Best Dance Shoes

I've been doing research on this and can't seem to find the best answers so I thought I'd propose the question to dancers who know and who use a variety of dance shoes. My question is simple:

What components are required for a durable, long lasting clogging shoes?

Some have told me the leather upper. Others have said an even seem. My questions are what type of leather is the best to use? Are certain clogging shoes better for toe stands? What about the clogging taps - do they make a difference on the durability of the shoe? I've seen the Steven's Stomper Buck Tap with the steel flange on the toe and have heard and seen from my own experience that the steel flange adds more sound and protects the toe of the shoe. But does that same steel flange limit balance and flexibility with certain advanced clogging steps?


If fellow cloggers, tap dancers, or other dance enthusiasts have comments or feedback, please let all of us know....thanks!