Irish step shoes

Irish step shoes, also known as hard shoes or heavy shoes, are specialized footwear with fiberglass heels and tips that create percussive sounds in Irish dance.

About this subject

Irish step shoes, also known as hard shoes or heavy shoes, are the specialized footwear used in traditional Irish stepdance. Unlike the soft ghillies worn for light dances, hard shoes feature reinforced heels and tips made of fiberglass or wood, which produce rhythmic sounds when striking the floor. This percussive element is central to Irish stepdance, a genre that emphasizes intricate footwork and beat production.

The design of these shoes has evolved from simple leather brogues with thin soles, which allowed the sound of steps to be heard. Over time, craftsmen added layers of wood and later fiberglass to amplify the sound. Today, leading manufacturers such as Rutherford, Fays, and Halls produce custom-made hard shoes, often requiring weeks of labor and costing several hundred dollars per pair. The shoes are tailored to the dancer's foot shape and preferred sound.

Hard shoes are used in competitive events called feiseanna and in professional shows like Riverdance, which brought Irish dance to global audiences in the 1990s. The demands of stepdance, including rapid toe and heel clicks, leaps, and turns, require shoes that are both sturdy and flexible. Despite their solid appearance, modern hard shoes are relatively lightweight, allowing dancers to perform with agility.

A notable aspect is that the distinctive sound is not only from the materials but also from the technique: dancers strike the heel and toe against a wooden floor, creating rhythmic patterns akin to percussion instruments. Irish step shoes differ from American tap shoes in that they have no adjustable screws and they provide higher ankle support. The tradition of Irish stepdance and its hard shoes was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2017, highlighting its cultural significance in Ireland and the global Irish diaspora.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between hard shoes and ghillies in Irish dance?

Hard shoes are stiff shoes with fiberglass or wooden heels and tips, used for percussive dances. Ghillies are soft leather shoes without heels, used for light dances and choreography that requires more flexibility.

Are Irish step shoes the same as tap shoes?

No. American tap shoes have adjustable screws on heels and toes, while Irish hard shoes have fixed fiberglass plates. Additionally, Irish shoes provide higher ankle support.

How should I choose the correct size for hard shoes?

It is recommended to choose the same size as your casual footwear, but with a snug fit. Shoes should be tried on with thin dance socks, and since leather stretches with use, some dancers prefer half a size smaller for initial tightness.