Measure both feet carefully in millimetres. For the Antonio Pacelli ERIN Essential Pump size guide, use the shorter foot measurement when comparing against the chart below. We usually recommend choosing the size immediately below your measurement for the close, secure fit traditionally preferred in Irish dancing pumps.
This is a model-specific Irish dancing pump guide. The shorter-foot method used here is different from the general footwear advice you may see elsewhere on Dance World, so follow this ERIN chart when choosing this particular pump.
How to Choose Your ERIN Pump Size
Start with both foot measurements, use the shorter one, then compare it with the closest measurements in the Essential Pump chart.
The chart suggests size 1.5 at 215 mm and size 2 at 220 mm.
For a nice close pump fit, we would normally choose size 1.5 in this example.
Essential Irish Dancing Pump Size Chart
Compare the shorter foot measurement with the chart below, then use the fitting adjustments further down the page if the dancer has a particularly narrow or wide foot, higher instep or prefers an advanced competition fit.
| Foot Measurement mm |
Essential Pump Size | Size Group |
|---|---|---|
| 131 | 5 | Baby |
| 139 | 6 | Baby |
| 142 | 7 | Baby |
| 155 | 8 | Children's |
| 162 | 8.5 | Children's |
| 165 | 9 | Children's |
| 168 | 9.5 | Children's |
| 171 | 10 | Children's |
| 175 | 10.5 | Children's |
| 179 | 11 | Children's |
| 182 | 11.5 | Children's |
| 188 | 12 | Children's |
| 194 | 12.5 | Children's |
| 196 | 13 | Children's |
| 204 | 13.5 | Children's |
| 210 | 1 | UK 1+ |
| 215 | 1.5 | UK 1+ |
| 220 | 2 | UK 1+ |
| 223 | 2.5 | UK 1+ |
| 226 | 3 | UK 1+ |
| 233 | 3.5 | UK 1+ |
| 237 | 4 | UK 1+ |
| 240 | 4.5 | UK 1+ |
| 243 | 5 | UK 1+ |
| 246 | 5.5 | UK 1+ |
| 249 | 6 | UK 1+ |
| 251 | 6.5 | UK 1+ |
| 255 | 7 | Adult |
| 265 | 8 | Adult |
| 275 | 9 | Adult |
When to Adjust the Suggested Size
The chart provides a starting point, but foot width, instep height, sensory preferences and dancing level can all affect the size a dancer ultimately prefers.
Go up approximately half a size. Very wide feet may need a full size more. If using a dedicated wide-fit pump, half a size extra is usually sufficient.
Where a dancer benefits from a less compressed or more comfortable fit, approximately half a size extra can provide additional room.
Narrower feet often benefit from going down approximately half a size to improve heel security and create a closer overall fit.
Experienced dancers often prefer a particularly close pump for greater control and a cleaner pointed-foot profile. Some may choose as much as one full size down, but this should only be considered when the dancer is experienced with a very close competition fit.
The standard ERIN recommendation already aims for a close pump fit and may allow the toes to sit slightly curled. Avoid repeatedly sizing down beyond what feels safe and functional. Pumps that cause significant toe pressure, pain or persistent compression are too small and may contribute to foot or toe problems over time.
Don't Buy Irish Dancing Pumps Too Large
Buying extra room may seem like a safer choice, particularly for a growing dancer, but pumps that are too large can be difficult to control, disguise the pointed-foot line and increase the chance of the shoe moving or catching during dancing.
ERIN pumps will naturally soften and stretch with wear and can gain a significant amount of room over time. It is therefore better to begin with the appropriate close fit rather than deliberately buying an oversized pump.