Beginner Soft Shoes

For Boys

​Soft Shoes:
Split Sole Jazz Shoe (rubber heel) $40

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Socks:
Black Dress Socks

For Girls

Ghillies:
Black Suede Sole Ghillies (with cushion insole) $50

Socks:
​Low Popcorn Socks (without diamonds) $9

How to Tie Ghilles

Dance Shoe FAQ

Do we need to get our dancer shoes?
Yes. In order to land jumps safely support and strength of the entire foot is essential. The Irish dance shoe securely binds the toes and cradles the arch for injury prevention. The padding in Irish dance shoes provides a cushion to absorb impact from the intensity of the sport. It is for safety purposes that Dunleavy requires every student wear proper Irish dance shoes and socks to every class. New students, please have shoes and socks within your first month of dancing.

What size shoe should we get?
Unlike street shoes, Irish dance shoes are meant to fit extremely snug. Shoes that are even slightly too big are a hazard for tripping. A good test is to ask the dancer to stand up and point their toe, if there is any room between the leather and the toes, the shoes are too big. A dance shoe uses a unique size system. Typically we find that a dancer will wear 2 or 3 full sizes smaller than their street shoe size!

 **Because the sizing of Irish dance shoes is so specific shoes must be tried on and approved by a Dunleavy instructor or the Rutherfords before purchasing. 

Won't my dancer just grow out of their shoes?
Yes, children do grow very quickly! Thankfully the Rutherford's use a very high quality leather and their shoes will stretch two full shoe sizes, try saying that about your sneakers! They will get plenty of use out of their shoes, and when you are finished feel free to sell them! Dance shoes can be passed on through many, many dancers before they need to retire. You can name a price and put your old shoes on the shelf at the studio and an instructor will find a good home for them.

​A little trick!
Need one less thing to worry about? Have your dancer lace up their ghillies  at home and then slip on an oversized pair of Crocks!

Rutherford

We are extremely fortunate to have the world leader in crafting Irish dance shoes living in our community. The Rutherford family is among the best Irish dancers, musicians, and shoe makers in the world! ​
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• In our Studio- They are very generous to come to our studio in the Spring and Fall for fittings and sale. 

• At a Feis- You can find the Rutherford Shoes booth at a majority of local competitions, take a look at the Rutherford Schedule. 

 

• At their Home-  The Rutherford family is gracious enough to open up their home to dancers for fittings and sales. Please call 585-392-7707 to make an appointment at 181 Frisbee Hill Rd, Hilton NY 14468. Out of respect for their time, please use house visits as your last option.

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•  Sometimes Dunleavy has socks and used shoes available at the studio, just ask!  ​

Rutherford Schedule

A feis (competition) is a great opportunity to purchase new shoes. The Rutherfords often set up a vendor booth and are available to do personalized fittings.
​Here's the schedule of where you can find them.

Rutherford Schedule

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