The first question new students always ask me is, “What kind of tap shoes should I buy?” Since this is the season when many students take tap lessons for the first time, I thought this short list of tips might be helpful and timely.
The names most new students run into are Bloch Tap Shoes and Capezio Tap Shoes. Lucky for you, I remember when these names meant nothing to me either! Let’s go beyond the names and go to the council.
Your first pair of tap shoes should fit snug
Comfort is the most important consideration when buying tap shoes. If the shoe doesn’t fit you, the style and sound quality won’t really matter. A tap shoe should fit snug. It is not necessary to have extra room in a tap shoe unless you are still growing or have a medical condition. Over time, and with frequent use (and practice), the leather on your shoes will stretch a bit… this means that if you start with a shoe that’s too big, you’re likely to eventually break a mirror or your head. of some poor member of the audience. with that!
The style of the tap shoe is up to you
Quality tap shoes tend to last a long time, and you don’t want to marry something you can’t bear to look at. Ladies, this means if you really want heels, get them, if you don’t mind, don’t get them. Sorry guys, most male tap shoes don’t have high heels.
High heels (not that I’m wearing them) can be a bit more difficult to balance and will require you to be a bit more alert while dancing. If you’re willing to do the extra work, do it. Otherwise, stick with flat shoes.
In general, I recommend a firm, leather character tap shoe with a “box” toe (supports the toes) and a firm sole (supports the foot).
You should spend as much as possible on tap shoes… No!
I knew that would get your attention. Tap shoes can be very expensive, but there are many reasons not to spend a lot of money on them.
Here are some:
– You are a beginner. Very expensive shoes are not going to change that. Did Michael Jordan’s basketball shoes make you play like Michael Jordan?
– If you later decide that tap dancing is not for you, do you really want to lose $150? FYI… The tap shoe resale market is not very generous.
– You probably still don’t know what you like in a tap shoe. After tap dancing for a while, you’ll better know your personal preferences and what’s important to you.
A good price for your first pair is between $30 and $70, although this is not a hard and fast rule. The most popular brands, as mentioned above, are Capezio tap shoes, Bloch tap shoes, and Leo’s.
Please note that faucets are sometimes not included with the shoes and cost an additional $20. You may also have to pay a few bucks to get them fitted at a local shoe repair shop.
I hope you found this short guide to buying tap shoes useful!
