Clogging is a percussive dance form. The sounds you make with your feet become part of the musical experience, so it is best to wear tap shoes for classes with the City Stompers. But if you don’t have taps yet, you can wear leather soled shoes. They should be comfortable, well fitting and low heeled. The sole should be smooth and not grip the floor, so running shoes and any other kind of rubber soled shoes would not be appropriate.

We have several pairs of tap shoes at the studio in various men’s and women’s sizes. If we happen to have your size, you are welcome to borrow shoes when you come to dance with us!

In addition to shoes, we recommend that you bring comfortable clothing (there’s a change room at the studio) and a water bottle so you can stay hydrated throughout class.

Here are a few stores in NYC where you can find tap shoes:

1. ✤On Stage Dance Wear
   

2. 197 Madison Avenue (between 34th & 35th)
   

3. New York, NY  10016
   

4. Tel: 866-725-1174
   
   

5. ✤Capezio
   1650 Broadway at 51st Street, 2nd Floor
   New York, NY 10019
   Tel: 212-245-2130
   
   

6. ✤Capezio
   201 Amsterdam Avenue at 69th Street
   New York, NY 10023
   Tel: 212-586-5140
   
   

7. ✤Capezio
   1651 Third Avenue
   3rd Floor
   New York, NY 10128
   Tel: 212-758-8833
   

1. ✤Capezio NYC at Peridance
   126 East 13th Street
   Lower Level
   New York, NY 10003
   Tel: 212-388-0876
   
   

2. ✤Sansha
   888 8th Avenue
   New York NY 10019
   Phone: 212-246-6212
   
   

3. ✤Freed of London
   44-01 21st Street
   Long Island City, NY  11101
   Phone: 718-729-7061

And here’s a blog post from Matthew Olwell of the Good Foot Dance Company on the subject of shoes for percussive dancers.