How to Care for Tap Shoes

Caring for tap shoes involves the same general maintenance that you would provide for regular shoes, as well as a concentration on the taps themselves. Tap shoe care should be accomplished every time you wear your tap shoes or periodically when not in regular use. By following a few simple care rules, your tap shoes can last for years and you won’t have to keep replacing them.

Keep the material clean. Washing the surface to remove any dirt or debris with a damp cloth and drying it will prevent foreign materials from damaging the shoe. You can also use leather cleaners or saddle soap to deep clean your shoes.

Make sure that the shoes remain dry. This is important, especially if your tap shoes are made of leather, because when the leather is damp, it will stretch. If the leather stretches, then the shoes will not fit correctly.

Examine the shoes on a regular basis to determine if repairs are needed. For example, if you begin to notice that the soles are thinning out, you will need to take them for repair before holes develop and you have to buy new shoes altogether.

Use protective insoles or baking soda sprinkled in the shoes to remove foot odors. Sprinkle baking soda in the shoes and let them sit overnight. Shake out the excess baking soda and wipe the shoes out with a cloth before you wear them.

Check the screws on the taps to ensure that they are not coming loose. Loose screws can cause taps to come off, create floor damage and can cause physical injury if part of the tap comes off during a dance. Tighten the screws with a screwdriver as needed.

Check the nails on the exterior and interior of the shoe. If they break or come loose, have them replaced immediately.

If the taps on your shoes are glued on, consistently check to make sure that they are secure and reglue as needed.