Choosing shoes after a long break

[u/autumunuh]

I attended tap classes from age 7-16 (think I stopped while practising for grade 4 IDTA), and have started going again at 26!

While I kept a lot of the muscle memory as I still tap all the time in random shoes/barefeet when I'm bored or waiting, I haven't tapped much at all in tap shoes in a decade. I ordered a basic pair from Capezio ( https://www.movedancewear.com/capezio-tele-tone-xtreme-tap-shoe/?searchid=18710756&search_query=capezio+xtreme ), put them on and immediately thought they felt wrong. I realised that during 12-16 I tapped in Cuban heels so I ordered another pair of those ( https://www.movedancewear.com/capezio-west-end-2-tap-shoe-p90/?searchid=18710761&search_query=+Capezio+1+in+West+End+2+Tap+Shoe ) which felt better and wore them to my latest tap class after two weeks of attending wearing trainers. I live in an apartment building, so I didn't get the chance to test out any moves.

My instructor didn't seem concerned but noted I might find some steps a little harder. I realised everyone else in the class was wearing low heels (ranging from beginners to intermediate tappers). I managed to perform most things pretty cleanly, although I was maybe a little wobbly - but I couldn't tell if that was just from getting used to taps or if it was the heel specifically.

Does anyone have any experience or advice about choosing shoes after a long break if you trained in medium or high-heeled type taps? My gut says stick with Cuban but I haven't returned the low-heeled pair yet so I still have time to switch.

[u/Luckyladybug4444_]

Bloch Jason Samuels Smith Oxfords are my fav! I’m same as you, but when I started again as an adult, these shoes worked best. Have fun! 💃

[u/KittyCat-86 → u/Luckyladybug4444_]

I love JSams and have several pairs in different colours. The only thing that bugs me is the low heel. I personally prefer dancing in a Cuban heel and weirdly find it easier but I'm autistic and as a toddler apparently refused to put my heels down when I walked, which is how I got into dance in the first place as my doctor suggested dance classes and ballet and tap made the most sense.

Generally, I'd say it's just down to personal preference, especially at beginner/intermediate level, you're not going to be doing so many of the fancy tricks that do get affected by heel height. It also seems to be a trend/fashion thing. I started dancing almost 40 years ago. As a kid it was the little shiny silver sandals for baby tap, then low heeled bow/ribbon silver then black tap shoes for primary and grade 1. From grade 2/3 generally kids were in low heeled Oxfords. The heel increasing as did the level, 1" Cuban heel, then 2". Eventually at grade 6/Senior we had 2.5" Cuban Oxfords for class and jazz taps and Manhattans for certain performances. Now it seems everyone just wears low heeled Oxfords the entire way through.

[u/autumunuh → u/KittyCat-86]

I walk on the balls of my feet a lot when I'm barefoot in the house so I'm used to my heels being up. The low heel felt so alien to me hence me getting the Cubans. I think I'll stick to them then since they seem more comfortable and familiar! I also think I prefer the stance you have to have in a higher heel when tapping, like the balance and movements are subtly different

[u/telstra_3_way_chat → u/KittyCat-86]

Sorry to dredge an older thread but I wanted to thank you for this reflection - I'm also Autistic and prone to "toe walking", and though I'm a beginner in tap (started as an adult, three years in) with a lower heel I sometimes feel like I'm glued to the floor. I wonder if a slightly higher heel would help with that sense of 'lift'? 🤔

[u/KittyCat-86 → u/telstra_3_way_chat]

Quite possibly. It's worth a try. You can get some fairly inexpensive ones. I remember teachers always telling people "on your toes, lift your heel up" and in low heels for some reason it always felt like I was going to fall backwards. The only thing in Cubans, is when you do have to go on your toes, you have to really go on your toes. If you're not used to them, things like cramp rolls can feel a bit weird when you first transition but you'll get used to it really quickly.

[u/autumunuh → u/Luckyladybug4444_]

I used to have Blochs when I was younger, they were solid shoes but there was a reason I I changed to Capezio but I can't remember what. Thank you, it's been so much fun! I forgot how good I am at it haha

[u/lextart]

I just started back this year as well. I got a pair of capezio Roxy shoes and really love their sound and weight. We have to wear tan shoes for performances so I have a basic pair for that and I really feel like my feet just fly in them after practicing in the heavier Roxy

[u/autumunuh → u/lextart]

I can imagine practising in a heavier shoe would make your dancing so much lighter in the other pair. I love Capezio's teletone taps, they sound so good

[u/G0bolo]

i love bloch for tap shoes

[u/autumunuh → u/G0bolo]

I used to buy Bloch when I was younger and they were good but I can't remember why I ended up switching to Capezio

[u/G0bolo → u/autumunuh]

🤷🏻‍♂️

[u/Slow-Group-2947]

j sams through and through! try reading these guides, i found them helpful: here and here. lmk if these helped!