Capezio Women's Donatella, Petal Pink, 12 Wide Wide US Review
The Capezio Women's Donatella ballet shoe is designed for dancers who demand both performance and elegance. Made from luxurious petal pink satin, these shoes feature a three shank construction that provides essential support while allowing flexibility. The half skived design enhances comfort by reducing bulk underfoot, making them ideal for both beginners and advanced dancers.
Furthermore, the low crown sculpted arch coupled with a narrow and enhanced heel curve ensures a snug fit, which is crucial for achieving those perfect pirouettes and fouettés. With a cotton-backed rayon interior, these shoes maintain breathability while the plush rose-color anti-slip lining helps keep your foot securely in place.
Features
- Three shank construction for optimal support
- Half skived design for reduced bulk
- Low crown and sculpted arch for better fit
- Narrow heel curve for enhanced stability
- Elasticized binding with drawstring for adjustable fit
- Feathered full wing-box for lateral support
- Thin leather sole for increased floor contact
- Scored ribbon motif on the ball of the foot for traction
Pros
- Elegant design in petal pink satin
- Excellent arch support and comfort
- Secure fit with elasticized binding
- Lightweight and flexible for ease of movement
- Durable leather sole suitable for various surfaces
Cons
- May require breaking in for optimal comfort
- Narrow fit may not be suitable for wider feet
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Feature | Capezio Donatella | Bloch Dance Sonata | Sansha Pro 1 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sole Material | Leather | Suede | Canvas |
| Closure Type | Slip-On | Elastic Straps | Slip-On |
| Arch Support | Moderate | High | Moderate |
| Weight | Lightweight | Moderate | Lightweight |
Detailed Review
The Capezio Women's Donatella excels in providing a balance between style and functionality, making it a top choice among ballet dancers. The aesthetic appeal of the petal pink color adds a touch of elegance, while the technical specifications ensure comfort and support during performances.
In terms of fit, the moderate internal toe shape with a slightly tapered design allows for a comfortable yet secure feel. However, dancers with wider feet may find the fit somewhat restrictive. The low vamp and slight 'U' shaped throat enhance the visual line of the leg, flattering the arch beautifully.
Performance-wise, the feathered full wing-box offers lateral support, which is crucial when executing complex movements. The thin leather sole not only gives you an excellent connection to the floor but also helps you stand closer to it, improving your balance and control.
While the initial break-in period may require some patience, the overall experience in the Capezio Donatella makes it worth the effort. The secure platform and plush interior lining contribute to a delightful wearing experience, allowing you to focus on your performance without distractions.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 4.5/5 | Excellent cushioning with a snug fit. |
| Performance | 4.7/5 | Great support for turning and jumping. |
| Style | 5/5 | Elegantly designed; flattering on the foot. |
| Durability | 4.3/5 | High-quality materials with good longevity. |
User Reviews
I got these for my daughter who loves ballet and this is her favorite pair... the last longer and they don't go dead as fast like most shoes do... she does ballet for 4hour a day and the hold up and fit well
My daughter bought some cheaper off brand shoes and said they hurt her feet so we invested in name brand nicer ones and she says they are worse than the cheap ones.
There is nothing wrong with this shoe per se, it's just wrong for my foot type. For reference, I have narrow, Egyptian feet with slightly tapered, long toes, decent arches and insteps, flexible ankles, my street size is 6.5. I've worn Capezio Contempora 4.5B, RP Almaz 38 W2, and Bloch Axiom 4.5X all of which fit well. I thought I would try something new because these were a great price and pointe shoes are expensive. Unfortunately, I have to return them because they are slightly too short, the box is too wide, and the vamp is too low. I ordered a 7N. I would need a 7.5 double narrow with a higher vamp (which does not exist).On the plus size, I really like the look. I know a lot of people prefer the paler color of RP, but personally I like them a little darker because that better matches my skin tone. I also like the pleatless platform which is similar to RP Almaz. I've included a photo to show the difference in color between Russian Pointe Almaz, Capezio Contempora, and Bloch Axiom (the Donatella are the one on the top and the one on the left--they look smaller than they are because the heel is elastic). Left to right: Donatella, Almaz, Contempora, Axiom.
Its exactly what you are looking for
This shoe is beautifully designed, cut way down to fully showcase the dancer's foot. Wonderful for the dancer that needs a low vamp or soft shank. This is one of Capezio's softest (if not its' very) softest shank and probably would not work well as a class or rehearsal shoe, but is perfect for a performance or a situation where a shoe that breaks in quickly is desired. The Donatella #3, with its' harder shank, would work better as a class shoe. Neither shoe is suited for those with very flexible arches that break in shoes too quickly or those that require a lot of support from their shoe.