| There are certain professions where the equipment | | | | Many parents also have questions about whether or |
| means everything. A musician needs a good | | | | not to get used tap shoes. Used shoes will |
| instrument, a golfer needs good clubs, and a tap | | | | typicallysave you 40-60% on the price, but make |
| dancer needs good tap shoes. After all, without tap | | | | absolutely sure that they are in good condition. Some |
| shoes there can be no tap. For children that are just | | | | dance schools will have used shoes for sale, as well |
| beginning their dancing career it often falls on the | | | | as the occasional pair that can be found at |
| parents to make the right choice of shoe for their | | | | consignment shops or the odd yard sale. Stay away |
| child. Making the right shoe choice is a very important | | | | from buying used shoes online- it is imperative that |
| decision, but there is no reason you can't get it right. | | | | you are able to try on the shoes before buying |
| 1. Comfort First | | | | them. With any used shoes make sure to check the |
| For children and beginners comfort should take | | | | heels and soles for any damage, and make sure that |
| priority. Have the staff at the store take | | | | the shoes have a good sound. A good shoe will only |
| measurements before trying any shoe on as well, | | | | be slightly broken in. We all know how fast a child's |
| this can make it much less of a guessing game. Tap | | | | feet can grow, and most used shoes are discarded |
| shoes should not be too tight or too loose- either | | | | because they were simply outgrown. If this is the |
| case can result in some painful blisters. You can tell | | | | case you might be able to find a steal, but it will be |
| the shoes are a good fit if they do not easily slide | | | | up to you to make absolutely sure that the shoes |
| off the foot and if your child is still able to move his | | | | are in good condition. |
| or her toes. It is important to have this extra "wiggle | | | | 3. Get a Tap Board |
| room" because a relaxed fit makes for a better | | | | Once the right choice has been made, you will need |
| sound. Oxford taps are usually a good, comfortable | | | | to prepare your house for your new dancer's |
| choice for a beginner. Stay away from more | | | | practicing (the easy part). Portable tap boards can |
| specialized shoes or those with heels, especially if | | | | typically be found for under $100. Stay away from |
| your child is just beginning tap. Test the shoes at the | | | | using plywood as a tap surface as it is not good for |
| store by checking for a good sound and comfort | | | | the joints and can cause splinters. Once these two |
| while dancing, and most importantly make sure to | | | | basic tools of the trade have been purchased your |
| ask your child if they feel comfortable in the shoes. | | | | child should be ready to begin their tap dancing |
| 2. Should You Buy Used Shoes? | | | | career. |