Rutherford offers two useful ways to estimate your Irish dancing shoe size: measure your foot and compare it with the Rutherford Jig Shoe internal-length chart, or use your US dress-shoe size as a starting point. For the most accurate measurement, measure both feet while standing and use the longer foot.
The foot-length chart below is designed for regular-width Rutherford Jig Shoes. It shows the approximate inside length of the shoe, so allow the additional room you personally need for your preferred fit. This measurement chart does not apply to Rutherford reel pumps.
How to Measure for Rutherford Jig Shoes
Rutherford recommends measuring while standing with your full weight on the foot and wearing the socks you expect to dance in.
Rutherford UK Jig Shoe Size Chart
These measurements represent the approximate internal length of the Rutherford Jig Shoe. The manufacturer's estimates are geared towards a close fit, so adjust according to the dancer's own fit preference.
| UK Jig Shoe Size | Inside Length inches |
|---|---|
| Small 9 | 6 7/8" |
| 9.5 | 7" |
| 10 | 7 1/8" |
| 10.5 | 7 3/8" |
| 11 | 7 1/2" |
| 11.5 | 7 3/4" |
| 12 | 7 7/8" |
| 12.5 | 8" |
| 13 | 8 1/4" |
| 13.5 | 8 3/8" |
| 1 | 8 1/2" |
| 1.5 | 8 5/8" |
| 2 | 8 3/4" |
| 2.5 | 8 7/8" |
| 3 | 9" |
| 3.5 | 9 1/8" |
| 4 | 9 3/8" |
| 4.5 | 9 1/2" |
| 5 | 9 3/4" |
| 5.5 | 9 7/8" |
| 6 | 10" |
| 6.5 | 10 1/8" |
| 7 | 10 3/8" |
| 7.5 | 10 1/2" |
| 8 | 10 3/4" |
| 8.5 | 10 7/8" |
| 9 | 11" |
| 9.5 | 11 1/4" |
| 10 | 11 3/8" |
| 10.5 | 11 1/2" |
| 11 | 11 3/4" |
Rutherford's sizing estimates are designed around a very close Irish dancing fit. Leather will relax with wear, so a new jig shoe should generally feel snug rather than roomy. If you are deciding between two sizes, Rutherford normally suggests favouring the smaller size unless growing room is genuinely needed.
US Dress Shoe to Rutherford Size Guide
If you already know your US dress-shoe size, Rutherford also provides the following approximate adjustments for Jig Shoes and Reel Shoes.
| US Dress Shoe Size | UK Jig Shoes Flexi Soles |
UK Girls' Reels | US Boys' Capezio Reels |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small 11 – 13.5 | Same size or + ½ | + ½ size | + 1½ to 2 sizes |
| 1 – 1.5 | − ½ size | Same size | + 1½ to 2 sizes |
| 2 – 4 | − 1 full size | − ½ to 1 full size | + 1½ to 2 sizes |
| 4.5 – 8.5 | − 2 to 2½ sizes | − 1½ sizes | + 1½ to 2 sizes |
| Large 9 – 11 | − 1 to 1½ sizes | − 1 size | + 1½ to 2 sizes |
Which Rutherford Sizing Method Should You Use?
Use the method that gives you the most reliable information about the dancer's feet and existing footwear.
If you already know your Irish or UK shoe size, Rutherford says this is generally the closest starting point because its uppers are manufactured for the brand in Ireland.
Measure the longer foot while standing with socks on and compare it with Rutherford's internal Jig Shoe length chart above.
Use Rutherford's US dress-shoe adjustment table as an approximate starting point when your UK or Irish size is unknown.
Do not use the Jig Shoe internal-length chart for reel pumps. Follow the reel-specific sizing guidance instead.
Rutherford advises that leather dance shoes will stretch with use. Jig Shoes may stretch by approximately half a size, while Reel Shoes may stretch even more. A new pair should therefore feel as snug as is comfortably tolerable rather than loose from the beginning.
Leave Some Room - But Not Too Much
Younger dancers who are growing quickly may need a little more room than an experienced competitor, but an Irish dancing shoe should still remain secure and controlled.
Rutherford recommends that growing room should generally not exceed approximately half a size. Shoes that are substantially too large can look untidy, reduce control and encourage poor dancing habits.