Capezio Womens Freeform Ballet Dance Shoes - Caramel, 9 US Review
The Capezio womens Freeform Ballet dance shoes are designed for dancers who want versatility and comfort. Crafted from a combination of soft leather and stretch fabric, these shoes mold to your feet, providing a barely-there feeling akin to a second skin. Ideal for ballet, jazz, and modern dance, they offer a blend of style and functionality that meets the demands of various dance forms.
Featuring a pre-attached elastic strap, these shoes ensure that you stay secure while executing your movements. With roots dating back to 1871, when Salvatore Capezio opened his first shop, the brand has evolved into a leader in quality and technological innovation within the dance community.
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Features
- Begin 1 1/2 - 2 sizes up from street shoe size for women; men should begin 3 1/2 - 4 sizes up.
- Constructed with soft sheep skin glove leather, nylon, and Lycra spandex.
- Foam cushioned heel for additional comfort.
- Suede sole patches contoured and cushioned.
- Split-sole design with seamless, sculpted powermesh arch.
- Plush elastic topline prevents gapping while allowing for foot articulation.
- No drawstring or adjustment required.
- 5/8" one-sided plush elastic can be placed on heel or over the instep.
Pros
- Exceptional comfort and lightweight feel.
- Versatile design suitable for various dance styles.
- Quality materials that provide durability.
- Pre-attached elastic strap enhances fit.
- Innovative split-sole construction improves flexibility.
Cons
- May run slightly larger than expected, so sizing is crucial.
- Not ideal for outdoor use due to delicate materials.
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Product | Material | Sole Type | Design Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capezio Freeform | Leather and Spandex | Suede | Split-Sole, Plush Elastic Topline |
| Bloch Warm Up | Canvas and Leather | Leather | Ribbed Ankle Support |
| Sansha Pro 1 | Leather | Suede | Full Sole, Cotton Canvas Lining |
Detailed Review
When it comes to performance in dance footwear, the Capezio womens Freeform Ballet dance shoes excel at every level. Here’s a closer look at several key aspects:
Fit and Comfort: One of the standout features of these shoes is their ability to conform to your foot perfectly. The combination of leather and stretchy fabric offers an excellent fit, while the foam-cushioned heel provides added comfort, making them ideal for long rehearsal periods.
Design and Construction: The innovative split-sole design significantly enhances flexibility. This allows for a greater range of motion, essential for intricate dance moves. The plush elastic topline also ensures that the shoe stays snug against your foot without causing discomfort.
Versatility: Whether you're practicing ballet, jazz, or modern dance, these shoes prove to be incredibly versatile. They perform wonderfully across different styles, making them a great investment for dancers who engage in multiple disciplines.
Durability: Made with high-quality materials, you can expect these Capezio shoes to withstand regular use. The suede sole is not only durable but also provides the right amount of grip needed for smooth movements on stage.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 9/10 | Lightweight and form-fitting, perfect for extended wear. |
| Performance | 8.5/10 | Highly flexible and suitable for various dance styles. |
| Durability | 8/10 | Made with quality materials for prolonged use. |
| Value for Money | 8/10 | Good investment for multi-style dancers. |
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!