Can you hear that rhythmic clicking sound? It’s the sound of joy, expression, and a whole lot of fun! Tap dancing is an art form that lets you make music with your feet, and the right tap shoes are your essential partners in this exciting journey. But if you’ve ever started looking for tap shoes, you know it can feel like stepping into a maze. There are so many different styles, materials, and brands, and figuring out which ones are best for you can be a real puzzle. Do you want shoes that are super comfortable for long practice sessions? Or maybe you need something that makes a loud, clear sound for performances? It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure where to begin.
That’s exactly why we’re here! This guide is designed to cut through the confusion and make choosing your perfect pair of tap shoes for women a breeze. We’ll break down all the important things to consider, from the type of tap plates to the best materials for your feet. By the time you finish reading, you’ll have a much clearer idea of what to look for, so you can confidently pick shoes that will help you tap your way to success. Get ready to discover the secrets to finding tap shoes that fit like a glove and sound amazing!
Our Top 5 Tap Shoes For Women Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Tap Shoes For Women Detailed Reviews
1. Linodes PU Leather Lace Up Tap Shoe Dance Shoes for Women and Men’s Dance Shoes-Black-8.5M
Rating: 9.2/10
Step up your dance game with the Linodes PU Leather Lace Up Tap Shoes. These black tap shoes, sized at 8.5M, are designed for both women and men who love to tap. They combine classic style with features that help you make those crisp tap sounds.
What We Like:
- The upper part of the shoe uses good quality PU leather. This makes the shoes look nice and feel sturdy.
- The inside of the shoe has a synthetic lining. This helps keep your feet comfortable while you dance.
- It’s easy to get the perfect fit because of the classic lace-up style. You can adjust the laces to make them snug or a little looser.
- The taps are screwed onto a sound board. This means you’ll get a clear, sharp tap sound with every step.
- The heel is about 1 inch high. This is a standard height that works well for tap dancing.
- The bottom of the shoe is flexible. This lets your foot move naturally.
- There’s a rubber patch on the bottom. This patch helps you grip the floor and prevents slipping.
What Could Be Improved:
- The sizing information is given as “Heel to toe: 255cm”. This seems like a typo and should likely be 25.5cm. Customers need to carefully measure their feet and compare it to the actual size chart to ensure a good fit.
These Linodes tap shoes offer a good balance of style and function for dancers. They provide the essential features for clear tap sounds and a comfortable dance experience.
2. Linodes Unisex PU Leather Slip On Tap Shoe Dance Shoes for Women and Men’s Dance Shoes-Black-8M
Rating: 9.2/10
Get ready to tap your toes with the Linodes Unisex PU Leather Slip On Tap Shoe Dance Shoes! These shoes are designed for both women and men, making them a versatile choice for any dancer. The black color and simple slip-on style give them a classic look that works with any dance outfit. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced dancer, these shoes offer comfort and performance.
What We Like:
- The upper is made of high-quality PU leather. This material is durable and looks great.
- The shoes feature a convenient slip-on style. Elastics make them super easy to put on and take off.
- They have sound boards with screwed-on taps. This means you’ll get a clear, crisp tap sound.
- The heel is about 1 inch high. This provides a good balance for dancing.
- The outsole is flexible and has a non-skid rubber patch. This helps you stay stable and move freely on the dance floor.
What Could Be Improved:
- The size information is given as “Heel to toe: 251cm”. This measurement seems unusually large for a shoe size and might be a typo. It’s important to measure your feet carefully and compare them to the provided size chart to ensure a good fit.
- The lining material is synthetic. While functional, some dancers might prefer a more breathable material for long practice sessions.
These tap shoes offer a good combination of features for dancers. Just be sure to double-check the sizing before you buy to get the perfect fit.
3. Capezio Women’s N625 Jr. Tyette Tap Shoe
Rating: 8.8/10
The Capezio Women’s N625 Jr. Tyette Tap Shoe in Black Patent, size 5.5, is designed for young dancers. This shoe aims to provide comfort and good sound for tap dancing. It features a shiny patent finish that looks great under stage lights. Remember to check the size chart carefully because sizing can be tricky with tap shoes, especially for men. These shoes run narrow, so keep that in mind when ordering.
What We Like:
- The PVC black patent upper gives a sleek, shiny look.
- A flexible outsole and foam-padded footbed offer comfort while dancing.
