Choosing the Right Irish Dance Shoes: A Beginner’s Guide

Starting Irish dance is an exciting journey — full of rhythm, culture, and community. But if you’re new to it all, picking the right shoes can feel overwhelming. What’s the difference between soft and hard shoes? Do brands matter? And how do you know what’s right for your dancer?

At Rise Irish Dance Supplies, we’re here to help. This guide breaks down the basics, so you can feel confident about your first pair.

Soft Shoes vs. Hard Shoes: What’s the Difference?

In Irish dancing, dancers typically wear two types of shoes:

👣 Soft Shoes (a.k.a. light shoes or ghillies)

These are lightweight, lace-up leather shoes worn by girls (and boys, in different styles) for dances like the reel, jig, and slip jig. They’re all about grace, lightness, and precise footwork.

🥁 Hard Shoes (a.k.a. heavy shoes or jig shoes)

These have fiberglass tips and heels to create sound when striking the floor. Think of them as the Irish equivalent of tap shoes — used for rhythmic, powerful dances like the treble jig or hornpipe.

Tip: Most beginners start in soft shoes and transition to hard shoes as they progress through their levels.

What to Look for in a Soft Shoe

Proper Fit: Soft shoes should fit like a glove — snug but not painful. They’ll stretch slightly with wear.
Flexibility: A flexible sole allows for better pointing and movement.
Arch Support: Some shoes have built-in arch definition for dancers developing strong technique.
Durability: Leather quality matters, especially for kids dancing multiple times a week.

Popular beginner options:
Fay’s, Hullachan, or Antonio Pacelli — all known for quality and comfort.

What to Look for in a Hard Shoe

Good Sound: Quality shoes have crisp, clear sound from the tips and heels.
Comfort & Support: Hard shoes are bulkier and should have padded insoles, ankle support, and a secure fit.
Break-In Time: Some shoes are “pre-broken” or more flexible out of the box, ideal for beginners.

Beginner-friendly brands:
Fay’s Concorde, Rutherford, or Corr’s — reliable shoes for learning and performance.

Should I Size Up for Growth?

We get it — kids grow fast! But sizing up too much can make it harder to dance correctly and even cause injury. A little growing room is okay, but shoes should still be secure and snug. We're always happy to help with sizing advice if you're unsure.

Still Not Sure? We’ve Got You Covered.

At Rise, we only stock brands we trust — ones used by dancers from their first class to their final feis. If you have questions, need help with sizing, or want personalised recommendations, we’re just an email or message away.

Final Thoughts

The right shoes make a big difference in your dancer’s comfort, confidence, and performance. Whether you're stepping into your first class or buying your fifth pair, we’re here to help you every step of the way.

Choosing the Right Irish Dance Shoes: A Beginner’s Guide