When it comes to dancing, whether you’re a professional or just someone who loves to move to the rhythm, having the right footwear is crucial. For tap dancers, the perfect pair of tap dance shoes can make all the difference in your performance. But how do you ensure you’re selecting the right size? This guide will take you through the steps of measuring your feet and finding the ideal fit for you.
The Importance of Properly Fitted Tap Dance Shoes
Before getting into the nitty-gritty of measuring your feet, it is important to understand why having the right size is crucial. Tap dancing requires precision, rhythm, and coordination, and all of this hinges on the connection between your feet and the floor. Ill-fitted shoes can lead to discomfort and blisters and even impact the quality of your dance routine. To ensure you dance your way to success, you have to focus on getting the right fit.
Measuring Your Feet
Getting accurate measurements of your feet is the first step in finding the perfect pair of tap dance shoes. Here’s how to do it:
In finding the perfect fit, measuring your feet is essential to select the right size. Find the perfect pair of footwear from Stridewise to complement with your style with comfort
Gather Your Supplies: Grab a piece of paper, a pencil, a ruler, and wear the socks you intend to dance in.
Trace Your Feet: Place one foot on the paper and trace its outline. Ensure the pencil is perpendicular to the paper and not angled inward or outward.
Measure Length and Width: Using the ruler, measure the length from the heel to the longest toe and the width at the widest part of your foot. These measurements will act as your reference when choosing the appropriate shoe size.
Choosing the Right Size
Now that you have your foot measurements, it’s time to find the perfect size. Remember that shoe sizing can vary between different brands and styles, so it’s essential to check the specific sizing chart for the brand you’re interested in.
Check the Brand’s Sizing Chart: Visit the website of the tap dance shoe brand you’re considering or refer to their sizing chart if you’re shopping in-store. Match your foot measurements to the chart to determine the corresponding shoe size.
Consider Comfort: While the sizing chart is an excellent starting point, comfort is paramount. If your measurements are in between two sizes, choose the larger one. It’s better to have extra room than shoes that are too tight.
Read Reviews: Online reviews from other dancers can provide valuable insights into the fit of a particular shoe model. Look for feedback on whether the shoes run true to size or if adjustments are needed.
Trying Them On and Testing Them Out
Once you have selected your potential shoes based on your measurements, it’s time to try them on and put them to the test. Here’s what to consider during this stage:
Try Both Shoes: Put on both shoes and stand up. Pay attention to any areas of discomfort, pinching, or rubbing. Walk around to get a feel for how they fit while in motion.
Toe Wiggle Room: Tap dance shoes should provide enough room for your toes to move comfortably. You don’t want them squished against the front of the shoe, as this can lead to discomfort and even foot issues.
Ankle and Arch Support: Check if the shoes offer adequate support for your ankles and arches. Proper support is essential for stability and preventing injuries during your dance routines.
Test the Taps: Try a few dance steps in your new shoes. This will show you how the taps feel against the floor and whether they provide the right amount of sound and resonance.
A Perfect Fit for Your Dance Journey
Finding the ideal pair of tap dance shoes might take a bit of trial and error, but the effort is well worth it. Remember, it’s not just about the right size; it’s about comfort, support, and enhancing your dance performance. By measuring your feet accurately, selecting the right size based on brand-specific charts, and testing the shoes thoroughly, you’ll be well on your way to tapping your way to success.
