{"product_id":"flexi-gold-irish-dancing-jig-shoes-padded-collared-heel","title":"Flexi Gold Irish Dancing Jig Shoes • Padded Collared Heel","description":"\u003cp\u003eSupportive, dependable and powerful in sound, the \u003cstrong\u003eRutherford Flexi Gold Irish Dancing Jig Shoes\u003c\/strong\u003e offer an excellent balance of structure and workable flexibility. A durable leather upper and flexible black suede sole give dancers the resistance needed for control while still allowing the shoe to become increasingly responsive through training.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSoundBlaster tips and integrated 1Heel SoundBlaster heels create Rutherford’s clear, strongly projected sound, while the wider heel supports more confident heel clicks. A padded collar improves grip around the back of the foot and helps reduce the friction often experienced when breaking in a new pair of jig shoes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePersonality\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSupportive • Balanced • Powerful • Dependable\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFlexi Gold sits in the practical middle of the Rutherford hard-shoe range. It offers more structure and resistance than Ultra-Lite Gold, but its suede sole remains flexible enough to develop naturally through regular class wear. The result is a reliable shoe for dancers who want support without returning to an extremely rigid traditional construction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRutherford Flexi Gold Jig Shoes – Design \u0026amp; Performance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Rutherford Flexi Gold is built around a \u003cstrong\u003efirm, supportive leather construction\u003c\/strong\u003e. The upper holds the foot securely while the black suede sole provides controlled flexibility, giving dancers a stable base for learning and refining trebles, clicks, drums and toe work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike an ultra-light shoe that feels highly flexible immediately, Flexi Gold retains more resistance beneath the foot. This can help dancers feel where they are placing their weight and provide a more dependable platform while developing strength, control and accurate technique.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe current Gold construction is fitted with Rutherford’s \u003cstrong\u003eSoundBlaster front tips\u003c\/strong\u003e for a strong, clear tone. These are paired with lightweight integrated \u003cstrong\u003e1Heel SoundBlaster heels\u003c\/strong\u003e, creating a responsive clicking surface without the separate top piece found in some traditional jig-shoe heels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe heel is deliberately wide, offering a generous contact area for heel clicks. This does not create the click for the dancer, but it can make clean heel connection feel more achievable while technique and accuracy develop.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA \u003cstrong\u003epadded heel collar\u003c\/strong\u003e softens the edge around the back of the foot, helping reduce friction and providing additional heel grip. This is particularly useful during the early stages of wear, when a firm leather upper is beginning to settle around the dancer’s individual heel and ankle shape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe lace-up front allows the hold across the instep to be adjusted, while the leather buckle strap provides additional security around the ankle. Together, these help keep the shoe connected to the foot during travelling movement, jumps and repeated rhythmic sequences.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFlexi Gold can accommodate a broader foot more comfortably than many narrow competition shoes. However, the rounder forefoot and supportive construction must still align properly with the dancer’s foot, the shoe should not be made wider simply by choosing excessive length.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause Flexi Gold is firmer than Ultra-Lite Gold, it requires a more gradual period of natural class wear. It should never be softened with water, heat, oils or forceful bending, as these methods can weaken the construction and invalidate the intended support.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRutherford Flexi Gold Technical Profile\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"background: #FBFBFB; border-radius: 8px; padding: 28px 32px; margin-top: 22px;\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display: flex; justify-content: space-between; align-items: center; gap: 20px; padding: 14px 0; border-bottom: 1px dotted #e3e3e3;\"\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 600;\"\u003eUpper\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan style=\"text-align: right;\"\u003eSupportive black leather\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display: flex; justify-content: space-between; align-items: center; gap: 20px; padding: 14px 0; border-bottom: 1px dotted #e3e3e3;\"\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 600;\"\u003eSole\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan style=\"text-align: right;\"\u003eFlexible black suede sole\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display: flex; justify-content: space-between; align-items: center; gap: 20px; padding: 14px 0; border-bottom: 1px dotted #e3e3e3;\"\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 600;\"\u003eHeel