Tap shoe with multiple fastening devices and method of providing a shoe that provides the look and feel of a laced and elastically retained shoe

Abstract

A tap shoe assembly is disclosed wherein both relatable elastic strap retaining means and alternative lace means are provided, so that the shoe can provide the look and feel of a laced tap shoe and elastically retained tap shoe.

1 . A tap shoe assembly comprising: a tap shoe having upstanding wings; snap means on each wing; and elastic strap with snaps thereon for mating with the snap means on the shoe and retaining the elastic strap therebetween to thereby provide a means for retaining the shoe on the foot of one wearing the shoe;
 a hole in each wing positioned below the snap means; and   a lace for insertion through the holes to provide a means for retaining the shoe on the foot of one wearing the shoe; whereby the shoe can provide the look and feel of a laced tap shoe and elastically retained tap shoe.   
   
   
       2 . The shoe of  claim 1  wherein the holes are positioned below the snaps, such that, when a shoe lace is threaded through the holes and tied, to provide a means for securing the shoe on the foot of the wearer of the shoe, the lace will cover the snap means. 
   
   
       3 . A method of providing in one shoe, the look and feel of a laced tap shoe and an elastically retained tap shoe, comprising the steps of providing a tap shoe having upstanding wings; providing snap means on each wing; providing an elastic strap with snaps thereon for mating with the snap means on the shoe and retaining the elastic strap therebetween to thereby provide a means for retaining the shoe on the foot of one wearing the shoe; providing a hole in each wing positioned below the snap means; and providing a lace for insertion through the holes to provide a means for retaining the shoe on the foot of one wearing the shoe. 
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 3  wherein the holes are positioned below the snaps, such that, when a shoe lace is threaded through the holes and tied, to provide a means for securing the shoe on the foot of the wearer of the shoe, the lace will cover the snap means.