Dance trainers have been a popular training aid for Irish dancers for many years. They offer a comfortable alternative to pumps and jig shoes during practice while providing features specifically designed to support dance movements.
For dancers who spend hours practising each week, a good pair of dance trainers can be a worthwhile investment. They can help protect expensive dance shoes, make home practice more practical and provide additional cushioning during training.
But what exactly are dance trainers, and which features matter most for Irish dancers?
What Are Dance Trainers?
Dance trainers are specialist trainers designed specifically for dancers rather than general sports or everyday wear.
Unlike running shoes, which are designed primarily for forward movement, dance trainers are built to support the turning, pointing, flexibility and foot articulation required in dance.
Different styles cater for different types of dance, so not every dance trainer offers the same features.
How Are Dance Trainers Different From Normal Trainers?
Most dance trainers include features that are rarely found on standard trainers.
These may include:
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Split soles
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Spin spots
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Stop spots
- Squared off toes at the front
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Increased flexibility
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Dance-specific cushioning
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Lightweight construction
While these features can be useful for dancers, some are more important than others when it comes to Irish dancing.
Which Features Matter Most for Irish Dancers?
Not every dance trainer is equally suitable for Irish dancing.
When choosing a pair, there are a few features that we consider particularly important.
Split Soles
If there is one feature Irish dancers should not compromise on, it is a split sole.
A split sole means that the middle section of the sole is separated, allowing the shoe to bend much more naturally than a traditional trainer.
This makes it easier to:
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Point the foot
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Get onto the toes
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Stretch through the arch
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Articulate the foot properly
For Irish dancers, this flexibility is one of the biggest advantages of a dance trainer over a standard trainer.
Large Squared Toe Area
Some dance trainers feature a squared-off toe block.
This can make exercises such as toe walks and toe drills feel more stable and comfortable. It can also make it easier to balance when working through strengthening exercises on the toes.
Unfortunately, fewer styles now include this feature than in the past, but it remains highly desirable for Irish dancers.
Cushioning
Good cushioning is always a bonus.
Irish dancers spend a lot of time jumping, landing and repeating movements. Extra cushioning can make training more comfortable, particularly on harder surfaces.
While cushioning should not come at the expense of flexibility, many dancers appreciate the additional comfort that dance trainers provide compared to traditional Irish dance shoes.
Features We Would Avoid
One feature we would generally recommend avoiding is a stop spot.
Stop spots are designed to help dancers suddenly stop or control movement during certain styles of dance. They can be useful for some dance disciplines but are not usually needed for Irish dancing.
In fact, if you are not trained to use them properly, they can sometimes create an unexpected stopping point and become more of a hazard than a benefit.
Popular Dance Trainer Brands
Several brands have produced dance trainers over the years, including:
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Capezio
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Bloch
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Rumpf
The range available today is smaller than it was during the peak popularity of dance fitness and Zumba classes, but there are still good options available.
The Capezio Web
For many years, the Capezio Web has been one of the most popular dance trainers among Irish dancers.
It combines the key features Irish dancers typically look for, including flexibility, toe block, cushioning and a split sole design.
It has also remained relatively affordable compared to some specialist dance footwear and can often still be found online at competitive prices.
While there may be newer alternatives available, the Capezio Web remains a style many Irish dancers continue to recommend.
Why Irish Dancers Use Dance Trainers
One of the biggest advantages of dance trainers is the flexibility they offer when practising.
Home Practice
Irish dance shoes can be a noisy business.
Dance trainers allow dancers to practise rhythm, timing, foot placement and technique without the noise created by tips and heels.
For families with enthusiastic dancers, this can be a significant benefit.
Early Morning and Evening Practice
Many dancers like to practise before school, later in the evening or during holidays.
Dance trainers make this much easier without disturbing the rest of the household or irritating neighbours.
Outdoor Practice
Irish dance shoes are designed primarily for indoor use on wooden dance floors.
Practising outdoors in pumps or jig shoes can wear down soles, damage tips and shorten the life of expensive footwear.
Dance trainers provide a practical alternative for dancers who enjoy practising in the garden, at the park or on other outdoor surfaces.
What Can't Dance Trainers Do?
As useful as they are, dance trainers are not a replacement for pumps or jig shoes.
There are certain aspects of Irish dancing that simply cannot be replicated.
Heel clicks can be difficult and are generally not recommended in dance trainers. Rhythm work will feel different without tips, and some dancers may find certain movements feel less elegant because dance trainers are naturally bulkier than their favourite Irish dance pumps.
For this reason, dance trainers work best as a supplement to Irish dance shoes rather than a replacement for them.
Sizing Can Be Confusing
One area that regularly catches dancers out is sizing.
Different brands use different sizing systems, and dance trainer sizing can vary significantly between manufacturers.
Bloch sizing can differ considerably between UK and US sizes. Capezio sizing is generally closer but still varies, particularly in smaller sizes.
If you are replacing an existing pair, we strongly recommend checking the size printed inside the trainer and ordering based on that size rather than relying on the size on the box.
Are Dance Trainers Worth Buying?
For dancers who practise regularly, dance trainers can be one of the most useful training aids available.
They provide cushioning, flexibility and comfort while helping protect expensive pumps and jig shoes from unnecessary wear. They also make home practice far more practical for many families.
While they are not a substitute for Irish dance shoes, they can be an excellent addition to a dancer's training routine and are often a worthwhile investment for dancers who spend a lot of time practising outside of class.