- Tele Tone toe and heel taps are securely mounted for clear, crisp sounds.
- The brushed microfiber lining wicks away moisture to keep feet dry.
- A scored rubber non-skid pad helps prevent slips.
- The Achilles notch and padded collar provide extra ankle comfort.
- Elastic attachments on the eyerows make for a secure fit.
- The grosgrain ribbon tie adds a classic touch.
- A light toe box and lower vamp and sides allow for easy foot movement.
- A firm heel counter supports the foot.
What Could Be Improved:
- The shoe runs narrow, which might not work for all foot shapes.
- Referencing the size chart is essential, and even then, fit can be a challenge.
This shoe is a good option for beginner tap dancers looking for a stylish and functional shoe. With the right sizing, it should help dancers hit all their steps with confidence.
4. Capezio Women’s Fluid Tap Shoe
Rating: 9.3/10
The Capezio Women’s Fluid Tap Shoe in Black, size 9.5 M US, is designed for dancers who want both comfort and great sound. These shoes offer a flexible feel that lets you move freely. The quality PU leather upper looks good and feels nice. You can expect clear, crisp tap sounds thanks to the Tele Tone toe and heel taps. They are built for dancers of all levels.
What We Like:
- The soft, quality PU leather upper feels good on your feet.
- The suede flexible outsole and light shank give you support while letting you bend your foot easily.
- Tele Tone toe and heel taps produce a clear, bright tap sound.
- The moisture-absorbent microfiber lining keeps your feet dry.
- A padded insole adds extra comfort for long practice sessions.
- Folded edges, a padded collar, and an Achilles notch prevent rubbing and discomfort.
- The strong toe box helps maintain the shoe’s shape and offers protection.
What Could Be Improved:
- The sizing suggestion (start 1/2 to 1 size up from street shoe) might require trying on a couple of sizes to find the perfect fit.
- The plastic heel, while durable, might not offer the same feel or sound as a wood heel for some advanced tappers.
Overall, these Capezio Fluid Tap Shoes are a solid choice for dancers seeking comfort and a good tap sound. They provide a comfortable and supportive experience for your dancing journey.
5. Linodes Unisex PU Leather Easy Strap Tap Shoe Dance Shoes for Women and Men’s Dance Shoes-608-Black Patent-6M
Rating: 9.1/10
Step into the rhythm with the Linodes Unisex PU Leather Easy Strap Tap Shoe Dance Shoes. These shoes are designed for both women and men, offering a classic look and a comfortable fit for any dancer. The black patent finish adds a touch of shine, making them perfect for recitals, practice sessions, or even just for fun. Get ready to make some noise and move with confidence!
What We Like:
- The upper is made of good quality PU leather. It feels nice and looks shiny.
- The lining is synthetic, which helps keep your feet comfortable.
- The shoe has a simple adjustable Mary Jane strap. This makes it easy to get the perfect fit.
- The sound board has taps that are screwed on. This means they make a great tap sound!
- The heel is about 1 inch high. This is a good height for dancing.
- The outsole is flexible. It moves with your foot.
- There’s a rubber patch on the outsole that helps you grip the floor. This stops you from slipping.
What Could Be Improved:
- The size information is given in centimeters (Heel to toe: 235cm). It would be helpful to have a standard US or UK size chart to make choosing easier.
These tap shoes offer a great combination of style and function for dancers of all levels. They are a solid choice for anyone looking to tap their way to success.
Finding Your Perfect Tap Shoes: A Guide for Dancers
Tapping your toes to the rhythm is a fantastic way to express yourself! Whether you’re just starting out or you’re a seasoned dancer, the right pair of tap shoes makes a huge difference. This guide will help you choose the best tap shoes for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for tap shoes, keep these important features in mind:
- Tap Plates: These are the metal plates on the bottom of the shoe. Good tap plates make a clear, crisp sound. Look for shoes with securely attached tap plates. Some shoes have adjustable taps, which can be helpful as your skills grow.
- Heel and Toe Taps: Most tap shoes have taps on both the heel and the toe. This allows you to make sounds with both parts of your foot.
- Fit: This is super important! Your tap shoes should fit snugly, like a glove. They shouldn’t be too tight or too loose. A good fit prevents blisters and helps you control your movements.
- Support: The shoe should offer good support for your ankle and arch. This helps prevent injuries and makes dancing more comfortable.
