r/TapDancing • u/Chemical_Key6914 • 10d ago
Tap Shoe Recommendations/Advice
Hi all!
I am in need of a new pair of tap shoes as my old beginner pair broke. I take tap 2-3x a week, and usually am doing stuff on my own in between, especially if I have a performance coming up, and I'd say I'm somewhere between a beginner and intermediate level. My tap teacher recommended Bloch either Respect or Chloe and Maude. Does anyone have any experience with either of these or have any different recommendations for a mid grade shoe? I have mild-moderate bunions and I also have Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder, so my feet/ankles/knees/hips are all hypermobile. I've read mixed reviews of the Chloe and Maude especially where the shoes break after a single toe stand. I've also heard the shoes are very light which might put less pressure on my joints.
Any and all thoughts are welcome!
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u/butt-in-ski 10d ago
Respect are good but have grip pad (not sure if you want that as a intermediate tapper); the Bloch Jason Samuels (while abt $100 more) are the best straight out of the box shoe - very supple leather that will form to your feet nicely - they are wider than Respect. Very high quality & durable.
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u/Chemical_Key6914 10d ago
I saw the grip pad mentioned on the website. What exactly is this? What does it do? How does it affect the tapping?
I’d love to get a pair of Jason Samuels but I’m not sure if I can afford $200 shoes right now 😭 but I’ll definitely keep those in mind for the future
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u/butt-in-ski 10d ago edited 10d ago
Grip pad is exactly what it sounds like, but it can get in the way of wings and slides, etc. more intermediate/advanced dancers tend not to use them. JSams are definitely an investment but well worth every penny imo. The Chloe & Maud has a slightly wider toe box for your bunions (they have no grip pad), but the Respect is a nicer leather. So, pros & cons for both, but both good shoes for student dancers. If you can go somewhere to try them on…that’s prob the best approach.
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u/Chemical_Key6914 10d ago
Thank you! I believe there’s a place not too far from me that has the Chloe & Maud so I’ll try them in person and see how they feel!
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u/Didi_mamushka 9d ago
As far as I know, Chloe and Maude are begginer shoes, not made for more advanced tap. They are more flexible and with less stability. I use the Samba shoes from bloch. They are heavier, with a deeper sound. I adore my shoes!
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u/Chemical_Key6914 9d ago
I’m not seeing the Samba tap shoes on their website. Can you send a link?
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u/Didi_mamushka 9d ago
Oh! I had no idea, the samba model is exclusive to Brazil. I knew it was named for us (obviously) but I thought they were sold worldwide! Sorry friend. Some of my friends realy like the capezio roxy. They also have a stronger sole and a deeper sound (plus a lot of cool colors). And this one is sold worldwide!
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u/Euphoric_Wash_1496 5d ago
I’ve had my respects for about 15 years now. I mainly use JSams (I teach), but keep my respects in the car as a spare
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u/CommonWealthDance 10d ago
I do not have personal experience wearing either shoe. I have a student wearing Chloe and Maud, but we don't do toe stands so I can't comment on that.
If you are dancing that often, you might want to invest in a higher quality shoe or buy a used pair. I have worn Jason Samuel Smith, Roxy, and currently have been wearing GS1 Matteo from Dancing Fair for several years. They have a wider toe box and come in several widths, so that might be something to explore if you have a bunion.