Do you remember the taps you heard on the pavement as a child when someone was coming your way? Tap shoes are a great instrument that allows you to tap to the rhythm of any song. And, it’s a great way to get children involved in dancing and exercise early on in their lives.
If you’ve ever wondered what type of tap shoes are the best for children, you’ve come to the right place:
I’ve put together a list of all the best tap shoes for children and toddlers for you to browse through.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Capezio Toddler/Little Kid Jr.Tyette N625C Tap Shoe | Best Overall |  |
| Theatricals Child Neoprene Insert Tap Shoes T9100C | Budget Pick |  |
| Capezio Tic Tap Toe Ballet Shoe | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. Capezio Toddler/Little Kid Jr.Tyette N625C Tap Shoe
Pros:
- Ideal for kids from 2 to 10 years of age
- Lightweight and durable
- Plastic taps and crossed straps
- Extra padding on the heel and tongue
- Easy-to-remove front strap for break-in time
- Available in various colors
- Lots of sizes – youth 2-10
- Handcrafted
Cons:
- The toe blisters easy
- Plastic taps are prone to damage
- Rubber can wear out
- Not the best for adults
When I was a little girl I spent a lot of time dancing in my tap shoes as part of my children’s ballet class at the community center. When I learned how to perform basic steps to popular songs, it won me over and I instantly fell in love with tap dancing.
When I was in sixth grade my grandmother gave me a pair of Capezio Tap Shoes, and I was so fascinated that I often practiced in my bedroom and sometimes went to the community center for practices with my friends.
It seemed like a lifetime, but fifteen years after my first pair, I decided to get some Capezio Tap shoes for my daughter to introduce her to my favorite hobby that had become a passion of mine.
2. Theatricals Child Easy Strap Tap Shoes T9050C
Pros:
- Available in a wide variety of vibrant colors
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Easy to clean
- Good price for the quality
Cons:
- Dried glue may fall on the toe and heel
- Sizing runs large
If you’re looking for an affordable pair of easy-to-wear tap shoes to help your child take his or her first steps in musical theater, then the Child Easy Strap Tap Shoes from Theatricals are your best pick.
These shoes come with a cloth upper and a rubber sole that will allow your kid to develop a strong foundation in tap and rhythm while developing coordination and strength. With a flexible leather upper that’s easy to put on, these shoes will also allow your child to perform to the best of his/her ability even without a lot of practice.
If you’re concert ready for tap show time, these shoes are also available in adult sizes, so you don’t have to stop tap lessons just because you’re growing too old for them! The canvas upper is also machine-washable, so accidents can be cleaned up easily, and your daughter won’t be too embarrassed to practice her tap routine in front of her friends.
3. Capezio Tic Tap Toe Ballet Shoe
Pros:
- Comes with grip treads on sole
- Nylon or leather upper
- Sleek looking
- Comfortable for both boys and girls
- Ideal for both adults and youngsters
- Excellent value for money
- Good for spinning too
- Great for both beginners and experienced kids
- Capezio is a reputable brand
The Capezio Tic Tap Toe shoe is ideal if you are looking for a great deal. It is comfortable, affordable, and a perfect fit for kids with different foot sizes.
They may be slightly chunkier as compared to adult shoes, but they are secured with laces at the front and come with a smooth sole. They are also ideal for spinning as you can feel a slight grip over the sole while using them.
Overall, these shoes are ideal for kids getting into tap dancing. They may not be the best shoes for professional dancers or by professionals, but they suit your needs as a parent and help you spend more time with your kids.
4. Bloch Dance Girl's Merry Jane Tap Shoe
Pros:
- Affordable
- Comfortable and easy to use
The first pick of the best tap shoes for children and toddlers has got to be Bloch's Merry Jane Tap. This shoe was specifically designed to fit children perfectly and safely for high energy dance performances. The high-traction sole features a molded heel cup, full toe box, and flexible canvas upper to help your child stay stable and not trip and fall or hurt their feet. The shoes are also designed to fit snugly on your child's feet so that their toes can move freely as they dance without being caught or tripped by the shoe.
These shoes are available in three different colors to accommodate your child's preferences: black, pink, or white. And while these tap shoes are specifically designed for children and toddlers, they are a great choice for any beginning dancer. Bloch's company has been making shoes for dancers for over 90 years, so it is no wonder that they have created such a high-quality tap shoe that will grow with your child!
5. Theatricals Child Neoprene Insert Tap Shoes T9100C
Pros:
- Sized for toddlers
- Ideal for toddlers and children
- Comfortable fit
- Slip-resistant bottom
- Easy to clean
- Sturdy
- Ideal for ballroom, jazz, tap, and modern dance
- Excellent quality
- Breathable
- Durable
Our best pick for toddler tap shoes are the Theatricals 9100s. They’re adjustable and sized for kids from 4 to 6 years old that are learning to dance. They’re also well-priced for toddlers and children learning how to tap.
The New Vici-Flex sole of these shoes makes them flexible, durable, and lightweight, leaving your kids with a sense of freedom while they wear them. Their slip resistance makes them ideal for tap, ballroom, and other dancing performances.
The breathability of the leather toe patch and lining keeps your child’s feet cool and comfortable. The tap shoe itself is a bit stiff and can pinch the toes in the beginning. This is extremely common with most tap shoes, and will soften up over time, depending on the way they’re used.
6. Dance Class Mary Jane Tap Shoe
Pros:
- Made of eco-friendly materials
- Good value for money
- Available in different colors
- Practical design
Tap shoes are an essential accessory for people who want to perfect their tap-dance skills. Made of wood or plastic, tap shoes enable the dancer to produce a drumming sound when the shoes are tapped together.
These tap dance shoes have a practical design, which helps your kid master fine art skills in a fun way. Dance Class is well known for its creativity in crafting excellent and practical stuff for budding dancers, and these shoes are no exception.
The Black Diamond material looks great and is extremely functional. The shoes are comfortable and the arch support is very good. Plus, the soles are resistant and thick, so they last longer.
7. American Ballet Theatre
Pros:
- Cracked glass-like finish
- Stylish color options
- Great design
These slipper-like Mary Jane tap shoes just go with any first outfit. The cracked-glass-like finish of the shoes coupled with their stylish color options make these shoes eye-catching. The shoes are made for dancing, but they're also ideal for any school-themed costume.
They're easy for little girls to put on and will go with any school outfit, while the added strap around the heel will ensure that they stay on your kids feet during any fun princess dancing session. The shoes are comfortable and have padding in the sole. The thin elastics will help to eliminate pressure on your little kid's feet during a performance.
My favorite part about these shoes is their comfortable design. The sole is elasticated and they feel snug like ballet flats.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which tap shoes are the best?
Well, there are two major types of tap shoes and they each have their own usefulness. The first type is a full-foot shoe that covers the entire foot and taps up on the heel as well as on the ball of the foot. These are useful when the tapping needs to be evenly distributed. Even weight distribution allows for better balance and stability during a performance. You can also get a variety of colors, styles, and decorations of these shoes.
What are the best tap shoes for beginners?
If you’re just getting started with tap, it’s important to get quality tap shoes that will fit well and last you a long time. So you’ll want to look for something with a sturdy grip and a thicker sole, maybe with some traction to prevent slipping.
Our top pick is the Capezio Kids P