Rutherford® Cavan Suede Split Sole Irish Ghillies

■ Thick Poron cushion insole provides unmatched shock resistance and ultimate comfort, helping to lessen the impact of the dancer’s landing during dance routines

■Features a great arch and toe point construction, incorporating a split-sole technology for superior toe support when doing the arches. Additionally, the new and improved heel fit, short toe design for enhanced toe point, and amazing arch enhancement further elevate performance

■ Finely crafted from 100% genuine soft leather that is very supple and stretchable. It’s recommended that dancers order a tighter fit for their Cavan Pumps as it may stretch over time
■ Coming with round laces that are very easy to pull up and tighten. The dancer can adjust the laces according to their preference to achieve the necessary support during the performance
■ An authentic Rutherford Products pair of dance soft shoes – a guarantee of superior quality and craftsmanship that any professional dancer needs in their performance

The Cavan Pump is a Rutherford Products essential and a customer favorite, one of the iconic names in the field of Irish Dance. The company spent years in research and development before upgrading this product, and all that work shows. It started with the Black Suede Split Sole, a patented technology of Rutherford Products, which helps the dancer achieve a higher arch. A lot of research went into the design of the toe, touted to have optimum support for the dancer. The Cavan Pump now features a short toe design that enhances toe points, making it even easier for dancers to achieve their best form. 

John Rutherford invented the fiberglass heels and tips back in the 70s to give his children the edge in competitive dancing. That invention became the basis by which all shoe tips are built on this day. Unlike the Corr’s, which is already using the EVA technology for its insole, the Cavan Pump still utilizes the Poron material for the insole. But it doesn’t take away from the quality of the padding. It’s extremely shock-resistant. Not many people know it, but Poron is urethane foam that is being used in the Hubble Telescope to make sure that all gaskets and brackets are properly sealed. That’s space-age technology that you are stepping on. If it can withstand the tremendous pressure of space, it certainly can absorb the impact of your landing even if you jump 10 feet in the air. This pair of Cavan Pumps are specially designed to perform the Reel, a type of dance that follows the 2/4 or 4/4 quick step motion. The Reel is actually of Scottish origin way back in the 16th Century although the tradition was discontinued for a time due to the powerful hold of the Presbyterian Church.

 The Irish Reel is quite distinct because it’s faster and more intricate. There has been a revival in the interest of Irish Dance with the popularity of the Riverdance and Lord of the Dance. But there’s a lot of tradition behind it, and the dances are performed in various celebrations, as well as paying homage to the Gods during harvest and helping perk up the laborers toiling in the field.

 What you are buying when you order the Cavan Pump is the superior quality and performance that you would expect from Rutherford Products. The company has been in the industry for 40 years, and since then, it has supplied shoes and dancewear for the Lord of the Dance and Riverdance. It’s also the favored brand by some of the best dance schools in Chicago like Dillon-Gavin, Trinity, Dennehy Eilish Sullivan, and Mayer. At just $70, it’s around the mid-range price. But with a quality name like Rutherford Products behind it, buying a pair of Cavan Pump is quite a steal.

Now, if you are reducing what this pair of dancing shoes offer –whether you are a beginner, intermediate, or professional level –it can be described in three words: comfort and strength.