What To Do Against Slippery Jig Shoes

The slipping of (new) Irish shoes is a big problem especially for beginners. Finally it is also a risk of injury. Depending on the material and the manufacturer the slipping is quite normal and also an intended purpose for Irish dancing.

Some shoe tips and heels are delivered harshened by the producer. E.g. Fay's hard shoes are extremely slippery at first. But they should not be harshened because of the material.

• Show dancers sometimes harshen their shoes on even concrete or they use sandpaper them.
• Another possibility is the use of rosin (resin). The rosin has to be rubbed on the tips and heels. But it only stays on the shoes for a short term only and is not totally harmless. The fine powder could dirty the clothing or ruin the dancing floor. The leather of the shoes normally will not be damaged.
• Some dancers swear by sugared water or lemonade. Please do not use these liquids on wooden floors!
• Other dancers use fabric tape on tips and heels. The tape is quite solid and it can be torn off by with one's fingers. As well the durability is not permanently because the tape will be danced through and has to be renewed. Please note: Use our black tape only on black or dark floors only! Where and how you have to tape your shoes will be shows on our afterimages.

Please also ask your dance teacher about his or her experiences. Surely he/she can give you advice.