Your First Irish Dance Pumps
Buying a first pair of Irish dance pumps can feel confusing at first, especially with so many different styles, fits and terms being used online.
Irish dance pumps are also commonly called ghillies, soft shoes or reel shoes. Don’t worry if you hear dance teachers or other dancers using these different names — they are all commonly used terms for the same type of shoe.
This guide explains what to look for in a first pair, how pumps should fit, and why choosing the correct beginner pump can make a big difference to both comfort and confidence.
What Should You Look for in a First Pair?
A beginner pump should help a new dancer feel comfortable, secure and confident from their very first class.
Most Irish dance teachers will expect beginners to wear proper Irish dance pumps rather than trainers or generic dance shoes, as the shape and construction are designed specifically for Irish dance technique.
A good beginner pump should:
- Fit securely without painful pressure (a small amount of discomfort at first is normal as the pumps soften and stretch)
- Stretch and shape properly around the foot over time
- Provide the flexibility needed for early Irish dance technique
- Give a neat appearance for class and competition
- Be suitable for class and approved by dance teachers
While you may find cheaper pumps available online, they are often made from lower-quality materials and may not provide the correct shape, support or flexibility needed for Irish dancing.
With over 40 years’ experience helping beginners choose their first Irish dance pumps, we understand how important the right fit can be for both comfort and confidence.
Choosing the right first pair can make dancing more enjoyable and help beginners build confidence from the start.
Should Beginner Pumps Feel Tight?
Yes — new Irish dance pumps should normally feel tighter than everyday shoes.
This often surprises new parents.
A properly fitted pump should feel snug when first worn, with the toes slightly curled. This close fit is important because the leather naturally stretches and moulds around the foot during the first few wears, helping create the secure feel and clean arch profile associated with Irish dancing.
New pumps can therefore feel a little unusual at first, especially around the toes. A small amount of discomfort while the leather softens and stretches is normal, but the toes should not be painfully scrunched or heavily compressed.
Pumps that feel comfortable immediately are often too large and may quickly become loose once the leather stretches.
To help the pumps soften and shape more quickly, many dancers wear them while relaxing or watching television before dancing in them properly for class.
For very young dancers, children dancing recreationally, or dancers with SEN considerations, a slightly more comfortable fit is often appropriate. The most important thing is that these dancer feels happy, confident and comfortable enough to enjoy dancing and continue progressing.
Irish dancing can offer important social, emotional and therapeutic benefits for many children, so comfort and confidence should always be part of the fitting decision.
Our Recommended First Pump
Essential Irish Dance Pump
The Essential Irish Dance Pump is designed specifically for beginner dancers and is one of the most widely recognised beginner pumps in Irish dancing.
It is stocked by Irish dance shops around the world and remains one of the most popular choices for dancers starting Irish dance classes and early competition.
Designed to provide the correct shape, flexibility and support needed for early Irish dance technique, the Essential Pump offers an excellent balance of comfort, durability and value for money.
Trusted by teachers, parents and dance shops worldwide, it is designed to help beginners feel confident from their very first steps into Irish dancing.
How Should Pumps Fit?
A new pair of pumps should usually:
- Feel snug around the foot
- Have slight toe curl
- Fit securely around the heel
- Create a clean shape through the arch
As the pumps stretch, they mould more closely to the foot and become more comfortable during dancing.
If the heel looks loose or baggy, the pumps may be too large or may not have been pulled fully onto the heel before lacing.
Should I Buy Bigger to Allow Growing Room?
No — we strongly recommend avoiding oversized pumps.
Buying pumps too large is one of the most common mistakes we see with first-time dancers.
Oversized pumps can:
- Make dancing more difficult
- Reduce control and pointing
- Affect the dancer’s appearance on stage
- Become a trip hazard
Irish dance pumps are designed to stretch and mould around the foot with wear, so it is important that they start with a snug fit rather than extra growing room built in.
If you’re unsure about the fit, ask your dance teacher for advice. Most teachers have a lot of experience helping new dancers and parents choose the correct fit and will often reassure parents that a snug new pair is completely normal.
It is very common for a parent or dancer to think the pumps feel too tight at first, only for the teacher to confirm that the fit is actually correct.
Lacing Irish Dance Pumps
Irish dance pumps are laced differently from normal shoes, and correct lacing can make a big difference to both fit and appearance on stage.
👉 Read our guide: How to Lace Your Irish Dance Pumps
Measuring for Irish Dance Pumps
We strongly recommend measuring the dancer’s feet carefully before ordering rather than relying on school shoe or trainer size.
Even small measurement differences can affect the fit significantly, especially in pumps designed for competition and performance.
👉 Read our full Irish Dance Pump Fit Guide for detailed measuring advice, sizing help and fitting guidance.
What If the Size Isn’t Quite Right?
Don’t worry — finding the perfect pump fit sometimes takes a little trial and error, especially for first-time dancers.
Many parents choose to order two sizes to compare at home and return the pair that doesn’t fit. This is often the quickest and easiest way to achieve the correct fit without delaying classes or competitions.
If you’re unsure once the pumps arrive, it’s also very common to bring them to class and ask the dance teacher to check the fit before wearing them properly.
Because Irish dance pumps fit very differently from normal shoes, a pair that initially feels tighter than expected is often actually the correct size.
The good news is that buying the second pair is usually much easier and far less stressful once both the dancer and parent understand how pumps are supposed to fit and feel.
Final Advice
If this is your child’s first pair of Irish dance pumps, don’t panic if they feel tighter than expected at first. That close fit is a normal part of how pumps are designed to work.
If you’re unsure between sizes, ordering two pairs to compare at home is often the quickest and easiest option. Many teachers are also happy to quickly check the fit during class.
The right first pair should help dancers feel comfortable, confident and excited to step onto the dance floor for the first time.