Jazz shoes and tap shoes look similar at first glance. Both are low-profile, snug-fitting, and made for studio floors. But they serve completely different purposes. Buying the wrong pair means your child will be uncomfortable, underprepared for class, or sent home to get the right one. This guide on jazz vs tap shoes for kids covers exactly what sets them apart, who needs what, and how to get the fit right the first time.
What Makes Jazz Shoes Different from Tap Shoes
Jazz shoes are built for flexibility and movement. The sole is split into two sections, one under the ball of the foot and one under the heel. This split-sole design allows the foot to arch and flex freely, which is essential for jazz technique, turns, leaps, and pointed footwork.
Most jazz shoes are made from leather or canvas with a suede or rubber sole patch. They grip the floor just enough to support turns without snagging. They are lightweight, form-fitting, and shaped to follow the natural contours of the foot.
If your child is starting jazz, contemporary, or lyrical classes, jazz shoes are what they need. Not sure which style of class your child is enrolled in? Our guide on choosing the right dance class for your child explains the difference between each style clearly.
What Makes Tap Shoes Different
Tap shoes have one defining feature: metal taps screwed into the sole at the toe and heel. These taps strike the floor to produce sound. That percussive sound is the entire point of tap dancing, so the shoe is built around producing it consistently and safely.
The sole on a tap shoe is full-length and firm, usually leather. It does not flex the way a jazz shoe does. The fit tends to be slightly more structured, similar to a sturdy oxford or Mary Jane style depending on the shoe.
Tap shoes come in lace-up and strap styles. For younger children, a Mary Jane strap is often easier to manage independently. Older students typically move to lace-up styles for a more secure fit during faster routines.
Tap shoes should never be worn on polished timber floors outside the studio without permission from your teacher. The taps will mark and scratch unsealed surfaces.
How to Get the Fit Right for Each Shoe
Fit matters differently for each shoe type.
For jazz shoes, the fit should be snug with minimal excess space at the toe. A thumb's width of room is too much. Jazz shoes are meant to feel like a second skin. If the shoe wrinkles at the arch or slides at the heel, size down. Canvas jazz shoes will stretch slightly with wear. Leather styles hold their shape longer.
For tap shoes, allow a small amount of growing room, roughly half a size. The rigid sole does not compress or flex, so a shoe that is too snug will cause discomfort quickly. The heel should sit firmly in place with no lift when the child walks. If the heel lifts, the taps will not strike the floor correctly and technique suffers.
Always measure both feet and fit to the larger foot. Children's feet can differ by half a size or more.
Sizing Tips by Age Group
- Toddlers and preschoolers (ages 3 to 5): prioritise a secure fit and easy fastenings. Velcro or Mary Jane straps work best at this age.
- Primary school age (ages 6 to 11): this is when split-sole jazz shoes become beneficial. Children this age have enough foot strength to use the flexibility properly.
- Tweens and teens: lace-up jazz shoes and lace-up tap shoes offer better support for more demanding choreography and longer class sessions.
Can One Shoe Work for Both Styles
No. Jazz shoes cannot produce tap sounds, and tap shoes do not flex enough for jazz technique. If your child is enrolled in both jazz and tap classes, they need both pairs. Many dance schools include both in their annual costume and uniform requirements.
The good news is that neither shoe is expensive compared to ballet pointe shoes or ballroom footwear. Buying both pairs at the start of the year is straightforward, and both styles are available in the same size run.
For a deeper look at how these shoes compare to contemporary footwear options, the article on jazz, tap and contemporary shoes covers each style in more detail, including when bare feet or foot thongs are appropriate.
Where to Shop Jazz and Tap Shoes in Australia
Getting the right shoe from the start saves you a second trip and a frustrated child. Browse our full range of jazz and tap shoes for children and adults, including split-sole canvas and leather jazz shoes, Mary Jane tap shoes for beginners, and lace-up tap styles for more advanced students.
If you are ordering online and unsure about sizing, check the size guide on each product page. You can also read our online buying guide for practical advice on measuring your child's feet at home and choosing between brands.
When in doubt, contact the studio first. Teachers usually specify the exact style and colour required before you purchase. Getting that confirmation saves time and avoids returns.
