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Highland X Press, LLC
PO BOX 336840
N. Las Vegas, NV. 89033
Phone: (702) 633-0063 Fax: (702) 633-9334
Email: highlandxpress@aol.com
www.highlandxpress.com
Shoe Order Help
When ordering shoes for the first time it is highly recommended to either fax or mail us a tracing of your foot. Shoes are imported from Scotland and run in European sizes. There is no true guide saying that if you wear an American 6, you will take a UK 3. There are many factors involved such as shape of foot, width, toe line, and shoe brand. If you are unable to supply a trace, we can also attempt to size your foot with length and width measurements in inches. Please keep in mind that this is not as accurate as a trace, and neither are full proof. Ordering shoes for the first time can be frustrating and may require a couple of shipments. We will do our very best to help you find the best fit the first time
When tracing your foot be sure to stand with full weight and trace a "true" outline. Do not tilt pen at an angle. Keep straight up and down. This allows us to see where the leather will stretch to form your foot. If faxing a tracing, be sure to write the length and width of the foot trace on your fax so we can check for any distortion. A 1/4" can make a big difference!
Which shoes to order? This is an individual preference and may
depend on the shape of your foot. Some teachers may prefer one
brand over another, so please check with your instructor first! Also please inform us if you are a Country or Highland dancer. Country dancers prefer a more loose fit over Highland who require a tighter fit. If you are a Country dancer and plan to wear a shoe insert, please inform us at time of ordering.
We do not carry split sole dance shoes. All brands have a full chrome leather sole. Also keep in mind that each brand runs in different sizes.
Here are a few guidelines regarding the various brands of shoes.
Gandolfi shoes are made of black leather with black stitching, black eyelets, and white chrome soles. These have a more pointed toe line and seem to fit dancers who have more of an angled toe line the best. Do not count this brand out if you have a wide foot. The important factor here is the width and shape of the toe line. Available in whole and half sizes ranging from Infant size 7 to Adult size 13.
James Senior Strathspey shoes are black with red stitching, red eyelets, white chrome soles, and are made with more of a rounded toe line. Dancers with a square or rounded toe line seem to fit best in these. There is an extra eyelet by the ankle and have a bit shorter heel vamp. Available only in whole sizes in Infant 10 to 13 and whole and half sizes in Adult 1 to Adult 9 ½.
James Senior Highland Fling shoes are are black with black stitching, white eyelets, extra eyelet by ankle, with white chrome soles. Very similar to Strathspeys except there is no front toe loop giving a more open toe look. Available in whole and half sizes in Adult 1 to Adult 6 ½. Larger sizes can be ordered upon request.
James Senior Cameron shoes are a combination between the Gandolfi and James Senior Strathspey. All black leather uppers, black stitching, black eyelets, and black leather chrome soles. There is an extra eyelet by the ankle like Strathspey. Toe shape is angled as Gandolfi, and more for dancers with a narrow foot. These are our most narrow shoes. Heel vamp is higher than Strathspey, and similar to Gandolfi. Available in sizes 1 to 9 ½, including half sizes.
Highlander dance shoes are made on a straight last from one piece of black leather and have a black chrome leather sole. The sole is narrow in the middle than other brands which makes the shoe hug the arch nicely and provides a tighter fit. The full leather insole and seamless toe vamp are features that provide more comfort for the dancer. Instead of four eyelets, the "Highlander" has only three and there is no front toe loop which gives the dancer's foot an attractive open look. Recommended for dancers with an average to wide foot. Fits especially nice on dancers with square or rounded toe lines, and those wishing or needing to show off a better point. Sizes seem to be consistent with James Senior Strathspey and run 1/2 size bigger than Gandolfi. HOWEVER... Shoes tend to stretch a bit more than other brands, so a "tighter" than normal fit is recommended.
James Senior Braemar shoes have all black leather uppers, black stitching, black eyelets, and black chrome soles which tend to be a bit thicker than other brands. Country dancers seem to prefer this brand due to the sole and also because they are made with right & left feet instead of on a straight last. These seem to be more comfortable for dancers when standing during sets. There is no seam down the toe vamp like other brands, and are very popular with male dancers.
When putting the shoes on:
First push your toes well into the toe vamp as far as
possible. This is the area that you will want to stretch the
most, not the heel area! With foot arched then pull the heel up.
A good rule of thumb: "If they slip on too easily, they are
too big!" Most teachers prefer a tight fit, but your
toes should not be curled under nor should the shoes be extremely
uncomfortable. They may be slightly uncomfortable at first. When
dancers complain shoes are uncomfortable, more often than not it
can be resolved with a pair of toenail clippers and doesn't
require a new pair of shoes.
As with all shoes, finding the pair that is "right" for you is an individual preference. Please note that the above observations are those of Highland X Press and may not be true for all dancers.
SHOE RETURN POLICY
- Shoes may be returned for a refund or exchange within 10 days as long as they have not been worn or soiled. We can not accept shoes back if they have been worn or are stretched out. If you are unable to meet the 10 day deadline, simply request an extension.
- Be sure to have your teacher inspect the shoes on your feet before returning.
- Shoes will begin to stretch after only wearing 10 minutes.
- We often send out extra shoes at no extra charge to customers in good standing. If you have received extra shoes, these need to be returned within 10 days. Please help maintain this policy so that we can continue this service. There is no need to ship via priority mail. You may mail back the cheapest way.
- Please make sure that shoes are returned in the same condition as received. Return shoes in their plastic bag with laces folded and placed together in the toe of one shoe.
- A minimum postage charge of $3.00/airmail or $4.75/priority is required for exchanges. Be sure to specify which method to ship. If not specified, exchanges will be shipped priority mail.
The following charges will be added for improper returns.
Plastic shoe bag missing: $1.00
Shoes returned laced: $1.00