Finding the Right Tap Shoe for Your Child
At Total Dance, we've been helping Australian families and dance teachers find the right dancewear and footwear for every stage of a dancer's journey. Tap shoes are one of those purchases that parents often find surprisingly nuanced. Unlike a sneaker or a school shoe, a tap shoe needs to fit well, suit your child's skill level, and work with the flooring and teaching style of their studio.
This childs tap shoes buying guide is designed to cut through the confusion. Whether your child is stepping into their very first tap class or progressing through their RAD or ATOD syllabus, we'll walk you through the key features, closure types, and style differences so you can shop with confidence.
Understanding Tap Shoe Styles: Velcro, Lace-Up & Mary Jane
The three most common closure styles you'll find in children's tap shoes are velcro, lace-up, and mary jane. Each has genuine advantages depending on the child's age, independence level, and foot shape.
Velcro Tap Shoes
Velcro tap shoes are the go-to choice for younger dancers, typically aged three to seven. They're quick to fasten, easy for little hands to manage independently, and can be adjusted on the spot between classes. Two popular options in this category are the Terra Tap Shoe - Velcro strap and the Mary Jane Childs Tap Shoe - Velcro Buckle.
The Terra Tap Shoe features a single velcro strap across the foot, giving a secure, snug hold without fuss. It's well suited to beginners who are still learning how to care for their dance bag and get themselves ready. The Mary Jane Childs Tap Shoe - Velcro Buckle takes a slightly more structured approach with a mary jane silhouette and a decorative buckle-style strap, offering a neat, classic look that many studio examinations favour.
One thing to keep in mind with velcro shoes is that the straps can pick up fluff and lose grip over time. A quick clean with a soft brush keeps them fastening firmly for longer.
Lace-Up Tap Shoes
Lace-up tap shoes provide a more customised, secure fit across the whole foot and are generally preferred for older students, more advanced dancers, or children with narrower or wider feet that need individual adjustment at each eyelet. The Downtown Lace up Tap shoe is a strong choice in this category, offering a traditional oxford-style silhouette with solid construction suited to regular class and performance use.
Laces allow for even pressure distribution across the foot, which becomes more important as dancers progress to more complex footwork, heel drops, shuffles, and time steps. If your child's teacher has recommended a more secure shoe as their technique develops, a lace-up style is often the next step.
The downside for very young children is the time required to tie laces correctly before and after class. If your child is still mastering this skill, a velcro or buckle style may be more practical in the short term.
Mary Jane & Slip-On Styles
Mary jane tap shoes have a single strap across the instep and a rounded toe, giving them a tidy, polished appearance that works well for concerts and examinations. The Showtime Tapper - Childs Tap Shoe and the Tic Tap Toe Tap Shoes - Childs are popular in this category. The Showtime Tapper is a classic starter shoe with a neat design that photographs beautifully on stage, while the Tic Tap Toe offers a reliable, comfortable fit for regular class wear.
The Tap-On - Girls & Womens Tap Shoe is worth mentioning here as an option that suits older children and teenagers moving into womens sizing. Its versatile design bridges the gap between a dedicated child's shoe and a beginner adult shoe, making it a practical pick for girls whose feet are growing quickly.
Key Buying Criteria: What to Look For
Beyond closure style, there are several important factors to consider when selecting tap shoes for your child. Use this checklist to guide your decision.
Tap Plate Quality and Sound
The tap plates (the metal pieces affixed to the toe and heel) are what produce the distinctive sound of tap dance. Quality plates should be firmly attached, made from durable metal, and produce a clear, resonant tone rather than a dull thud. Cheaper shoes often use lightweight plates that loosen quickly with regular use. If your child attends class more than once a week, investing in a well-constructed shoe with quality plates will save you money in the long run.
Sole Construction and Flexibility
A good tap shoe has a leather or leather-look sole that allows some natural flex through the arch. Full-sole shoes offer more support, which is helpful for beginners who are still building strength. Split-sole shoes give greater flexibility and are more common for advanced dancers. For most children in beginner to intermediate classes, a full-sole construction is the appropriate choice.
Fit and Sizing
Tap shoes should fit snugly without pinching. Unlike ballet shoes, which are often sized close to the foot, tap shoes are worn with a thin sock or dance tight, so you don't want excess room at the toe. A thumb's width of growing room is generally acceptable for younger children, but too much space will allow the foot to slide, which affects sound quality and can cause blisters.
If your child has a wide or high-instep foot, look for styles with adjustable closures (laces or velcro) that can accommodate the shape of their foot without gaping or squeezing. It's also worth checking the brand's size guide before purchasing, as children's dance shoe sizing can differ from standard shoe sizing.
You can browse our full range of tap shoes for younger dancers, including all the styles mentioned in this guide, when you visit our childs tap shoes collection at Total Dance.
Heel Height
Most children's tap shoes have a low, broad heel of around 2 to 3 centimetres. This is appropriate for young dancers as it keeps them stable and close to the floor while still producing the characteristic heel-tap sound. Avoid styles with a higher or narrower heel for children under ten, as these can place unnecessary strain on developing feet and ankles.
Skill Level Matching
Beginners benefit from a simple, well-fitting shoe with a secure closure. Intermediate and advanced students may be directed by their teacher toward a specific style or brand. Always check with your child's dance teacher before purchasing, particularly if your child is preparing for an examination or performance, as some syllabi specify particular shoe requirements.
Caring for Your Child's Tap Shoes
A little routine care goes a long way in extending the life of tap shoes. After each class, encourage your child to wipe the soles clean and allow the shoes to air out before placing them back in their dance bag. Avoid leaving tap shoes in a hot car, as the adhesive holding the tap plates can weaken with heat exposure.
Store shoes in a breathable bag rather than a sealed plastic bag to prevent moisture build-up. The Legacy Tote Bag or the Duffle Dance Bag are great options for keeping all your dancer's gear organised, aired, and easy to carry to and from the studio.
Check the tap plates regularly for any loosening screws. A loose plate not only affects sound but can be a trip hazard. Most dance stores and shoe repair shops can re-secure plates quickly and inexpensively.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age can children start wearing tap shoes?
Most dance studios introduce tap classes from around three to four years of age. At this stage, a lightweight velcro shoe is the most practical option, as it's easy for young children to put on and take off independently. Always follow your studio's recommendations for the appropriate starting age and shoe style.
Should I buy tap shoes a size up to allow for growth?
A small amount of growing room (around a thumb's width at the toe) is fine for younger children, but oversized shoes affect sound quality and can cause the child to trip or develop blisters. It's better to buy the correct fit and plan to replace shoes as your child's feet grow. Children's feet can change size every six to twelve months, so it's worth measuring before each purchase rather than assuming the same size applies.
Can my child wear their tap shoes outside?
Tap shoes should only be worn on appropriate dance surfaces and should not be worn outdoors. Walking on concrete or asphalt will wear down the tap plates quickly, damage the soles, and can scratch or mark studio floors. Encourage your child to change into and out of their tap shoes at the studio door.
How do I know when it's time to replace tap shoes?
It's time for a new pair when the shoes no longer fit properly, the tap plates are loose or damaged, the soles are worn through, or the structure of the shoe has broken down and no longer supports the foot. For growing children in regular classes, this may be every six to twelve months. Keeping a close eye on fit at the start of each new school term is a good habit to build.
