What sound instantly makes you want to tap your feet? For many, it’s the sharp, rhythmic clatter of tap shoes! These amazing shoes transform simple steps into a full-blown percussive orchestra. But if you’ve ever tried to buy a pair, you know the hunt can feel tricky.
Choosing the perfect tap shoe is more than just picking a color. You face confusing choices: screw-on taps versus mounted? Leather versus synthetic? The wrong shoe can lead to sore feet or, worse, a sound that just isn’t quite right. Finding the balance between comfort, quality, and that perfect “clack” can feel overwhelming for beginners and experienced dancers alike.
Don’t worry! This guide cuts through the noise. We will break down everything you need to know about tap shoe construction, different styles for different needs, and how to find the pair that sings with your rhythm. Get ready to step confidently into your next pair of shoes!
Top Tap Dance Shoes Recommendations
No. 1
Linodes PU Leather Lace Up Tap Shoe Dance Shoes for Women and Men's Dance Shoes-Black-9M
- The upper material is high quality PU leather and the lining material is synthetic
- The shoe is easy to adjust with classic lace up style.
- Sound board screwed on taps; Heel measures approximately 1"
- Flexible outsole with a non-skid rubber patch
- Size: Heel to toe: 259cm. Please measure your feet length first and choose according to the size information.
No. 2
Linodes Unisex PU Leather Slip On Tap Shoe Dance Shoes for Women and Men's Dance Shoes-Black-6M
- The upper material is high quality PU leather and the lining material is synthetic
- Slip on style. The shoe is easy to put on and take off with elastics.
- Sound board screwed on taps; Heel measures approximately 1"
- Flexible outsole with a non-skid rubber patch
- Size: Heel to toe: 235cm. Please measure your feet length first and choose according to the size information.
No. 3
Linodes Unisex-Child Soft Upper Lace up Tap Shoe for Girls, Boys and Kids Tap Flat-Black-2.5M-Little Kid
- The upper material is high quality soft PU leather and the lining material is synthetic
- Classical lace up style. The shoe is easy to put on and take off with laces. Flexiable and adjustable.
- Sound board screwed on taps; Heel measures approximately 1"
- Flexible outsole with a non-skid rubber patch
- Size: Heel to toe length: 8.46''/215mm. Please measure your feet length first and choose according to the size chart. Boys order 0.5-1 size up.
No. 4
Stelle Tap Shoes for Girls Toddler Boys PU Leather Dance Shoes(Toddler/Little Kid/Big Kid)(Black,9MT)
- Sophisticated Dancing Styles: Give your child the freedom to express themselves with multiple styles to choose from! We offer two choices of black tap shoes for girls and boys, plus classic tan tap shoes. Our standard tap shoes feature a simple strap closure that’s perfect for practices or performances. But if your child prefers more flair, we also offer an elegant black pair with a floral rhinestone buckle on the strap!
- Thoughtfully Constructed Design: Our tap shoes for girls and boys are crafted with premium materials and features your little dancer will love! The shoe tops are high-quality PU leather that wipes clean with a damp cloth. We’ve also included comfortable touches like a rounded toe to prevent pinching and a padded heel collar to protect against chafing and damage to the Achilles tendon. Last but not least, each pair of our kid and toddler tap shoes has a cushioned insole for shock absorption.
- Top-Quality Soundboards and Soles: Your child will always be able to dance confidently, thanks to the careful sole and soundboard design of these boys' and girls' tap shoes. The manufactured sole provides premium traction and a long-lasting, non-slip grip. We also enhanced our soundboards with a thick iron plate that’s sturdy yet light on your child’s feet! This is screwed directly into the tap for durability, and each step produces beautiful tapping sounds!
- Hook-And-Loop Strap: Our kids' tap shoes are a breeze to take on and off with hook-and-loop strap closures! The adjustable straps securely fasten the shoes, and your child will never have to worry about tripping on laces or tying their shoes. It’s so convenient that we’ve added this feature to all sizes, not just the tap shoes for toddler girls and boys.
- Sizes for Toddlers to Big Kids: We have all your little dancers covered with unisex tap shoes from Toddler size 7 through Big Kid size 3! Our shoes fit true to size, so be sure to measure your child’s foot and reference our size chart before ordering to get the perfect fit!
No. 5
Linodes Patent Easy Strap Tap Shoe for Girls and Boys (Toddler/Little Kid/Big Kid)-Black-11M-Little Kid
- Sound board screwed on taps; Heel measures approximately 1"
- Color: black patent features a PVC upper while tan features a matte PU leather upper
- Classical adjustable Mary Jane easy strap
- Flexible outsole with a padded sole for comfort, and a padded heel collar to help protect Achilles tendon
- Size: Heel to toe length: 179mm. Please measure your feet length first and choose according to the size information. Boys order 0.5-1 size up.
