Tap dancing is a popular and rhythmic form of dance that requires the perfect pair of shoes to produce the crisp sound intended by dancers. Choosing the right brand can significantly enhance the performance and comfort of a tap dancer, whether they're a beginner or professional. Among the myriad of options available, some brands stand out for their quality craftsmanship and innovative designs. Discover some of the best brands for tap shoes that dancers around the world trust in the list below.
Illustration of tap shoes
Best brands of tap shoes in 2025
Bloch
Bloch is a renowned Australian-based manufacturer that stands out as one of the best producers of tap shoes, offering a wide range of styles that ensure surreal sound, comfort, and stability. Founded by Jacob Bloch in 1932, the company has expanded its product line to include various types of dance shoes, with tap shoes featuring innovative technologies like steel resonance plates and flexible split-soles. Bloch's tap shoes, such as the Jason Samuels Smith Tap Shoe, are designed for both beginners and professionals, providing exceptional durability and sound quality. The global dance shoes market, in which Bloch is a key player, is expected to register a CAGR of 4.5% during the forecast period to 2030. With a strong presence in multiple regions, including North America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific, Bloch continues to be a leader in the dance footwear industry.
Capezio
Capezio, a brand with a rich 134-year history, is renowned for its high-quality tap shoes, catering to dancers of all levels. Founded by Salvatore Capezio in 1887, the company has evolved to include innovative products like the Shuffle Tap and Fluid Tap shoes, featuring advanced materials and designs such as Tele-Tone(r) toe and heel taps and flexible suede outsoles. Capezio's expansion into new categories, including athleisure, is driven by a global licensing agreement with GBG, aiming to capitalize on the growing $231 billion athleisure market by 2024. The brand's commitment to quality and comfort has made it a staple in the dance community, with products available through its online store and various retail partners. Capezio's adaptability during the pandemic, with a significant growth in e-commerce, further solidifies its position as a leading producer of dance shoes.
Miller & Ben
Miller & Ben is renowned as one of the top producers of tap shoes, known for their high-quality and world-class craftsmanship. Led by Avi Miller and Ofer Ben, the brand boasts a team of skilled cobblers and is headed by experienced tap dancers Jay T. Schramek and Kerry Gage. Their tap shoes are recognized for being stiff but delivering exceptional sound quality, making them a favorite among advanced dancers. With a global customer service and sales team based in Toronto, Canada, and four logistics centers across the US and Canada, Miller & Ben ensures prompt and reliable service worldwide. The brand has transitioned to an exclusive online model to serve customers globally.
So Danca
So Danca is renowned as one of the top producers of tap shoes, known for its high-quality and innovative designs that cater to both professional dancers and enthusiasts. The brand is part of a highly competitive dance shoes market, which is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.2% from 2024 to 2031, reaching a market size of USD 1.5 billion by 2031. So Danca's products are popular globally, particularly in regions like North America and Europe, where dance culture is robust. The brand's focus on product innovation and expanding distribution channels, including e-commerce, has enhanced its market penetration and customer reach. So Danca's commitment to quality and performance has made it a trusted name among dancers.
Jason Samuels Smith
Jason Samuels Smith, in collaboration with Bloch, has created a highly acclaimed line of tap shoes that stand out for their comfort, style, and exceptional sound quality. Developed over four years with meticulous research and testing, the Jason Samuels Smith Professional Tap Shoe SO313 is designed to meet the needs of today's tap dancers, offering a ready-to-use shoe with no long break-in time and optional rubber sole pieces. These shoes are known for their durability, with reinforced stitching to extend their lifespan, and are available in various colors including yellow gold, rose gold, and black patent leather. Priced under $200, they are an affordable and high-quality option for tap dancers of all levels. The shoes have received positive feedback for their sound and comfort, making them a favorite among many in the tap dance community.
Grishko
Grishko is renowned as one of the top producers of high-quality dance shoes, particularly excelling in pointe shoes rather than tap shoes. The brand offers 28 models of pointe shoes tailored to different foot types and dancer experiences, ensuring a perfect fit for each user. Grishko's products are handmade from natural materials, emphasizing comfort and foot health. While they are not specifically known for tap shoes, their expertise in ballet footwear is unmatched, with models like the Grishko 2007 and Dream Pointe being highly acclaimed. The global dancewear market, which includes dance shoes, is expected to reach $1.4 billion by 2028, with Grishko being a significant player in this growth.
Leo's Dancewear
Leo's Dancewear, now owned by Bloch, has a long-standing reputation as one of the best producers of tap shoes, with a history dating back to 1924. Known for their high-quality and durable products, Leo's tap shoes have been a favorite among dancers for decades. Despite the brand's acquisition by Bloch in the late 1990s, the quality and innovation of Leo's products have remained consistent, making them a staple in the dancewear industry. The brand's commitment to excellence is reflected in its continued popularity, even as the global dancewear market grows at a CAGR of 4.4% from 2021 to 2026. Leo's tap shoes are particularly praised for their optimum fit, comfort, and stability, making them a top choice for both professional and amateur dancers.
Sansha
Sansha is a renowned brand in the dance shoe industry, particularly excelling in the production of high-quality tap shoes. Known for their innovative designs and diverse range of materials, including leather, microfiber, and patent, Sansha caters to both professionals and beginners. Their tap shoes are part of a broader dance shoes market that is expected to grow at a 5.2% CAGR from 2024 to 2031, reaching a market size of USD 1.5 billion by 2031. Sansha's commitment to quality and customer satisfaction is evident in their extensive product lines, such as the T-MEGA and T-BROADWAY models, which are popular among dancers. The brand's strong presence in the market is further enhanced by its wide distribution channels, including e-commerce platforms.
Theatricals
Theatricals, though not explicitly mentioned, would ideally be recognized as a top producer for tap shoes if it aligns with the quality and market trends of leading brands like Capezio, Bloch, and LaDuca. These brands are known for their high-quality materials, flexible soles, and durable construction, which are essential for tap dancers. The dance shoe market, valued at USD 2.75 billion in 2023, is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5% from 2024 to 2031, indicating strong demand for specialized footwear like tap shoes. Brands that focus on comfort, fit, and durability are likely to dominate this market. For instance, Capezio and Bloch are popular choices among dancers, offering a wide range of styles and features that cater to both professional and amateur dancers. You can learn more about the best dance shoe brands here.
LaDuca
LaDuca Shoes is renowned as one of the best producers of tap shoes, particularly celebrated for their innovative and comfortable designs. Founded by Phil LaDuca in 2000, the brand has revolutionized the dance shoe industry with its flexible elastic gussets, allowing dancers to achieve a perfect point and long, sought-after lines with their legs. LaDuca shoes are handcrafted in Italy and have become a staple for professional dancers, including the Rockettes and Broadway performers. The brand's shoes, such as the Roxie Hard Sole Tap, offer great support and durability, making them a favorite among dancers. With flagship stores in New York City and London, LaDuca Shoes continue to set the standard for character and tap shoes. Explore their impressive collection of tap shoes on their official website.
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