Hello! We have had some interest in starting clogging at our studio. I'm all for trying it, but I have no knowledge of what styles of clogging shoes are out there, and what is best. I don't even know where to start. I would LOVE to hear what kind of shoes you use!

Question... If you do not know the basics like what kind of shoes are out there, are you prepared to teach it? Do you have any experience? I would encourage you to bring in a professional.

Thanks for responding. I'm going to take classes this summer, going around to various workshops in and out of state. I've ordered about every DVD I can get my hands on. I also did it growing up for two years, but that was so long ago I'm sure there are newer styles out there than the ones we used then. I also have emailed several studios within a two hour drive to see about coming in, and haven't gotten responses. So I'm kinda going to be on my own on this one I think, which is why I'm going to as many workshops as I can get to. So I do feel I'll be prepared. It's just for basics, not for competition or anything. I'm up for the challenge! I have looked at many different shoe styles and just kinda wanted people's opinions on what ones they like, just like people do with tap shoes and jazz shoes, etc. Just wanted some opinions!

The number one beggining shoe is the Classic oxford clogging shoe. It is a basic shoe that comes in black or white. Its what 90 percent of all clogging students start with. When you order go ahead and order them with buck taps as they SHOULD last long enuf for them to get good enough to actually need to use them. Not to mention it help protect the toe of the shoe even when they are not doing buck. The actual shoe name is the Mr. Stomper or Ms. Stomper. Just make sure to check and re-check sizing because otherwise you could hurt their feet.

This is the Mr. stomper--- www.stevens-clogging.com . . .

And this is the Ms. Stomper--- www.stevens-clogging.com . . .

Thank you so much! I appreciate it!

No Problem. I think its great that you are going to tackle this. I had only been clogging for about 7 months when i started teaching my first classes and i did fine. The only thing i would suggest would be talk to another clogging teacher with some experience or a registered CSI and learn the teaching basics. Good luck!!

Kudos to you then for seeking some education! My greatest pet peeve is people who just up and decide to teach without any knowledge or experience. Good luck starting up classes and have fun!

I prefer split soles (www.totallytaps.com). They're like socks to me. All of my kids prefer them, too.

I had a student that had bad knees, and she just glued taps to the bottom of a pair of Keds.

I danced with a group for a while that liked taps on the bottoms of dance sneakers, but I personally didn't care for that (I just wanted a little more structure to my footwear then that). But I got a pair of dance sneakers that already had taps on them, and didn't care for those because they were too structured, and I couldn't get good sound. I guess I'm just hard to please.

So I go old school. White oxfords.