No. 6
Stelle Tap Shoes for Girls Boys Lace Up PU Leather Dance Shoes for Little Kid/Big Kid(Black,4MB)
- Timeless Oxford Style：Dress your little dancer to the nines with these classic Oxford-style tap shoes for girls or boys! They feature elegant stitching, sturdy hardware, and adjustable laces to keep your child secure and stylish!
- Made to Last ：Let your child dance their heart out—Stelle tap shoes can take it! We crafted these boys' and girls' tap shoes with chic, easy-to-clean PU uppers and durable EVA soles that will stand up to time and wear.
- Premium Comfort Features： It’s essential for your child to be comfortable as well as stylish. That’s why these classic black oxfords had a padded heel collar to minimize friction and chafing on your child’s Achilles tendons. We also slipped in a brushed microfiber lining, velvet cushion footbed, and shock-absorbing heel. They’re the most comfortable kids' tap shoes around!
- Carefully Crafted Soles：Safety and sound are crucial for tap dancing, but these black tap shoes for girls and boys hit the mark! The thoughtfully designed soles have a non-slip rubber patch for traction and a screwed-in sound tap for beautiful taps at every step.
- Perfect for All Growing Dancers： These high-quality girls’ and boys’ tap shoes are ready to support every dancer from Little Kid to Big Kid! Be sure to measure your child’s foot and double-check the size chart before ordering to ensure a perfect fit.
No. 7
Stelle Tap Shoes for Girls Boys PU Leather Non-Slip Dance Shoes for Toddler/Little Kid/Big Kid(Black,9MT)
- High-Quality Construction:Our Stelle tap shoes for girls and boys are made with flexible, rounded-toe PU leather uppers and durable manufactured soles for a comfy, lightweight fit. We’ve also included a padded heel collar in these kids’ tap shoes to protect your child’s Achilles tendons and a velvet padded insole for shock absorption. They’re ready for all your child’s best moves!
- Convenient & Hook-And-Loop Strap:Your little dancer will always feel big, thanks to the hook-and-loop strap! The durable straps make it easy for your child to take their tap shoes on and off and dance without tripping on laces! That’s why we’ve included this safety feature for all sizes, not just our tap shoes for toddler girls and boys.
- Crisp, Clear Sound:We designed our boy's and girls' tap shoes with a lightweight, non-slip outsole that provides excellent traction and sound! The high-quality tap and soundboard ensure a satisfying tap with every step without worrying about slips.
- Multiple Unisex Color Option:The shoes make the outfit. That’s why we offer tan AND black tap shoes for girls and boys. Our black shoes feature a glossy shine, while the tan PU leather has a matte finish. Both options are classic tap shoes your child will be proud to wear.
- Sizes for Every Dance:We don’t just make Stelle tap shoes for girls—because every dancer matters! Count on us to provide unisex tap shoes throughout your child’s dance journey with toddler, Little Kid, and Big Kid options. Be sure to measure your child’s foot and double-check the size chart before ordering to ensure a perfect fit!
No. 8
Stelle Tap Shoes for Girls Toddler PU Tap Dance Shoes for Toddler/Little Kids/Big Kids(Black,9MT)
- Durable and Stylish Design: These girls’ tap shoes have the classic look you love with the comfort features your child needs to succeed! Crafted with high-quality PU leather, our round-toe shoes offer flexibility and a non-pinch fit. The heel collar features thoughtfully placed padding to protect the Achilles tendons from discomfort, and we finished things off with a velvet-padded insole for shock absorption.
- Kid-Friendly Hook-And-Loop Strap: Enhance your child’s safety and enjoy extra convenience with our sturdy hook-and-loop strap closures! Unlike laces, our hook-and-loop strap make it easy for her to put on and remove her shoes without help. Plus, you never have to worry about her tripping on loose laces.
- High-Quality Tap & Soundboard: Get that perfect tap at every step! Our tap shoes for girls have a carefully designed tap and soundboard system that produces clear, crisp sounds. We also added a durable, lightweight, and slip-resistant outsole so she can dance worry-free.
- 2 Colors to Choose From: Find the perfect match for every rehearsal and performance outfit with our tan and black tap shoes for girls! Our PU leather shoes come in two finishes: glossy black or matte tan. Grab one in each color, so your dancing star always has options!
- Sizes for Toddlers to Big Kids: Whether your little dancer is just starting out or well into her tap-dancing journey, we have her size! We offer Stelle tap shoes for every young girl, starting in toddler sizes, through Little Kid, and up to Big Kid. It makes it easy for her to keep wearing her favorite tap shoes even as she grows! For the perfect fit, don’t forget to measure your child’s food each time and double-check the size chart before placing your order.
