Rutherford's started out as a one man operation in the late 1970's. John Rutherford is a native of
Cootehille, Co. Cavan. He's the father of five
children who were involved in Irish Dancing, in particular the competitive end of Irish Dancing, and
saw a need for improvement in the sound and durability of the existing plastic heels & tips containing
only a small narrow layer of fiberglass. So Mr. Rutherford set about experimenting on his children's
dancing shoes with completely solid soundblaster fiberglass heels and a special mixture of fiberglass tips.
The childrens' shoes were a rage within the dance school and word of mouth spread like wildfire
throughout the feis scene. Soon it seemed everyone was having their existing heels and tips replaced
by the increasingly popular Rutherford Fiberglass Heels & Tips. The demand was so great for the
heels & tips that the next step was to sell the Jig Shoes complete from the start. With the emergence of
Riverdance and Lord of The Dance, and Rutherford Shoes being the shoe of choice for these shows,
Rutherford Products impeccable reputation soared to an international level and is now a well known name
in all facets of Irish Dancing throughout the world.
Mr. Rutherford, who still keeps his hand in the Production end of the business
is always striving to improve his product and create new innovative ideas. He has
learned a great deal by his constant interaction with customers and dancers throughout
the years and finds this end of the business most rewarding. He never shys away from a
good long conversation with the customers and thoroughly enjoys hearing the news of the
latest World Champion to wear the famous RutherfordFiberglass Products!
Today, among his most loyal customers are 8 of his grandchilren who now are actively
involved in Irish Stepdancing.
80% of the staff at Rutherford Products are former Irish Stepdancers, including 2 who placed 2nd in the
world championships in Dublin in the 1980's. We firmly believe this gives us a distinct advantage, both
in customer relations, and the design and quality of our shoes. We've been there before and know what works
and what doesn't work.
Our offices and manufacturing area are located at:
181 Frisbee Hill Rd. (Use for all deliveries)
Hilton, NY 14468
Phone: (585) 392-7707
E-Mail: rpshoes@rochester.rr.com
Rutherford shoes are sold at many of the feises and retail stores throughout the United States, Canada, and Australia. Please feel free to contact one of the friendly staff here at Rutherford's for updated information regarding this.
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