- Closure: Tap shoes come with different ways to close them. Laces offer a very customizable fit. Buckles are quick and easy to use. Velcro is great for younger dancers who need to get ready fast.
Important Materials
The materials used in tap shoes affect their durability, comfort, and sound.
- Leather: Many high-quality tap shoes are made from leather. Leather is strong and molds to your foot over time. It also provides good support.
- Synthetic Materials: Some shoes use synthetic materials like pleather. These can be a more affordable option and are often lighter.
- Rubber Soles: A rubber sole under the tap plate can add extra cushioning and shock absorption. This is good for your feet.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes a tap shoe great or not so great?
- Construction: Well-made shoes have strong stitching and securely attached taps. This means they will last longer and sound better. Poorly made shoes might have taps that fall off easily or seams that come apart.
- Tap Design: The shape and thickness of the tap plates matter. Thicker, well-shaped taps usually produce a richer, clearer sound.
- Flexibility: The shoe needs to be flexible enough to allow you to point your toes and move freely. A shoe that is too stiff will make dancing difficult.
- Water Resistance: Leather shoes can offer some protection from light moisture. However, avoid getting your tap shoes soaking wet, as this can damage the leather and the taps.
User Experience and Use Cases
Who uses tap shoes and why?
- Beginner Dancers: For those just starting out, comfort and ease of use are key. Shoes with a secure fit and easy closures (like Velcro or simple buckles) are often best. A good beginner shoe helps build confidence.
- Intermediate and Advanced Dancers: As you progress, you’ll want shoes that offer more control and a clearer sound. Leather shoes with well-designed taps are usually preferred. Dancers at this level might also look for shoes that offer specific sound qualities.
- Performance: For stage performances, the sound and look of the shoe are important. Dancers need shoes that are durable enough for many performances and produce the desired tap sounds.
- Practice: Your practice shoes should be comfortable and durable. They will see a lot of use!
Frequently Asked Questions About Tap Shoes
Q: How should tap shoes fit?
A: Tap shoes should fit snugly, like a glove. They shouldn’t pinch or feel loose. Your toes should be able to move a little, but there shouldn’t be much extra space.
Q: Do I need special socks with tap shoes?
A: It’s a good idea to wear thin socks or tights with your tap shoes. This helps prevent blisters and keeps the shoes clean. Avoid thick, bulky socks.
Q: How do I clean my tap shoes?
A: For leather shoes, you can wipe them with a damp cloth and then dry them. You can use a leather conditioner to keep the leather soft. For synthetic shoes, a mild soap and water is usually fine. Always let them air dry.
Q: Can I wear my tap shoes for other types of dance?
A: Tap shoes are designed specifically for tap dancing. The metal taps on the bottom can damage floors used for other dance styles like ballet or jazz. It’s best to wear them only for tap.
Q: How long do tap shoes usually last?
A: The lifespan of tap shoes depends on how often you use them and how well you care for them. For regular practice, they might last a year or two. For professional dancers, they may need replacing more often.
Q: What is the difference between a split-sole and a full-sole tap shoe?
A: A full-sole tap shoe has one solid piece of material for the sole, offering more support. A split-sole tap shoe has a sole that is divided into two parts, one under the ball of the foot and one under the heel, allowing for more flexibility and easier pointing of the foot.
Q: Are there vegan tap shoe options?
A: Yes, there are vegan tap shoes made from synthetic materials that do not contain animal products. These are a great choice for dancers who prefer not to wear leather.
Q: How do I break in new tap shoes?
A: New tap shoes can feel stiff. Wear them around the house for short periods. You can also gently bend them to loosen them up. Avoid trying to do intense dancing in them until they are comfortable.
Q: What sound should my tap shoes make?
A: Good tap shoes make a clear, sharp sound when the taps hit the floor. The sound should be distinct and resonant, not dull or muffled.
Q: Where is the best place to buy tap shoes?
A: Dance supply stores, both online and in person, are the best places to buy tap shoes. They offer a wide selection and knowledgeable staff who can help you find the right fit.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
David Ruperto is a Footwear Engineer with expertise in 3D printing, design, and pattern making. With a background in Fine Arts from CUNY and training from SLEM and Cordwainer’s Savannah, he blends creativity with innovation. Based in New York, he shares his knowledge on BestForShoes.com, helping others explore the world of footwear.