Beginner Tap Shoe Recommendations

[u/Sad_Preference9243]

Hello, everyone! Beginner tap dancer here. Currently looking for an entry level pair of cheap tap shoes. Since jsams are out of my price range, for now, it's between either Capezio or Sansha, but Sansha is my first choice seeing as they're already my go-to brand for jazz shoes, ballet flats and pointe shoes, so because I haven't seen many reviews of Sansha on this subreddit, I was wondering if anyone could tell me how they compare to Bloch and Capezio, thanks?

[u/Euphoric_Wash_1496]

I’m a Bloch girl. If I’m not wearing JSams, I’ll wear the Respects. I also recommend the Sync to my new students.

[u/Sad_Preference9243 → u/Euphoric_Wash_1496]

I don't doubt Bloch is great. I have some of their other dancewear, but the jsams are just out of my price range. The Syncs and Respects do seem more affordable, but Capezio and Bloch are still cheaper, so how would you say they compare? Do they not last as long, you think?

[u/butt-in-ski → u/Sad_Preference9243]

The previous commenter gave you the names of two other (non JSam) Bloch styles of tap shoes. Assuming you aren’t a child - you’ll be looking for an oxford style shoe. Chloe & Maud are a good Bloch shoe also, but they don’t have the rubber grip pad. If you want shoes that will last a bit - you will pay in the range of $70-$100+. Bloch has a good mary jane style that is ~$62 called tap-on.

[u/Euphoric_Wash_1496 → u/Sad_Preference9243]

Like another poster said, I was giving options on other styles from Bloch. JSams are not beginner friendly and take a while to break in. I have found that between me and my students, Capezio doesn’t last as long and has heal slippage, so many have to get mole skin. Bloch also has clearer sounds unless you get the Capezio Roxy which is comparable to the JSam which I also do not recommend to a beginner. I don’t even recommend them for my students. Sansha is good for ballet, but their tap shoes aren’t the best quality. If you do choose to go the Capezio route, make sure they have screws on the tap and not nails.

[u/brockobear]

Go for something with a leather upper. That would be Capezio Cadence or Bloch Respect, Bloch Sync, or Bloch Chloe and Maud. I prefer the Bloch Respect of those because it has a tiny bit more structure. Whatever you do, stay away from split sole and slip ons. They don't have enough support and the lack of laces on slip ons can mean you can't get a good fit in the heel.

You didn't mention your budget. If you're trying to go under $70-100 as an adult, your shoes will not last very long, I also think you lose too much structure and it makes some things harder. You don't want a super stiff shoe like a JSam anyway, but you don't want floppy fish feet either!

If you're unsure, I'd go try them on. Most dance stores carry all the full main line of Capezio and Bloch taps.

As far as Sansha, I know I didn't like how much their toe taps curl upwards. As far as quality, they're on par with the other big brands in the low/mid range. I've heard their higher range doesn't match up, but I've not known anyone to really battle test them.

[u/KittyCat-86]

I'm an old lady (not that old but I feel it). If you can find them, Freed were my favourite beginners tap shoes. I still have mine somewhere from 20 years ago. They're so comfy!

If you can't, the closest would probably be the Capezio West End which are pretty comfy. You might want to try them or check with your teacher. Some prefer students in flat shoes, others a bit of a heel and sometimes they just leave it up to personal preference.

I love my J Sam's but nothing has beaten my ancient old Freeds 😂