Irish Dancing Shoes Store FAQ

The regular pumps have a traditional stiff leather sole, where as flexi pumps have a non-slip, chrome split, stitched sole, which makes the pump more flexible contouring to the shape of the foot, giving a neater appearance.

The regular jig shoes have what's known as a shank, a flat steele bar, between the sole and insole, that adds rigidity to the shoe, where as flexi jig shoes have had the shank removed in the making process, enabling the shoes to bend with the arch of the foot. Often a more supple leather is used for soling, giving even more flexibility to the shoe.

Despite the myth, there is not much difference. Neither style shoe has a shank but may have a more flexible soling material for extra flexability (as in our All Black shoes).

The Reel Comfort pumps have been developed as a result of dancers enquiring after a more comfortable pump. Traditional pumps have been a source of discomfort for dancers since they were introduced, as a result of additional linings, hard, thick insoles and uncomfortable pleats. The Reel Comfort pump combats these problems by its very design. It is a self lining pump, made entirely of leather. A foam pad has been added between the inner sock and outer sole to cushion against landing impacts. The traditional pleats under the toe have been removed for added comfort and a full, stitched sole right to the toe, gives protection against wear, where most wear occurs - at the toe. This ultimately reduces cost to the dancer.

Some manufacturers insist that they have a louder or better tip than others. The materials used do vary, but ultimately they do the same job. The difference in volume from one tip type to another certainly does vary to a degree, but realistically, this is mostly down to an individual dancers ability.

As we use paypal for all our transactions, you'll be able to use most credit cards.

Ordering the correct size of Pump or Jig Shoe is best done by tracing the outline of the foot (in sox) on a plain piece of paper.  Please measure the length of the foot in Centimetres and choose the corresponding size on the drop-down size menus. 

You may exchange shoes for the correct size, provided the shoes have not been worn and are in perfect condition. The customer must bear the cost of shipping costs.

Normally all orders are posted within a day. However, occasionally we run out of certain sizes and dispatch may well be subject to a short delay.We will contact you if this happens. How long it will take to get to you will also depend on the delivery services but below you'll find how long it should take:

Ireland, N. Ireland                                               1 day

Europe                                                              2 – 3 days

USA/Canada                                                       4 – 5 days

Australia/New Zealand/S. America                          7 days

The regular Irish Postal Service (An Post SDS) will be used for most consignments of up to 20 Kilos in weight.  However for larger consignments we may use a courier service of our choice.  If you have a preference for shipping or if you have an account with FedEx, DHL or another courier, please let us know and we will ship to your requirements.

We try to make things a little easier for anyone who wishes to purchase these Irish dancing shoes by including the cost of delivery unless you wish to send the item as registered post.

You will need to be aware of import duties at point of entry to your country, if not an EC member state.  Different countries have different rates.  We suggest that you contact your local customs agent for this information.