The three most common styles of tap shoes are the tie tap shoe, Oxford tap shoes and strap tap shoes. Slip-on tap shoes and sneaker tap shoes are newer, less commonly used styles.
Tie tap shoes and Oxford tap shoes have low or slightly raised Cuban heels. Strap shoes range from low heels to 3-inch-high heels.
The common styles of tap shoes are typically made out of leather or polyurethane. Tie tap shoes and Oxford shoes are also offered in canvas materials.
Beginning tap dancers often start out with tie tap shoes because they are the least expensive. Oxford tap shoes offer better support during dance classes, while strap shoes look elegant when performing on stage.
Tap shoes include sets of taps on the toes and the heels. Common tap types include duotone, supertone and teletone.
National Tap Dance Day is on May 25. The date was chosen to honor the birth date of tap dancing great, Bill "Bojangles" Robinson.