Split Sole Versus Full Sole, which is better?
When it comes to picking tap shoes, you can almost often find yourself asking this question. “Should I buy split sole or full sole tap shoes?”
A lot of people think that buying full sole tap shoes is better, as it gives support to your foot and has a richer sound.
Others think that purchasing a pair of split-sole shoes are easier on your feet and are better for developing skills.
Let's take a look at the pros and cons of each style.
(But before you do, check in with your dance teacher/studio on what style you should get or what they prefer!)
Full Sole/Hard sole tap shoe:
Full sole:
In a full sole tap shoe, you can be provided with many benefits.
Material wise, they are usually better quality then a split sole shoe. The leather/top material of a shoe tends to last longer and provide a little more protection for your toes. This can help to avoid hurting your toes when performing steps like wings. The heel is sturdier and taller. It is usually made of better quality than a split sole and can make a louder sound. With a full sole, you can get maximum support for your feet. This can help with performing steps like toe stands without hurting your feet and putting strain on your ankles. Also, since you are given more support, it is a lot easier to do more advanced steps. Full sole shoes can come with higher quality taps (metal part on bottom) thus having crisper/louder sounds.
Whilst there are benefits, there are also disadvantages to a full-sole tap shoe.
Full-sole tap shoes tend to be more expensive than a split sole one, ranging from 200-600 USD. Since there is a lot of build up in a full sole tap shoe, it is less flexible. This could eventually put a toll on your feet. If you are looking for a more flexible and bendy shoe, a full sole one is not for you. It is very rigid and quite heavy. This can become an issue when dancing for long periods of time. Many people have a difficult time with being consistent in dancing with these shoes as they are not used to them being so heavy. For full sole tap shoes, there is a break in period. A break in period is the time you first start wearing the shoe to the time where you feel comfortable in them. A lot of full sole tap shoes have a break in period and they can vary from shoe to shoe. Full sole tends to be much tighter than a split sole shoe. This can be either a pro or con depending on your preferences.
Key Points for Full Sole: Pros
Better quality material
Last longer
Sturdier Heel
Provide more protection for toes/feet
Less strain on ankles/feet
More support
Easier to do more advanced steps
Louder/crisper sounds
Cons:
Costly
Not as easy on your feet
Heavier
Rigid
Break-in period
Tight
Split Sole:
In a split sole tap shoe, there are many benefits.
Material-wise, the materials are quite thin. This can be beneficial as it is also flexible, allowing your feet to move in various ways. The flexible material also allows for expressiveness as you can move more. The shoe also goes easier on your feet because there is no sole. You can have less stress and pressure on your feet. It is a lot more comfortable than a full-sole shoe. Having a split sole allows you to get better at your ability to perform basic skills and techniques. These are also a lot cheaper than a full-sole shoe.
On the contrary, there are some flaws.
The one major downside with a split sole is that there is no sole (which is the same reason that we love this!) Some dancers prefer a full sole for better support of the feet and better quality. The thin material can also hurt your toes if you are not careful enough. This type of shoe is also less sturdier.
Pros:
Thin material (Breathable)
Flexible
Expressiveness
Less stress on feet
More practice with skills
Comfortable
Cheaper
Cons:
Thin Material (hurt)
Not enough support
Less sturdier
Lesser quality than full sole
Before you go to buy a tap shoe, please think considerably about your needs!
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