How To Find The Right Size

There are two methods for estimated your correct shoe size. For Regular width Rutherford Jig Shoes, you can simply measure your foot:

1. Start by standing on a piece of paper with your full weight and socks on. Using your longest foot, draw a line at the back of the heel and another line across the top of the longest toe. Measure the distance in between in inches.

2. Refer to the chart below to find the size that matches your length. This chart is the inside measurements of the jig shoe. Add whatever extra length you need for the fit you want. Then order the size of the shoe according to the fit you want.

3. This chart does NOT apply to any of the reel pumps.

4. Caution: The sizing estimates below are geared towards a very tight fit to the foot. Please adjust based on your preferences.

It seems that determining the correct size can often be a difficult and stressful task for Irish Dance Shoe customers. But, at Rutherford Products, we like to use our 25+ years of experience to give a few tips that will help in the process of determining the correct size shoe for you. And above all, remember, we are working with you, not against you. If you follow our Return Policy, there will be absolutely no problems getting the right shoes for you. As a general rule, first try the shoes on an OLD carpet (you wouldn't want to soil a good carpet). If there is a sizing problem, we'll gladly replace them.

Here are the general rules:

1. If you know your Irish or UK size, this is generally the closest match as our specially designed uppers are all manufactured for us in Ireland.

2. A very neat trick to finding your UK size: Many shoe boxes in regular retail stores (stores that sell normal dress shoes, or sneakers, etc) print both the American and UK size right on the box. So, go into a store, try on shoes until you find the correct size, then look on the box for the corresponding UK size.

3. If you don't know your Irish or UK size, use the chart above.

4. All leather shoes stretch. Jig Shoes may stretch up to 1/2 size with a lot of use, and Reel shoes may stretch even a bit more. Therefore, at the time of purchase, the fit should be as snug as tolerable. That being said, if you are trying to decide between two sizes, you probably want to err on the side of the smaller shoe.

5. The exception to the last rule is for younger dancers who are growing very fast. You'll want to leave some room for growth, which can usually be accomplished by going with a size that is a bit roomier to begin with. But don't go too big. It can lead to looking sloppy and bad habits, and the dancing teachers have been know to have fits about this. Dancing teachers and adjudicators like a nice tight, neat look. So we recommend that you never buy a shoe more than 1/2 size larger than ideal.

6. For Boy's Capezio, keep in mind they are American Ladies sizes and therefore from their normal dress shoe size you should go up 1 1/2 to 2 full sizes. The Capezio is a very soft leather that will stretch almost immediately. As a general rule, they should initially be a snug fit.

7. For Dance Sneakers, go up approximately 2 sizes from your American dress shoe size and maybe more or less depending on personal preference. In general, these shoes must be ordered in LARGER sizes than the American dress shoe size.

8. All our guidelines are just that...guidelines. The most important thing for you to do is use common sense. People have different preferences for the way they wear shoes, not just Irish Dancing Shoes, but any shoes. If you tend to prefer street shoes with a tighter fit, then go with a shoe sizes which will probably be a bit tighter fit. And vice-versa...if you like a loose fit, give yourself a bit of room.