7 Stylish Tap Shoes for Girls (2024)

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For any young girl who loves to dance, there’s nothing that compares to the excitement of getting her first pair of dance shoes. Tap shoes are a specific style made with harder soles, thicker heels and attached metal taps that make a hard-to-miss sound with every step.

They come in different silhouettes like classic Mary Janes and oxfords to suit different needs and experience levels. For example, security features like hook and loop straps or simple elastic straps are great for toddlers who may struggle with ties. No matter which style you choose, though, any pair should fit snugly on your tot and feature lightly padded insoles to keep her comfortable on her toes. Moreover, the upper is typically offered in leather, which is soft and durable, or polyurethane, a lightweight, synthetic leather that provides a glossy look.

When shopping for tap shoes, it’s important to find the correct fit for your little one. Make sure her pair doesn’t have too much extra space at the toe. If her shoes are too big, she could end up tapping on the sole rather than the metal plate, which would disrupt the sound. Shoes that are too large can also be a tripping hazard.

Additionally, while some tap plates can be adjusted to suit different preferences, tap shoes for beginners have pre-fixed plates that don’t require any fine-tuning.

Why Trust Our Recommendations

When researching quality tap shoes for youngsters, we looked to cult-favorite dancewear brands like Capezio and Bloch that have been go-tos for dancers for years. These styles include premium features like soft, breathable linings and targeted cushioning for comfort, as well as non-skid pads on the soles to guarantee steady footing. And since a glove-like feel is essential for tap dancers, every pair we selected is designed to offer a close fit without pinching the skin or squishing the toes. To achieve this, many of these pairs come with extra padding around the collar and Achilles and elastic straps for secure lockdown.

For shopping made easy, we’ve rounded up a range of styles ideal for tiny dancers.

Capezio Kids Jr. Tyette N625C Tap Shoes

Available in black patent leather, caramel PU leather or white PU leather, Capezio Kids’ Jr. Tyette N625C tap shoe features a grosgrain ribbon tie with an elastic strap underneath to hold the foot down. All colors are designed with a foam-padded footbed, collar and Achilles notch for extra comfort and a secure fit.

Key Features

• Features brushed microfiber lining and adorable star-print cotton sock lining
• Includes flexible outsoles with rubber non-skid pad
• A firm heel counter and lightweight toebox work together to offer a supportive fit
• Available in narrow, standard and wide width sizes

Take Note

• Cut wider

Bloch Kids Annie Tyette Tap Shoes

Also offered in multiple colors, these Bloch Kids Annie Tyette Tap Shoes come with non-slip pads on the outsole for traction. They also use a soft cashmere lining and padded insoles to ensure comfort and wick away moisture.

Key Features

• Bloch Techno tap plates are specially formulated from composite alloy to create a distinct and rich sound
• Features a soft Kashmir lining and padded footbed to help reduce moisture and increase comfort
• Elastic strap featuring a snap closure and tied ribbon allow for security and easy on/off
• The back has no seam lines, plus an extra piece of black leather to secure the foot and minimize chafing
• Available in narrow, standard and wide width sizes

Take Note

• Runs small

Dance Class Molly Jane Tap Shoes

Available in black patent leather or caramel faux leather, these Dance Class Molly Jane Tap Shoes offer a stable fit for entry-level tappers.

Key Features

• Lightly cushioned footbeds offer arch support
• Hook and loop strap makes for an adjustable fit that toddlers can manage on their own
• Flexible design

Take Note

• Sizing is a tad small

Freestyle by Danskin Girls’ Dance Shoes

Offering a similar look, Freestyle by Danskin’s Girls’ Dance Shoes have a glossy black patent leather upper and a soft, breathable lining. Aluminum tap plates on the heel and toes should provide quality sound.

Key Features

• Lightly padded underfoot
• Hook and loop closure promotes easy on/off for little ones
• Cushioned heel collars add comfort

Take Note

• Narrow fit

Leo Unisex-Child Jr. Beats Dance Shoe

Complete with pre-attached aluminum taps and a scored rubber pad behind the tap for traction, Leo’s Jr. Beats Dance Shoe are a good choice for toddlers. The style also has a removable elastic instep strap with a snap closure and grosgrain ribbon for a secure, classic look. In addition to black, it’s available in a matte tan version.

Key Features

• Includes padded insoles and heel collars for enhanced comfort
• Features a raised instep for arch support
• Toe box and heel counter should offer support and durability
• Offered in wide width sizes

Take Note

• Wider fit

Theatricals Child Easy Strap Tap Shoes

Another option offered in black and nude, Theatricals’ Child Easy Strap Tap Shoes also feature a rubber sole pad for stability and a padded heel collar to help prevent blisters and injuries to the Achilles tendon.

Key Features

• Includes cushioned insoles
• Hook and loop velcro closures allow for easy micro-adjustments
• Available in multiple widths

Take Note

• Run on the smaller side

Bloch Glitter Tap Dance Shoe

For an option with a bit more pizazz, you can’t go wrong with Bloch’s Glitter Tap featuring a sparkly black upper. What’s more, it includes a grosgrain ribbon that when tied in a bow, conceals a removable elastic strap.

Key Features

• Bloch Techno tap plates are specially formulated from composite alloy to create a distinct and rich sound
• Pro Balance rubber pads under the ball of the foot provide traction and stability
• Cushioned insoles absorb shock
• Seamless lining minimizes rubbing
• Additional piece of leather secures the heel

Take Note

• You may need to size up