Capezio Women's Freeform Ballet Shoe, Caramel, 8 M US Review
The Capezio Women's Freeform Ballet Shoe is a remarkable choice for dancers seeking versatility and comfort across various styles, including ballet, jazz, and modern dance. Crafted from soft leather combined with stretch fabric, this shoe offers a barely-there feel that molds to your foot, making it feel more like a second skin than traditional footwear. Its design not only enhances performance but also ensures that you stay securely in place during practice or performances.
Dating back to 1871, when Salvatore Capezio opened his shop catering to dancers' needs, the brand has continuously innovated to maintain its reputation for quality. The Freeform shoe epitomizes this innovation with features such as a pre-attached elastic strap and a split-sole design which brings a new level of flexibility and comfort.
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Features
- Women: Begin 1 1/2 - 2 sizes up from street shoe size; Men: Begin 3 1/2 - 4 sizes up from street shoe size
- Constructed of soft leather and upper made with sheep skin glove leather, Nylon, and Lycra Spandex
- Foam cushioned heel for added comfort
- Suede sole patches contoured for flexibility and cushioning
- Seamless, sculpted powermesh arch allows for enhanced foot articulation
- Plush elastic topline maintains snug fit without gapping
- No drawstring or adjustment required
- 5/8" one-sided plush elastic can be placed on heel or over instep
Pros
- Exceptional comfort due to leather and stretch fabric construction
- Excellent flexibility from the split-sole design
- Secure fit with pre-attached elastic strap and plush elastic topline
- Versatile for multiple dance styles
- Machine washable for easy maintenance
Cons
- Sizes may run small; careful measurement recommended
- Limited color options may not appeal to all dancers
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Feature | Capezio Women's Freeform | Bloch Dance Suprima | Sansha Pro 1 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Leather and stretch fabric | Leather and canvas | Canvas and leather |
| Comfort | Highly cushioned | Moderately cushioned | Basic cushioning |
| Flexibility | Excellent split-sole design | Standard sole | Good flexibility |
| Care Instructions | Machine Wash | Hand wash only | Spot clean |
Detailed Review
The Capezio Women's Freeform Ballet Shoe stands out in the crowded market of dance shoes for several reasons. First and foremost is the exceptional comfort provided by its soft leather and stretchy materials. When you slide your feet into these shoes, you instantly feel the difference as they conform to your unique foot shape, providing both support and ease of movement.
The shoe features a split-sole design, which significantly enhances flexibility. This attribute is particularly important for dancers who need to articulate their feet and perform intricate movements. Furthermore, the pre-attached elastic strap adds an extra layer of security, ensuring that your shoes stay in place regardless of how vigorous your routine may be.
One of the biggest advantages of the Freeform shoe is its versatility. Whether you're practicing ballet techniques, performing in a jazz class, or exploring modern dance styles, these shoes are designed to keep up with your every move. Additionally, the machine washable feature makes them practical for regular use, allowing you to maintain hygiene without much hassle.
However, it's worth noting that some users find the sizing runs small, so it's advisable to order a size up. Also, while the caramel color is classic, those looking for bold or varied colors might feel limited.
In conclusion, the Capezio Women's Freeform Ballet Shoe is a worthy investment for any serious dancer. With a combination of comfort, flexibility, and a rich history backing the brand, you can trust these shoes to elevate your dancing experience.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 9/10 | Soft materials provide excellent comfort for extended wear. |
| Flexibility | 10/10 | Split-sole design allows for maximum foot articulation. |
| Fit | 8/10 | Most users recommend sizing up for the perfect fit. |
| Durability | 9/10 | High-quality materials ensure long-lasting use. |
| Versatility | 9/10 | Suitable for various dance styles, enhancing its overall value. |
User Reviews
I normally wear a 6 in flat shoes (like sneakers and sandals) and a 5.5 in heels (or fitted dress flats). I ordered a bunch of sizes ranging from 6-8.5 because of Amazon's free returns policy for shoes. Note that I'm not wearing these for any serious dancing but rather for some latin dance classes and practice at home. Here was my experience:* Size 7: started with this one, which was quite tight, so didn't bother trying on 6-6.5.* Size 7.5: felt like good fit overall. Fitted but not too loose. Won't slip off the heel. Slight gap between the edge of the elastic band in the front and the top of my foot, but doesn't affect the fit.* Size 8: more space for the toes, which is nice because the toenail doesn't poke at the leather as much. Clear gap between the edge of the elastic band in the front and the top of my foot...doesn't seem to affect the fit, but looks quite unsightly, especially if you are wearing a light color like the pink or tan ones (in black, it's not as obvious). Might slip off the heel, but when I pull the movable elastic band from the back to the front, there is a better fit and the heel does not seem like it will slip off (haven't danced in them long enough yet though).* Size 8.5: definitely too big.In general, I found the heel pad to not fit directly under my heel but a bit towards the front, which means you can feel the edge of the pad when you step down on your heel. Not sure how normal this is for dance shoes. At size 7, it felt quite strange. It got better as the size went up. Seems to feel ok enough at size 8.These are so cute that in the end, I'm keeping the pink one in size 7.5 (a light color looks better if more fitted) and the black one in size 8. I'll use one for home and one for class.Good luck!
