Irish Dance Shoe Sizing

Find the Perfect Fit for Every Step

Getting the right size is the most important aspect to choosing Irish dance shoes. Whether you’re just starting out or upgrading to your next pair, we’re here to make it easy.

Irish dance shoes should fit snugly and securely — without slipping, bunching, or discomfort. This guide will help you understand how your shoes should fit and how to measure accurately.

How Should Irish Dance Shoes Fit?

Soft Shoes (Pumps):

Should feel like a second skin — snug with no gaping.
The leather will stretch slightly with wear, especially the softer styles.
Toes need to be very close to the end of the shoe.
A snug fit helps support proper technique and foot point.

Hard Shoes (Heavy/Jig Shoes):

Should be firm, supportive, and comfortable.
No heel lift — your foot should stay securely in place.
Slightly more room than soft shoes is okay for growing dancers.
Always wear socks or poodle socks when trying on.

How to Measure Your Feet at Home

Place a piece of paper on a hard floor, against the wall.
Stand with your heel lightly touching the wall.
Mark the longest point of your foot on the paper.
Measure from the wall edge to the mark in centimetres.
Repeat for both feet and use the longer measurement.

Size chart

FOOT LENGTH (CM’s)	USA SIZE	UK SIZE
14.94	9 Child	7 Child
15.39	9½ Child	7½ Child
15.88	10 Child	8 Child
16.21	10½ Child	8½ Child
16.43	11 Child	9 Child
16.94	11½ Child	9½ Child
17.35	12 Child	10 Child
17.73	12½ Child	10½ Child
18.25	13 Child	11 Child
19	13½ Child	11½ Child
19.25	1 Child	12 Child
19.75	1½ Child	12½ Child
20.25	2 Child	13 Child
20.5	2½ Child	13½ Child
20.75	3 Adult	1 Child
21.25	3½ Adult	1½ Child
22	4 Adult	2 Child
22.25	4½ Adult	2½ Child
22.5	5 Adult	3 Adult
22.75	5½ Adult	3½ Adult
23	6 Adult	4 Adult
23.5	6½ Adult	4½ Adult
24	7 Adult	5 Adult
24.5	7½ Adult	5½ Adult
25	8 Adult	6 Adult
25.5	8½ Adult	6½ Adult
26	9 Adult	7 Adult
26.25	9½ Adult	7½ Adult
26.5	10 Adult	8 Adult
26.75	10½ Adult	8½ Adult
27.25	11 Adult	9 Adult
27.5	11½ Adult	9½ Adult
28	12 Adult	10 Adult
28.25	12½ Adult	10½ Adult
28.5	13 Adult	11 Adult

NB: Unless otherwise stated on the product page, all our shoes are listed by UK sizes.

Still Not Sure? We’re Here to Help.

Send us your dancer’s foot measurement (in cm) and we’ll guide you to the best fit for comfort, support, and performance.