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Tap Dance Shoes
Tap dancing is exciting! It makes cool sounds. Choosing the right shoes makes a big difference. This guide helps you find the best pair for your feet and your rhythm.
Key Features to Look For
Good tap shoes have important parts that help you dance well. Look closely at these features:
Taps and Sound Quality
- Metal Quality: Taps are metal plates attached to the heel and toe. Look for sturdy metal. Good metal makes a clear, loud sound. Cheap metal might sound dull or rust quickly.
- Attachment: How are the taps attached? Screws are best. They keep the taps tight. If taps are glued, they might fall off during a fast routine.
- Adjustability: Some shoes let you tighten or loosen the screws slightly. This lets you change the sound a little bit.
Fit and Support
- Sizing: Tap shoes should fit snugly, but not hurt. Your toes should touch the end. They stretch a little over time.
- Ankle Support: Older dancers or beginners might need more ankle support. Oxford-style shoes (like lace-up dress shoes) usually offer better support than Mary Jane styles (strap over the top).
Important Materials
The material of the shoe body affects comfort and durability. Different materials suit different dancers.
Uppers (The top part of the shoe)
- Leather: This is the gold standard. Real leather molds to your foot over time. It breathes well, keeping your feet cooler. It lasts a long time.
- Man-Made Materials (Vinyl/Synthetic): These are often cheaper. They are easier to clean. However, they do not breathe well. Your feet might get sweaty. They might not last as long as leather.
Soles
- Hard Soles: Most tap shoes use hard soles. This helps transfer the energy from your foot to the tap, making a sharper sound.
- Flexible Soles: Some beginner shoes have slightly softer soles for easier movement. Professionals usually prefer very stiff soles.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality isn’t just about the price tag. It’s about construction.
What Makes Quality Better
- Strong Stitching: Look at where the sole meets the upper shoe. Strong, tight stitching means the shoe holds together longer.
- Reinforced Heels: The heel takes a lot of impact. A well-built heel keeps the shoe shape and the heel tap secure.
- Quality Hardware: If the shoe has buckles or laces, make sure the metal parts are strong and do not bend easily.
What Reduces Quality
- Thin Padding: Shoes with very little padding wear out fast. They offer poor shock absorption, which can hurt your feet.
- Improper Tap Alignment: If the taps are not perfectly straight on the sole, the sound will be uneven or “muddy.”
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about who is wearing the shoes and where they will dance.
Beginners vs. Advanced Dancers
- Beginners: Start with a shoe that is comfortable right away. Often, a lace-up Oxford style is recommended. It offers good balance while learning basic steps.
- Advanced Dancers: They might choose lighter shoes for fast footwork or shoes with specific tap setups for competition sounds. They often prioritize a very hard sole.
Performance Surface
Where will you practice? If you dance on concrete or rough floors, your taps will wear down faster. If you dance on wood or Marley floors (like a stage), the shoes will last much longer.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Tap Dance Shoes
Q: Should I buy leather or synthetic shoes first?
A: Leather is generally better because it molds to your foot. However, synthetic shoes work fine for very young children who grow out of shoes quickly.
Q: How tight should my tap shoes be?
A: They should feel snug all over, like a firm handshake. Your toes should just touch the front. Do not buy shoes that pinch your toes.
Q: Can I adjust the sound of my taps?
A: Yes! Many shoes let you tighten the screws for a sharper, higher sound. Loosening them slightly can make the sound deeper.
Q: Do tap shoes need breaking in?
A: Absolutely. Leather shoes need time to soften. Wear them around the house with thick socks before your first class.
Q: What is the difference between an Oxford and a Mary Jane tap shoe?
A: Oxfords lace up the front, offering great ankle support. Mary Janes use a strap across the instep. Oxfords are often better for beginners learning balance.
Q: How do I clean my tap shoes?
A: Wipe leather uppers with a damp cloth. Never soak them. Keep the taps dry to prevent rust.
Q: Will my tap shoes stretch much?
A: Leather shoes will stretch about a half size over time. Synthetic shoes stretch very little.
Q: Are heavy shoes better for sound?
A: Not exactly. A heavy shoe might be durable, but a good sound comes from the quality of the metal and how tightly it is screwed down, not just the weight.
Q: My taps are rattling. What is wrong?
A: The screws holding the taps have likely loosened. You must tighten them immediately with a small screwdriver.
Q: Should I buy shoes with a flexible sole or a stiff sole?
A: Stiff soles give the best, clearest sound because they transfer impact directly. Flexible soles are easier for absolute beginners to move in initially.