Tap shoes come in a variety of styles, price points, and technical features, making it important to choose a pair that matches a dancer's skill level. Below are recommendations for beginner kids, intermediate children, and more advanced tappers-along with some brand suggestions to help you find the right fit.
Beginner Kids
What to Look For
- Sturdy construction but lighter in weight, to help young dancers develop proper tap technique without feeling weighed down.
- Simple fastening systems like buckles, Velcro buckles, or the classic Mary Jane style.
- Adequate room for growing feet, but not too loose-fit is crucial to produce clear sounds.
Popular Options
- Theatricals Beginner Tap Shoes: Often come in a Mary Jane style with a buckle or Velcro buckle for easy on/off. These are budget-friendly and provide a basic, reliable tap sound. (discountdance.com)
- Capezio Mary Jane Tap Shoes: A slightly higher quality option. They have a more secure strap and are known for consistent sound and comfort.
- Bloch Tap-On: Designed with beginners in mind and typically feature a buckle strap. They're known for a comfortable, padded insole.
Product recommendations.
Intermediate Child
What to Look For
- Slightly more advanced features such as a flexible sole (to help articulate the foot) and higher-quality taps that produce a clearer, richer sound.
- Durable construction to withstand more rigorous practice or multiple classes per week.
- A snug fit that ensures precision and prevents slipping.
Popular Options
- Bloch Tap Flex: Features a split sole design, providing good flexibility while maintaining stability. A favorite for intermediate dancers looking to refine their technique.
- Capezio Jr. Footlight or Fluid Tap: These models have a comfortable, cushioned footbed and a secure heel, helping young dancers polish their tap skills.
- So Danca TA04 / TA05: Known for their quality materials and relatively affordable price point, So Danca tap shoes often have a sleek silhouette and reliable toe/heel taps.
Expert (Advanced) Tap Shoes
What to Look For
- High-quality, often customizable taps and soles that create crisp, resonant sounds.
- Premium materials such as genuine leather for longevity and maximum comfort.
- Options that cater to a dancer's specific needs-for instance, a tailored width or custom taps to suit personal tone preference.
Popular Options
- Capezio K360: A classic professional model, sometimes fully customizable. Beloved by many professionals for its rich, full sound and exceptional build quality.
- Bloch Jason Samuels Smith: Designed in collaboration with the famous tap dancer Jason Samuels Smith, these shoes provide excellent resonance and feature a durable, shockwave tap plate.
- Miller & Ben Tap Shoes: Though pricier, these handcrafted shoes are highly regarded for their superior sound, comfort, and longevity. They come in various styles, from basic to custom combinations of materials and colors.
Product recommendations.
