K. shoe size will be a smaller number. For example, a U.S. ladies' size 8 will be a U.K. ladies' size 7.

3. Children should try on shoes in the same manner, but go up a half size to allow for growth. Do not select a shoe more than a half size larger, or the child's foot will slide.

Tips & Warnings

• Some shoe brands, such as Capezio, stretch more than other brands. Ask the Irish-dance teacher or the store for size and brand recommendations. Order shoes from companies that allow returns.

References

• Irish Dancing Shoes Size Chart
• Rutherford Products Irish Dancing Shoe Size
• Shoe Size Converter

Resources

• Irish Dancing Online Community