Technology\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan style=\"text-align: right;\"\u003eIntegrated 1Heel SoundBlaster construction\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display: flex; justify-content: space-between; align-items: center; gap: 20px; padding: 14px 0; border-bottom: 1px dotted #e3e3e3;\"\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 600;\"\u003eHeel\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan style=\"text-align: right;\"\u003eWide SoundBlaster clicking heel\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display: flex; justify-content: space-between; align-items: center; gap: 20px; padding: 14px 0; border-bottom: 1px dotted #e3e3e3;\"\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 600;\"\u003eTip\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan style=\"text-align: right;\"\u003eRutherford SoundBlaster front tip\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display: flex; justify-content: space-between; align-items: center; gap: 20px; padding: 14px 0; border-bottom: 1px dotted #e3e3e3;\"\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 600;\"\u003eToe Shape\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan style=\"text-align: right;\"\u003eSupportive round-toe profile\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display: flex; justify-content: space-between; align-items: center; gap: 20px; padding: 14px 0; border-bottom: 1px dotted #e3e3e3;\"\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 600;\"\u003eHeel Comfort\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan style=\"text-align: right;\"\u003eCushioned padded collar\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display: flex; justify-content: space-between; align-items: center; gap: 20px; padding: 14px 0; border-bottom: 1px dotted #e3e3e3;\"\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 600;\"\u003eClosure\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan style=\"text-align: right;\"\u003eAdjustable laces and buckle strap\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display: flex; justify-content: space-between; align-items: center; gap: 20px; padding: 14px 0; border-bottom: 1px dotted #e3e3e3;\"\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 600;\"\u003eBreak-In\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan style=\"text-align: right;\"\u003eGradual natural class wear\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display: flex; justify-content: space-between; align-items: center; gap: 20px; padding: 14px 0;\"\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 600;\"\u003eKey Features\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan style=\"text-align: right;\"\u003eFirm support • Padded heel • Powerful sound\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRutherford Flexi Gold Hard Shoe DNA™\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fit,minmax(135px,1fr)); gap: 10px;\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"background: #FBFBFB; border: 1px solid #E8E8E8; border-radius: 8px; padding: 20px 14px; text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSound Projection\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"letter-spacing: 3px; margin: 14px 0 8px;\"\u003e●●●●●\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"font-size: 12px; color: #6f7c85; line-height: 1.4;\"\u003eSoundBlaster components produce strong, clear rhythms\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"background: #FBFBFB; border: 1px solid #E8E8E8; border-radius: 8px; padding: 20px 14px; text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlexibility\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"letter-spacing: 3px; margin: 14px 0 8px;\"\u003e●●●●○\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"font-size: 12px; color: #6f7c85; line-height: 1.4;\"\u003eSuede sole develops a controlled, workable bend\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"background: #FBFBFB; border: 1px solid #E8E8E8; border-radius: 8px; padding: 20px 14px; text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLightness\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"letter-spacing: 3px; margin: 14px 0 8px;\"\u003e●●●●○\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"font-size: 12px; color: #6f7c85; line-height: 1.4;\"\u003e1Heel construction reduces weight without losing structure\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"background: #FBFBFB; border: 1px solid #E8E8E8; border-radius: 8px; padding: 20px 14px; text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSupport\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"letter-spacing: 3px; margin: 14px 0 8px;\"\u003e●●●●●\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"font-size: 12px; color: #6f7c85; line-height: 1.4;\"\u003eFirm construction provides a stable, controlled platform\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"background: #FBFBFB; border: 1px solid #E8E8E8; border-radius: 8px; padding: 20px 14px; text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBreak-In Ease\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"letter-spacing: 3px; margin: 14px 0 8px;\"\u003e●●●○○\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"font-size: 12px; color: #6f7c85; line-height: 1.4;\"\u003ePadded collar improves comfort while the shoe settles\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size: 12px; color: #7a8a94; margin-top: 14px; line-height: 1.5;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Dance World Hard Shoe DNA™ compares the defining characteristics of every Irish dancing jig shoe. A higher score does not necessarily mean a better shoe - it shows the balance of sound projection, flexibility, lightness, support and break-in ease so dancers can choose the construction best suited to their level, technique and training needs.