Irish dancers need the correct shoes and socks to be successful in class and on stage. :)
At the beginning of each session, our preferred shoe vendor will be at the studio to purchase new shoes. If you missed the shoe vendor, your teachers will fit your dancer in class for shoes. Simply let them know you are ready to purchase Soft Shoes (all levels) and/or Hard Shoes (advanced beginner & up).
PLEASE DO NOT PURCHASE SHOES FROM AMAZON OR SHOES THAT ARE A DIFFERENT BRAND WITHOUT TEACHER APPROVAL. MANY ARE ADVERTISED AS “IRISH DANCE SHOES” BUT ARE NOT MADE CORRECTLY AND CAN RESULT IN POOR TECHNIQUE OR POSSIBLY INJURY.
How to Order Shoes & Socks:
Get fitted by our vendor Irish Peach Imports and buy shoes & socks in person at the studio at the beginning of each session in January, April, & August.
OR
If you need shoes in between vendor visits, ask your teacher to fit your dancer for shoes. Then E-mail or Facebook message Irish Peach Imports with this message:
Girls: Hello! I am a new parent/dancer at Atlanta Irish Dance. I would like to order soft shoes & poodle socks. My teacher fit our dancers and said she needs a size ___ in shoes. Thank you!”
Boys: I am a new parent/dancer at Atlanta Irish Dance. I would like to order boys/mens soft shoes. My teacher fit our dancers and said he needs a size ___ in shoes. Thank you!”
SOCKS
Girls- "Poodle Socks" are the traditional Irish Dance Socks that our Girl dancers wear. We recommend Ankle Length Poodle Socks- Please do not purchase taller socks. Short socks are the "Irish" look! :)
***IF YOU ARE ON AN OIREACHTAS TEAM, please see "THE LOOK" on the Student Only Page for link to purchase correct socks.***
Boys- need black dress socks for performances. White gym socks for class.
SHOES
SOFT SHOES- Dancers of all levels also need soft shoes. Girls soft shoes are also called "ghillies", and boys soft shoes are also called "boys reel shoes". DO NOT PURCHASE SHOES FROM AMAZON OR SHOES THAT ARE A DIFFERENT BRAND WITHOUT TEACHER APPROVAL.
HARD SHOES - Dancers in Levels 3 & up also need hard shoes. DO NOT PURCHASE SHOES FROM AMAZON OR SHOES THAT ARE A DIFFERENT BRAND WITHOUT TEACHER APPROVAL.
1. Buy NEW. (boys & girls hard shoes are the SAME)
Contact Irish Peach Imports via E-mail or Facebook message and Purchase the "Fay’s Ultra Lights" or “Fay’s Ultra Flexi".
2. Buy USED:
Check out our Used Shoe and Costume Facebook SALE Page (open only to Atlanta Irish Dance by Burke Connolly Families)! Note: the used store is provided as a service for our families- pricing is set by individual parents and payments are made directly to the parent contact. All used purchases MUST be approved by a teacher.
Note: ALL SHOES MUST BE TEACHER APPROVED FOR FIT! **Remember these are UK sizes-- check the sizing guides! DO NOT PURCHASE SHOES FROM AMAZON OR SHOES THAT ARE A DIFFERENT BRAND WITHOUT TEACHER APPROVAL.
HOW DO YOU TIE YOUR SOFT SHOES?
Double Check your SKILLS here! Are your Soft Shoes laced up correctly & tied properly? Hint: Laces should NOT go UP the ankle!! :)