Tap Shoes
So you've tried tap a few times and you're ready to take the plunge and buy a pair of tap shoes. Congratulations!
Unfortunately, I've yet to find a store locally that regularly sells adult tap shoes. (If you are aware of one, please let me know!) I have been told by a few lucky students that they've found tap shoes at Marden's or Goodwill. I've also seen adult taps listed on Facebook Marketplace for very reasonable prices, so if you don't mind used shoes, check it out!
The other way to buy shoes is online. I've had good luck buying on Amazon because they accept returns for clothing. (Just make sure that the item you're ordering is in fact eligible for returns!) Another online store that is reputable is Discount Dance Supply.
Beware that tap shoe sizing does not coincide with street shoe sizing! For example, I wear a 7.5 in regular shoes and an 8.5 in Bloch tap shoes, and an 8 in Capezios. Go figure. Check each company's sizing guide for best results. And check that return policy! As I mentioned, some brands to look for are Bloch and Capezio. There are others as well, but these are two I trust. Some are leather and some are plastic, and will be priced accordingly. It's just a matter of your preference and how much you want to spend. I do recommend finding shoes that have a rubber grip on the sole. Most of them come with it now, but you can have it put on by a cobbler if you find shoes that don't have it.
Good luck! Email me with any questions you run across.
Tap Practice Boards
A word about tap practice boards.
Tap practice boards are fancy, portable platforms to practice on. In my opinion, they're not necessary. I'm sure fancier people would tell you that there is some reason to spend a lot of money on one, but I couldn't tell you what that reason is.
It is, however, important that you have a safe surface if you want to tap at home. Wood flooring is easily scratched and tile can be slippery. Dancing on concrete surfaces is hard on the joints and you may find yourself in pain afterward!
I recommend buying a pre-cut piece of thick (3/4"), sanded plywood at a home improvement store instead. Anything in the 2'x4', 3'x3' range is adequate. Of course, bigger will give you more room, but you have to balance how much you're willing to lift every time you get it out!
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I put my plywood on top of a rug (one that won't slide -- add gripper tape under it if it moves around) when I practice. It's not slippery, it has a little "give" for your joints, and you can scratch it up as much as you want!
​Happy practicing!