Which Tap Shoe is Right For You?

Get the perfect sound and style

Finding the right tap shoe can be tricky, especially because they work as both dance shoes and musical instruments! (But how cool, huh?) Here are a few guidelines to help you find the perfect shoe.

The sole

The first—and most important—step when searching for the best tap shoes is to figure out which type of sole is right for you. So, full-sole or split-sole tap shoes?

Full-sole shoes are a bit heavier and more rigid. The extra weight provides additional stability and support for beginners to feel comfortable and secure in their steps, while allowing forceful tappers to go all-out with their moves. If you’re new to tap dancing or enjoy a powerful and loud style, then a full-sole style is the right choice.

On the other foot (wink, wink), if you want lots of flexibility or dance on the tips of your toes, then you might prefer a split-sole shoe. Keep in mind that split-sole tap shoes require a certain amount of foot strength to use and aren’t recommended for beginners.

The style

A classic Mary Jane style is a good choice for young tappers since the elastic buckle gives both security and control over the tightness of the shoes. Plus, the secure strap means that shoes stay on throughout a high-energy tap class or performance. Balera’s Beginner Tap Shoe offers a cute, ribbon-tie update on the classic Mary Jane style, while Bloch’s Merry Jane Tap Shoe has a removable bow.

Classic lace-up shoes provide an almost-custom fit just by loosening or tightening the laces, while a lace-up Oxford shoe is a timeless option that’s loved by many choreographers and instructors.

The DWS site features a variety of durable lace-up styles from your favorite brands, including the Balera Lace-Up Tap Shoe, the Bloch Tap-Flex Tap Shoe, and Capezio’s Tic Tap Toe Shoe.

Slip-on styles are great for busy dancers, especially those that are auditioning or needing quick changes between productions. The Balera Slip-On Tap Shoe is a great option for easy shoe changes.

The heel

Wondering when to stay low or go high? Heel height depends almost entirely on your mastery of basic technique and skills. When starting out tapping, it’s recommended to stick to a 1 or 1 ½-inch heel before going higher.

For intermediate and advanced tap dancers, a higher heel offers benefits like elongating legs, emphasizing technique and adding a few inches to your height along with a confidence boost.

Of course, it’s also really important to follow the shoe recommendations of your studio, summer intensive or dance teacher’s dress code. The perfect tap shoe brings everything together, allowing you to create beautiful movement and music!

View all articles