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDance World Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA genuine all-level hard shoe:\u003c\/strong\u003e Flexi Gold offers enough structure for dancers learning their first hard-shoe steps, but its sound and performance construction remain relevant as training becomes more demanding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe heel collar makes a real difference:\u003c\/strong\u003e Padding around the back reduces the hard edge associated with many traditional jig shoes and adds useful grip around the heel. It improves comfort, although the shoe still requires gradual breaking-in.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDance World Tip – Choose the construction, not just the sound.\u003c\/strong\u003e Flexi Gold and Ultra-Lite Gold share Rutherford’s powerful SoundBlaster character, but they feel quite different. Choose Flexi Gold for firmer support and controlled resistance; choose Ultra-Lite Gold when minimum weight and immediate flexibility are the priorities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"background: #FBFBFB; border: 1px solid #E8E8E8; border-radius: 8px; padding: 22px; margin-top: 18px;\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRutherford Flexi Gold Dance World Fit Advice\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNatural through the toes. Secure across the instep. Firmly held at the heel.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFlexi Gold should fit closely without painfully compressing the foot. The toes should lie naturally inside the round-toe section, with the front block positioned correctly beneath them. The widest part of the foot should align with the widest part of the shoe.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin: 22px 0 16px;\"\u003eView Rutherford Shoe Size Chart\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size: 12px; color: #7a8a94; line-height: 1.5;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eRutherford revised the design and manufacturing of its jig shoes in 2025. Do not assume that a current Flexi Gold will fit exactly like an older pair - measure both feet and use the current chart.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin-bottom: 0;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDance World Fit Note:\u003c\/strong\u003e Foot length, width, instep height, dancer level and teacher preference can all affect the final fit. Professional fitting is especially valuable when choosing a first pair of hard shoes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size: 12px; color: #7a8a94; margin-top: 12px; line-height: 1.5;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eCheck hard shoes while standing, walking, rising and performing gentle clicks on a protected surface. Keep the soles, tips and heels completely unmarked until the fit has been approved.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rutherford","offers":[{"title":"Black \/ 1 UK","offer_id":46493721755745,"sku":"fny1787971338646","price":143.4,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Black \/ 1.5 UK","offer_id":46493721788513,"sku":"wrc1787971338647","price":172.08,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Black \/ 2 UK","offer_id":46493721821281,"sku":"ktf1787971338648","price":164.91,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Black \/ 2.5 UK","offer_id":46493721854049,"sku":"snp1787971338649","price":143.4,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Black \/ 3 UK","offer_id":46493721886817,"sku":"vcx1787971338650","price":143.4,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Black \/ 3.5 UK","offer_id":46493721919585,"sku":"phh1787971338651","price":167.3,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Black \/ 4 UK","offer_id":46493721952353,"sku":"wcf1787971338652","price":150.57,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Black \/ 4.5 UK","offer_id":46493721985121,"sku":"boi1787971338653","price":167.3,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Black \/ 5 UK","offer_id":46493722017889,"sku":"oce1787971338654","price":191.2,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Black \/ 5.5 UK","offer_id":46493722050657,"sku":"hpv1787971338655","price":150.57,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Black \/ 6 UK","offer_id":46493722083425,"sku":"roj1787971338656","price":195.64,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Black \/ 6.5 UK","offer_id":46493722116193,"sku":"tis1787971338657","price":187.6,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Black \/ 7 UK","offer_id":46493722148961,"sku":"guu1787971338658","price":203.68,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Black \/ 7.5 UK","offer_id":46493722181729,"sku":"cdn1787971338659","price":211.72,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Black \/ 8 UK","offer_id":46493722214497,"sku":"qme1787971338660","price":171.52,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0579\/4450\/6465\/files\/flexi-gold-irish-dancing-jig-shoes-padded-collared-heel_1.jpg?v=1787971343","url":"https:\/\/www.sunlitcottage.shop\/products\/flexi-gold-irish-dancing-jig-shoes-padded-collared-heel","provider":"My Store","version":"1.0","type":"link"}