If you are shopping for men’s tap shoes in size 9, first decide whether you mean your usual street-shoe size or a size you already wear in a particular tap-shoe model. Those are not necessarily the same. Start with an adult men’s model, confirm the sizing system and width, then choose the sole construction your class requires.
Two relevant options are the BLOCH S0301M Jazz Tap for a traditional full-sole design and the BLOCH S0388M Tap-Flex for a flexible split sole. Both have identifiable black, size-9 medium variants. The comparison below concerns construction and fit requirements, rather than a claim that either shoe will automatically fit every person who wears a men’s US 9.
Two size-9 models to compare
BLOCH S0301M Jazz Tap
The S0301M is a lace-up leather tap shoe with a full sole. BLOCH lists a one-inch heel, Techno toe and heel taps, a resonating board beneath the toe tap, a cushioned insole and a rubber balance pad under the forefoot. Its reinforced eyelets and heel and toe counters make it the more structured of these two designs.
BLOCH S0301M Jazz Tap, Black, Men's Listed Size 9 Medium, 1 Pair
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Start here if your instructor asks for a full-sole Oxford and this model meets the class requirements. The tradeoff is reduced arch flexibility compared with a split sole. The word “Jazz” in the model name does not mean it is an ordinary jazz shoe without taps. Confirm the complete S0301M model number when ordering. See the official Jazz Tap specifications.
BLOCH S0388M Tap-Flex
The S0388M uses a leather split sole and BLOCH Shockwave taps. Its construction includes a stacked leather heel, a firm heel counter, a rubber pad next to the forefoot tap and a notched rear collar. The split under the arch is the important functional difference: it allows more articulation than a continuous sole.
Consider it if you specifically want that flexible feel and your instructor permits a split sole. Do not assume a more flexible shoe is the required next step as you improve; many class and performance preferences are technique-specific. Check that the heel remains secure as the shoe bends. The official Tap-Flex page identifies the men’s S0388M; the women’s S0388L is a different sizing reference.
Why ordering “9” needs care
The Amazon variants above identify size 9 medium and match the manufacturer product barcodes. That verifies which products the links describe. It does not establish a universal conversion from street shoes.
There is a specific reason to seek sizing help for these models: BLOCH’s product-page fit advice says to choose two sizes below men’s street-shoe size, while the displayed men’s tap-and-stage conversion table maps US 9 to BLOCH 8.5. Those instructions do not produce the same starting size. Ask BLOCH or a dance-shoe fitter to confirm the correct labeled size for your measurements and intended retailer before ordering. Do not average the two recommendations.
A similar issue appears on the Capezio CG19 Cadence page: its headline and detailed men’s sizing advice differ by half a size. The CG19 is another leather Oxford with attached toe and heel taps, but a listing marked “9” should not be read as a guaranteed men’s street-size 9 fit. This is why the exact model and size system matter more than the search phrase.
Measure both feet before comparing charts
Capezio’s measuring guide recommends standing measurements at the end of the day and using the larger foot as your starting point. Measure in the socks or tights you intend to wear.
- Place paper on a hard floor against a wall and stand with your heel lightly against the wall.
- Mark the longest toe and measure from the wall to that mark.
- Repeat for the other foot and note the width across the widest forefoot area.
- Give those measurements, your usual street-shoe size and the precise model number to the fitter or retailer.
Width is a separate decision. “M” beside a shoe size commonly denotes medium width; it does not by itself confirm a men’s sizing system. Buying a longer shoe to solve a width problem may leave too much room at the toe or heel. If the medium variant squeezes the forefoot, ask about another width or a differently shaped model.
Check fit before marking the taps
The Capezio tap-fit guide describes a close fit with flat toes, a secure heel and no pinching. Your foot should move with the shoe instead of sliding inside it. Tightening the laces hard enough to hurt the instep is not a good substitute for the correct fit.
Try both shoes with normal class socks. Check the toe box while standing, gently bend through the forefoot and notice whether the heel lifts substantially. Toes should not curl or overlap. Do not rely on a painful shoe eventually stretching into the right size.
BLOCH recommends trying new tap shoes on carpet to avoid scratching the taps before deciding whether to keep them. Follow the actual seller’s return requirements. A clean indoor fit check is different from a rehearsal, and scratched taps can affect whether a return is accepted.
Choose for your class and floor
Ask the instructor about full versus split soles, color, heel style and whether taps must already be attached. A performance uniform may rule out an otherwise suitable shoe. Lace-up designs allow you to adjust pressure across the instep, but they still need the right length and width.
BLOCH’s tap-shoe guide explains that a full sole has continuous material underneath, whereas a split sole has a gap beneath the arch. It also recommends expert help with tap screws and speaking to the studio if a floor seems slippery. Avoid changing screw tightness or adding grip treatments without understanding the shoe and the studio’s rules.
When comparing sound, hear shoes on the same permitted floor if possible. A recording made in a different room cannot isolate the sound of the shoe from the surface, microphone and dancer. For a first pair, reliable fit and your instructor’s required construction should lead the purchase.
Frequently asked questions
Are men’s and women’s tap shoes interchangeable?
Some designs are sold for multiple groups, but the printed size and width can follow different charts. Use the model-specific fitting advice. Do not transfer a number from a women’s version to a men’s version without checking.
Do these shoes include the metal taps?
The two BLOCH models described here are specified with their respective toe and heel taps. Other character shoes may require separate taps and fitting, so check the complete product description rather than relying on appearance.
Can I use them as everyday shoes?
Keep them for appropriate dance use. Change into ordinary shoes for travel to class, and store the tap shoes so the metal plates do not scratch other belongings.
Which should I buy first?
If your class requires a full sole, investigate the S0301M. If split soles are permitted and you want more arch flexibility, compare the S0388M. For either, resolve the sizing discrepancy with a fitter before treating a linked size 9 as your size.
Image note: AI-generated generic editorial illustration; not a photograph of a named or tested product.
