soft-shoe

American  

[sawft-shoo, soft-] / ˈsɔftˈʃu, ˈsɒft- /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characteristic of tap dancing done in soft-soled shoes, without taps.

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soft-shoe British  

noun

1. (modifier) relating to a type of tap dancing performed wearing soft-soled shoes

   the soft-shoe shuffle

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Etymology

Origin of soft-shoe

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

Hersch, for his part, plays light-spirited stride with a soft-shoe touch, as well as rumbling-and-twinkling patches where his hands work as far apart as possible in the bass and treble extremities of the keyboard.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 4, 2023

So Davis taunted Sinatra with the chorus of “Anything You Can Do,” prompting escalating displays of one-upmanship, like spreading salt on the floor for a soft-shoe shuffle.

From New York Times • Sep. 25, 2019

Add in the oft-repeated, loving re-creation of their saloon-steps soft-shoe from “Way Out West,” and the extent of Laurel and Hardy’s infectious, engaging talent is undeniable.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 27, 2018

One moment he was back helping to defend, the next performing a soft-shoe shuffle to create space for a shot.

From The Guardian • Nov. 1, 2018

Les and Bessie did a lovely soft-shoe on sand swiped by Boo Boo from the urn in the lobby.

From "Franny and Zooey" by J. D. Salinger