How & Where To Buy Tap Shoes (2024)

The first two questions that I am always asked by new students is,

“Where can I buy tap shoes?”

&

“How do I buy tap shoes?”

Given that this is the season when many students are taking tap classes for the first time, I thought this short list of tips might be helpful and timely.

If you’re looking to improve your tap skills, in your own space, while having more fun you need thesetap steps.

Your 1st Pair of Tap Dance Shoes Should Fit Snugly

Comfort is the most important consideration when purchasing tap shoes. If the shoe doesn’t fit properly, the style and sound quality really will not matter. A tap dance shoe should be snug. There is no need to have extra space in a tap shoe unless you are still growing or have a medical condition.

Over time, and with frequent use (and practice), the leather in the shoes will stretch some…this means that if you start with a shoe that’s too big, you are likely to eventually crack a mirror or some poor audience member’s head with it!

While you’re here, try this quiz I made for tap dancers like you:

The Style of the Tap Dance Shoe is Up To You

Quality tap shoes tend to last a long time and you don’t want to be married to something that you can’t stand to look at. Ladies this means, that if you really want heels – get ’em, if it doesn’t matter to you – don’t get ’em. Sorry guys, most male tap dance shoes don’t have high heels.

Heels (not that I wear them) can be a little more difficult to balance on and will require you to be a little more “up on your toes” while dancing. If you are willing to put in the extra work, go for it. Otherwise, stick with the 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 Dance Shoes

Not!

I knew that subtitle would get your attention. Tap dance shoes can be very expensive but there are many reasons not to spend a lot of money on them. Here are a few:

– You are a beginner. Very expensive shoes are not going to change that. Did the Michael Jordan basketball shoes make you play like Michael Jordan?

– If you later decide that tap dancing is not for you, do you really wanna be out $150? FYI…The resale market on tap shoes is not very generous.

– You probably don’t yet know what you like in a tap dance shoe. After tap dancing for a while, you will be more knowledgeable about your personal preferences and what’s important to you.

A good price for your first pair is anywhere between $30 – $70, though, this is not a hard and fast rule. The most popular brands are Capezio, Bloch, & Leo’s.

Please note that the taps are sometimes not included with the shoes and can cost an additional $20. You may also have to pay a few bucks to get them attached at a local shoe repair shop.

Where to buy tap shoes near you

Like Toys ‘R Us, the dance world has not escaped the “Amazon-ization” of the world. It is getting harder and harder to buy tap shoes near me and I’m sure you’re seeing this in your area too.

Things can be even worse if you’re trying to buy tap shoes for boys. Tap shoes for boys are now so hard to buy locally that, in most markets, you might as well go straight to an online vendor.

However, if you’re lucky enough to have a local dance supply store in your area, I encourage you to reach out to them first for tap shoes. These local businesses could definitely use the support these days.

Other local alternatives include:

Tap Shoes at “Payless”?

Many “Payless” shoe stores carry tap shoes, usually only tap shoes for girls but you might luck up and find a pair for boys in your local store. Of course these aren’t usually the highest quality tap shoes but they get the job done, especially for younger dancers.

Tap Shoes at Goodwill?

Goodwill can still be counted on for used tap shoes. If you don’t have a Goodwill near you, check local thrift stores. You’d be surprised how often you can find gently used tap shoes for kids and adults at your local thrift store.

Tap Shoes at Target? Tap shoes at Walmart?

Target & Walmart don’t usually stock tap shoes in their local stores. If you’re looking to get tap shoes from one of these mega-retailers, you might as well…

Buy tap shoes online from any of these fine retailers:

Blochworld.com

Capezio.com

DiscountDance.com

Amazon.com

or Ebay.com

Don’t forget your portable tap floor!

In order to get the most out of your tap lessons, you’ll need someplace to practice. Class time alone doesn’t cut it!

I recommend my portable tap floor as the ideal solution. Follow the link to learn more about it.

If you visit now, you can even get thetap floor guide for freeto help you in your choice. You’re welcome!