The Parts of a Tap Shoe

Article with information and descriptions of all the different parts of a tap shoe.

Tap Shoe Heels

Tap shoe heels are available in varying heights, typically from 1-1/4 inch "low and wide" rhythm tap heels to 3 inch "narrow and high" character (theatrical shoe) heels. More expensive shoes will usually have leather heels and inexpensive shoes will often have plastic heels. For information about tap dancing in flat shoes vs. tap dancing in high heels see the October 2010 Dance Spirit magazine Heels vs. Flats article.

Tap Shoe Boot Parts

- Front Section of the Boot
- Back Section of the Boot
- Tab at the Back of the Boot
- Sole of the Boot
- Toe Box (can be soft leather or stiffly reinforced)
- Top Line (top edge of the shoe, can be low or high)
- Closure (can be laces, ribbon ties, or a zipper)
- Upper (area above the sole)
- Tongue

Other Tap Shoe Parts

- Taps (metal plates on the soles of tap shoes)
- Laces (some tap shoes have shoe laces)
- Screws (for attaching taps to tap shoes)
- Ties (some tap shoes have ribbon ties)
- Non-Slip Pads (some tap shoes have non-lip pads on their soles)
- Stitching (some tap shoes have sitching patterns on their uppers)

Resources

Dancer Advantage "Deconstructing a Tap Shoe" Article

---

Tap Shoe Buying Guide

Portable Tap Practice Boards

Other Tap Dancing Products

All Tap Dancing Resources

---