How to Properly Size and Tie an Irish Soft Dance Shoe

Irish dance has been around for centuries, and now you or your child want in on it. It’s incredibly fun to watch, and the dancers make it look easy. Irish soft dance shoes are known as ghillies. This guide of how to properly size and tie an Irish soft dance shoe will show you just that.
Sizing a Soft Dance Shoe
You’re going to have to size down from your hard shoe sizing. Soft dance shoes are snug because this helps you to get your good points and arches. Ghillies are made from leather, allowing them to stretch. For boys, you should size down one-and-a-half or two from your hard shoe size.
If you’re unsure, trace your foot with a sock on and get the measurements from the back of your heel to the largest toe. You’re converting from US to UK shoe sizes.
Learning To Tie an Irish Soft Dance Shoe
Ghillies have laces going every which way, and it’s hard to know how to put them on the first time. Let’s get started.
Step 1: You’re going to string the lace through the toepiece of the ghillie, leaving equal amounts on both sides.
Step 2: String one side of your lace through the side tabs, alternating from side to side. Slip that lace through the back loop. If your shoe has enough loops, slip it through the side loop.
Step 3: Repeat with the other side of the lace.
Step 4: When you put the ghillie on, snug the lace by pulling at the “x” in front of your ankle. Then, tighten it by pulling the lace through the back and side loops.
Step 5: You have three options for lacing them once they’re on. For one, you can wrap them around your ankle (not up the shin, just around the ankle) until you can tie a tidy bow. Or wrap them around the arch of your foot snuggly, not tightly, and tie a bow at the top of your foot. Finally, you can wrap them around the arch of your foot, then cross at the ankle again and wrap them both around the ankle; continue until you can tie a tidy bow.
That’s it! You can now size and tie an Irish soft dance shoe on your own. Make sure you have your shoes purchased and set up before the first class. Then, you’ll have some knowledge beforehand. If you’re still struggling, don’t hesitate to ask your instructor for help.