I've read a number of reviews claiming that the shoes don't fit the heel well. Well, when I was researching these shoes I noticed that other sites' pictures showed them with an elastic strap across the top of the foot. This strap IS there, but I think many people don't realize that that strap can be brought forward - which is how I wear them. I have no heel slippage. They are very comfy and soft from the get-go. MUCH more comfortable than my Blochs. I am normally a size 6.5-7M. I ordered a 7.5M and they fit perfectly. I might have been able to get away with a 7 and stretched it out, but these hug as if I already have done so. I also really like the roundness of the toe box. My other shoes narrowed too much in the toe area and never quite stretched enough to accommodate my foot. Initially I ordered the wrong size and Amazon was very good with the exchange. There was no further cost to me, even in shipping back. Plus they over-nighted the new size for free. It wasn't straight forward to get the exchange, but once I found the customer service phone number it was super easy. Overall I'm very pleased and can't wait for my next class!
I recently purchased the Capezio Women's Freeform Jazz and Ballet Shoe, and overall, I am quite satisfied with my choice. These shoes offer a comfortable and versatile option for dancers who engage in both jazz and ballet, providing a solid performance in various settings.One of the standout features of these shoes is their flexibility. The Freeform design lives up to its name, allowing for a wide range of movement. This flexibility is particularly advantageous when transitioning between ballet and jazz techniques. I appreciate the freedom these shoes provide during intricate footwork and leaps.The leather construction of the shoe offers durability and longevity. The material holds up well to regular use, making them a reliable choice for both rehearsals and performances. The split sole design contributes to the overall flexibility, giving a good balance between support and mobility.The Capezio Women's Freeform Jazz and Ballet Shoe also provides adequate arch support. This feature is crucial for dancers who spend extended periods on their feet, helping to prevent fatigue and discomfort during long rehearsals. The cushioning is sufficient without compromising the feel of the floor, striking a good balance between comfort and connection with the dance surface.While the shoes generally fit well, some dancers may find that sizing can be a bit tricky. It's advisable to try them on before purchasing, as individual preferences for fit can vary. Additionally, the elasticized binding may take some time to break in, so dancers should be prepared for a brief adjustment period.In conclusion, the Capezio Women's Freeform Jazz and Ballet Shoe is a solid choice for dancers seeking a versatile and comfortable option for both jazz and ballet. The flexibility, durability, and arch support make them a reliable companion in the studio. Despite minor considerations like sizing and break-in time, these shoes deliver a satisfactory performance, earning them a solid four-star rating in my book.
Very well made. Snug yet comfortable.
My 9 year old daughter wears a size 2 in Nike and most other shoe brands. So far we’ve exchanged for a larger size 3 times! Originally I got a size 4 with the understanding that it runs small (based on reviews). That pair couldn’t even reach her toes. So I exchanged for a size 6, which was crazy to me. It came and barely fit - her toes were jammed in there. Now, we are waiting for another exchange to a size 7. It’s very frustrating and misleading when a child who wears a size 2 shoe can’t fit into a size 6 women’s ballet shoes! Will report back if the 7 fits or if we end up exchanging for a fourth time!