How to Use Our Size Guides

Getting the right size in a new style of pump can be a difficult and frustrating process, especially if you are trying a new style.

We want to make the process as easy as possible so please use this guide to help you get the correct size.

1. Measure the length of your foot

You can find a useful article on how to do this here.

2. Go to the product page on the website for the pump you are interested in and check the sizing tab (which is under the product photos).

3. Look for the closest measurement on the size chart to your foot measurement. It probably won't match your size exactly but look for the closest ones. 

e.g. Your foot tracing is 217mm and you want to purchase the Hullachan 4 pumps.

The closest measurements are the size 2.5 which has a suggested foot length of 214mm and the size 3 which has a suggested foot length of 220mm.

If you have a wider foot or a high instep then we would suggest going for the 3 (or if your foot is very wide then we would go up to the size 3.5.). If you have a narrow foot, are an advanced dancer or like your pumps tight then go for the size 2.5.

4. Add the size to your basket and you are done! If you are unsure then consider getting both sizes to see which fits better and then return the other size to us.

Will this guarantee I get the right size?

While we really try to ensure you get the correct size we cannot guarantee the size you ordered will fit you. Here is why...

Unfortunately, the truth is the shape of a dancer's foot is as unique as a fingerprint.

Yes, two dancers may have a foot length of 217mm but they may still require different sizes, even in the same pumps.

This is in part due to the other dimensions of the foot. One dancer may have a wide foot or a higher arch. The other may have flat feet or a high instep. One dancer may be wide around the balls of their feet but narrow at the heel, another dancer may have a bunion or another foot condition. Pumps or ghillies are different to normal shoes in that they wrap around the foot - they do not have a solid fixed sole like your favourite trainers or jig shoes. So all these other factors will affect the fitting of your pumps.

The second reason why two dancers with a foot length of 217mm may require different sizes is that they prefer a different type of fit.

One dancer may only dance socially or in dance class and hence prefers a comfortable fit from the first wear, another dancer may prefer to buy pumps which are extremely tight to begin with, knowing they will stretch out with a few wears because they dance intensively several times a week.

Without a visit to our Wembley store (where we can do a personal fitting!), we are unable to take account of all of these factors so while our sizing guide really does help 90% of dancers get the correct size, the sizing recommendations won't be right for everyone.

If you have unusually shaped feet then we would recommend that you order a few pairs around the length you measured and then return any pairs you do not need once you have a fit you are happy with. This saves time and expense sending single pairs back and forth and will allow you to be confident in your choice. We would also recommend that you show your dance teacher your preferred fit before returning the unwanted pairs so they can give the pair you have selected the thumbs up.

Why are the pumps smaller than the measurement on the size guide?

The measurement on the size guide does not refer to the length of a pump. They are the recommended foot lengths for that size of pump.

The length of the pumps will be smaller than the measurements on the size guide as we need to factor in a dancer's toes should be slightly curled when fitting a new pair of pumps. We also need to take account of the fact that pumps will stretch during the first few wears.

So the length of the pump will be smaller than the measurement in the size guide to accommodate these important factors.

If your toes are not slightly curled then the pumps are too large. Pumps need to be tight to begin with so they stretch around the foot to form a good arch profile and point. The degree of toe curl depends on the level of the dancer, whether they have an injury and the tolerances of the individual dancer. Beginners and those dancing for fun and social reasons can be more generous in the fit, but for more advanced dancers and those attending classes, a tight fit is key.

If you are unsure about the fit then we strongly recommend you bring your pumps to your next dance class and ask the advice of your Irish dance teacher. We often find that teachers will say that the new pumps are a perfect fit even though the parents initially thought they were too small.