A Mom’s Guide to Buying Kids’ Tap Dance Shoes

Tap dance is a unique and expressive dance style that helps kids develop coordination and confidence. However, not all tap shoes are created equal. The right pair of shoes will increase comfort, balance, and the clarity of sound. 

If you’re looking to buy your child’s first pair of tap shoes, you’re in the right spot! We’ll take a close look at the key factors to consider when selecting tap shoes, check out various brands and models suited for different skill levels, and address any essential questions you may have about the purchasing process. 

Let’s get started!

What to Look For in Tap Shoes for Girls and Boys

Fit & Comfort

The right fit is the foundation of any great tap experience. Tap shoes for girls should hug their feet snugly without feeling tight, allowing for natural movement and balance. They will also provide support and confidence when learning new moves. Additionally, shoes with soft cushioned linings can reduce sore feet for your little dancers after class. 

Style: Lace-Up vs. Strap (Mary Jane)

Style choice depends largely on your child's age and overall preference. Younger dancers typically begin in strap-style shoes, as they often come with a Velcro or buckle, which keeps their foot secure while allowing them to be put on and off with ease.

On the other hand, lace-up styles, such as Oxfords, offer a more secure and adjustable fit but are more complicated for young dancers to take off and put on themselves. They can hold the foot more stably, making more advanced moves easier to do. 

Heel Height & Sole Type

Heel height and sole type are two key characteristics to consider when purchasing tap dance shoes for kids. As a beginner, your little dancers should start with lower, flatter, wider heels. These styles offer the most stability and can reduce the risk of injury as your dancer builds strength and confidence. In turn, high or narrow heels can make balancing tricky, increasing the risk of a fall.

Many parents love Stelle tap shoes because they offer reliable sole support and balance for beginners. These elements are crucial for building confidence, mastering the foundation tap moves, and becoming a stronger dancer.

Tap Plates & Sound

When selecting a pair of taps, a major consideration is the quality of the tap plates. A quality plate will be securely attached and produce a clear and bright clickety-clack noise without feeling bulky. Some shoes of lesser quality can have loose or overly heavy plates that can throw dancers off and cause them to lose control. Instead, good tap shoes allow girls and boys to feel the music and express themselves with each step.

Material & Durability

The material of tap dance shoes impacts both comfort and how long they last. Leather shoes are ideal because they mold to the foot over time and can withstand years of practice, making them a long-term investment. Synthetic materials, on the other hand, are lighter and usually more budget-friendly, which can be perfect for rapidly growing feet. 

Tap Shoe Brands For Kids to Consider 

Beginner

Stelle Kids Floral Buckle Tap Shoes: These girls' floral tap shoes are designed with a stylish PU upper and sturdy man-made soles, providing both durability and comfort for young dancers. They’re a fantastic choice for beginners looking to step into the world of tap dancing!

Stelle Kids Tap Flats with Bow Accent: These girls’ dance shoes include a detachable bow and high-quality steel taps that create a crisp, satisfying sound. Easy hook-and-loop straps give kids independence while keeping the fit secure and comfortable.

Capezio Tap Shoes Essential Model: Capezio's tap shoes, specifically the Essential model, offer an affordable and straightforward design. Their lightweight construction makes them an excellent choice for beginners as they focus on learning tap techniques.

Intermediate

Stelle Kids Elegant Scallop Tap Shoes: These tap dance shoes for girls pair a scallop design with hidden Velcro for easy on-and-off, while padded collars and velvet insoles ensure comfort and support.

Caperizo Fluid Tap Shoe (Child): Perfect for your dancers who are ready to level up. This full-leather shoe with a soft, quality PU upper, Tele Tone® heel and toe taps mounted, and a strong toe box makes it a strong candidate for more complex dance moves. 

Linodes Unisex-Child Lace-up Tap Shoes: This intermediate tap shoe is an outstanding option for young dancers, featuring a durable construction and a comfortable fit.

Advanced

Stelle Kids Lace‑Up PU Tap Shoes: These Oxford-style tap shoes are designed with elegant stitching and sturdy hardware. Their comfortable fit and striking laces make them great for both young girls and boys. While we listed these under advanced, their design is versatile for all levels. 

Bloch Audeo Jazz Tap (Child): A great choice for moms with advanced dancers, this shoe delivers rich, resonant sound with its leather upper, Shockwave taps, and supportive cushioned heel.

Bloch Tap-Flex Leather Split-Sole (Child): Ideal for technically strong kids, this split-sole tap shoe gives them the flexibility and high-quality sound they need to tackle more advanced choreography with confidence.

How to Care for Tap Shoes

Taking care of your little ones' tap shoes with some routine upkeep will help ensure you won't need to buy new ones anytime soon. Here are a few care tips to keep tap choose in their best shape:

• Wipe the soles after class to prevent slipping.

• Keep them dry and store them in a mesh bag.

• Avoid wearing them outdoors to protect the metal taps.

• Inspect the shoes and the taps regularly

With these four simple steps, your young dancer can keep them until they outgrow them!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best tap shoes for beginners?

For beginners, velcro or buckle strap-on Mary Janes are best. These shoes are easy to take off and put on while also providing a short, wide, and stable heel for new dancers. Explore different tap shoe brands to find the right fit and style.. 

What is a tap shoe?

A tap shoe is specifically designed for tap dancing. They feature metal plates on the sole, allowing dancers to create rhythmic clicking and clacking sounds.

Where to buy affordable tap dance shoes?

For budget-friendly, high-quality tap shoes, Stelle is a great choice. Their kids’ styles feature comfy padded insoles, easy Velcro or buckle closures, and fun designs—all usually around $32–$37. You can buy them directly from the Stelle.

How to choose the right size tap shoes online

To pick the right size, measure your child’s foot in inches or centimeters and compare it to the brand’s size chart. For growing kids, it’s often best to go half a size up for comfort and room to grow. You can further solidify your decision by always checking the review section to see if the shoe in question is true to fit or often runs large or small. 

Dance into Fun!—Find The Perfect Tap Shoe Today

The right pair of tap shoes will make a big difference in your child’s comfort and confidence. From beginner-friendly Velcro straps to more advanced lace-up styles, there is a perfect pair out there for every little dancer.

For moms looking for affordable, high-quality options, Stelle tap dance shoes offer durable, kid-friendly designs at an excellent value. Explore our collection today to find the ideal pair of tap shoes for girls and boys!