recommended dance shoes

For Sean-nós and Old-style Step Dancing:

You will need a comfortable and supportive shoe with a smooth hard sole — usually something like a lace-up oxford. I do not recommend using taps or fiber-glass toes/heels when you are learning these styles of dance. If you want a louder sound on any shoe, ask your cobbler to add a layer of “neolite” hard rubber soles. This is a method I stumbled upon two decades ago with a Russian cobbler in Boston, and many dancers locally and around the world have adopted it! The cobbler I use now is Jimmy’s Shoes in Central Square, Cambridge, MA.

You really do not need an “official” dance shoe for the older, traditional styles of Irish dance. Vintage shoes with a good hard sole, men’s dress shoes, and even light-weight sneakers can all work well. For your safety and best dancing, please do not wear high heels, big chunky sneakers, sandals, or open toes!

As percussive dancers, your body AND your shoes are your instrument. If you are ready to invest in dance shoes, below are some suggestions.

Student shoes:

SoDanca Ashton I have not worn this shoe, but it looks very similar to a shoe that many of my students have worn in the past (which has been discontinued). As a split sole shoe, this will be a flexible sole — so probably more comfortable for step dancing, where you are dancing on the balls of the feet.

SoDanca Breezy I have not worn this version either. With a full sole, it will provide more support, and perhaps more sound. This is a vegan (synthetic leather) shoe.

Dancing Fair This is a good company, and their website shows several options for lace-up character shoes with smooth hard soles and no taps. I would avoid shoes with too much build (a very thick sole), because you may find them too heavy or inflexible. Call to order.

Advanced/Professional level shoes:

Capezio K360 These are the shoes I have worn for years, in various colors. I find them comfortable, durable, and attractive. I purchase the shoe as is (no build up, no taps), and then I get a layer of neolite added to the front of the sole and the heel for a louder sound. For custom colors, call the NYC store.

JustTap I have not worn these shoes myself, but many of my students and other professionals wear them and love them.

La Duca Edward Hard Sole This is a high-quality oxford in men’s sizes.

For Irish Step Dancing:

Fays Irish Dancing Shoes For hard shoes, call them and ask to have the toe pieces shaved 1/3-inch lower than the normal height.

Teddy’s Shoes in Cambridge, MA has various brands and sizes for Irish soft and hard shoes.