Capezio Women's Jr. Footlight Tap Shoe Review
The Capezio Women's Jr. Footlight Tap Shoe in Caramel is a beautifully designed shoe that combines tradition with modern innovation, making it an ideal choice for performers and aspiring dancers alike. With its non-slip leather-wrapped heel and top lift, this shoe provides exceptional stability and a larger strike zone, ensuring you feel secure even during the most intense dance routines.
The soft microfiber lining effectively wicks moisture away, keeping your feet dry and comfortable. Additionally, the padded insole adds another layer of comfort, providing support that is essential for long hours of dancing. The shoe's slim buckle closure ensures that it stays firmly in place, eliminating any concerns of slipping during warm-ups or performances.
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Features
- This shoe runs a half size smaller than street shoe size
- Moisture-absorbing brushed microfiber lining
- Padded insole for enhanced comfort
- Scored leather sole with scored rubber sole patch for better traction
- Fully covered heel to prevent damage and improve aesthetics
Pros
- Exceptional comfort and support for dancers
- Sturdy construction with quality materials
- Stylish design suitable for various performances
- Great traction and stability
- Easy to maintain with machine wash instructions
Cons
- May run small; consider ordering a half size up
- Leather may require some break-in time for optimal fit
- Not suitable for beginners who require extra support
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Feature | Capezio Jr. Footlight | Bloch Tap Shoe | Sansha Tap Shoe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | 100% Leather | Canvas and Leather | Leather |
| Padded Insole | Yes | No | Yes |
| Moisture-Wicking | Yes | No | No |
| Heel Type | Mid-cut | Low-cut | High-cut |
Detailed Review
The Capezio Women's Jr. Footlight Tap Shoe stands out in the crowded market of dance footwear. The shoe's traditional buckle closure not only adds to its classic appeal but also allows for a customized fitting that many dancers appreciate. The mid-cut heel strikes a perfect balance—not too high to hinder performance, yet enough to provide a graceful aesthetic.
When it comes to comfort, this shoe excels due to its thoughtfully padded insole and moisture-wicking properties. You will find that whether you're practicing at the studio or taking the stage, the insole's cushioning supports your arches and keeps you light on your feet, reducing fatigue over time.
In terms of aesthetics, the Caramel color offers versatility, easily pairing with various costumes and performance outfits. However, potential buyers should be aware that the sizing tends to run a half size smaller, which is crucial for achieving the right fit. This can be a minor inconvenience, but once adjusted, the shoe proves to be a worthy investment for serious dancers.
Overall, the Capezio Women's Jr. Footlight Tap Shoe delivers on both performance and style, making it a top contender for anyone serious about tap dancing.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 9/10 | Excellent padding and support for extended use |
| Durability | 8/10 | High-quality materials ensure longevity |
| Performance | 9/10 | Exceptional stability and grip for tapping |
| Style | 8/10 | Aesthetic design suitable for performances |
| Value for Money | 7/10 | Quality justifies price, though sizing can be tricky |
User Reviews
I love these tap shoes! I ordered a half-size larger than my normal shoe size, based on other reviewer's comments, and they fit great. The sound is crystal clear, the entire shoe feels well-made, and the strap fits snuggly across my foot. I started wearing them for several hours at a time as soon as I got them - they are incredibly comfortable. One reviewer mentioned a problem with "toe-cleavage", and another reviewer said the caramel color was strange. I didn't have either of these problems. Some of the other ladies in my tap class went with other styles/brands, and they had problems with "toe-cleavage", strange shades of caramel, straps breaking after hours of practice, and straps that weren't as comfortable. I spent several weeks reviewing tap shoes (I even researched the expensive brand that the Rockettes wear), and I settled on these because they were the entire package of price, comfort, style, and sound. Until I can afford the style that the Rockettes wear, I'll be wearing these.
Based on reviews, I ordered half a size up from street size. NOPE. Ladies should order regular size. These were a little too loose and I returned. My fault. Shoe is a good shoe.
I had great toe surgery 6 years ago and never thought I would be able to wear 1 1/2 heel taps again but these are so comfortable with a roomy toe box for my limited movement great toe. So happy I tried them. I’ve danced for a few hours already, toe joint is a little sore but better than I expected. Can’t wait until they are fully broken in. I wear a size 8 1/2 to 9 walking shoe so I took a chance and ordered size 9 M and they fit like a glove. I have a regular to narrow foot.
This run large had to return due to that. Seemed quality made and comfortable.
My daughter wore these twice for her tap class and the heel broke. So frustrating!
Got these character tap shoes hoping they would be similar in style to my Capezio character shoes. They are very different both in fit and color. I ordered a 1/2 size up per the recommendation on the website and as I had with the Capezio character shoes. At first when I tried on the shoes, I thought they were way too big. The part of the shoes that goes over the top of your toes/front of foot is very low-cut and gapes open in a strange way. After almost returning them, I tried them again and realized that they fit the rest of my foot fine. The fit is very different from the regular character shoe, but sizing up a 1/2 size seems to be accurate. The tan color is also different from tan in Capezio's character shoes. It's a dark tan and not as attractive as the other tan. But overall, the shoes are working out fine. They are quite comfortable. A friend of mine bought the So Danca character taps and they look much more like the standard tan Capezio character shoe, both in fit and color. Wish I had tried those first, but I'll stick with these ones.
I am a 51 yr old in musicals and needed good shoes for the stage and tap. Bought his product in the wide size to fit my feet, and also bought larger since the stage I work on is raked. This larger size helps keep my toes from jamming into the toe of the shoe. Without the raked stage I am fine with the size 8.5, for raked stage I bought size 9.5. I also bought the character shoes and love them too. I recommend spending extra and getting the leather shoe as it conforms to your foot and is more comfortable in the long run than getting the synthetic shoe.
These shoes are soooo cute!!! i couldn't wait to get them, cuz these are my first pair. they arrived alot earlier then i expected, too! i normally wear either size 8 to 8 1/2, and the sizing info was so confusing i wasn't sure what size to order. so i ordered size 8, just to be sure. when i got them i tried them on, and at first thought that they were too small, but after walking around in them for a little bit and getting my family's opinion, i realized that i wouldn't want any them bigger! the sizing info is so weird, you just have to guess and hope that you get the right size. but i would not recommend getting bigger than your original size shoe. the taps seemed a little bit quieter than other tap shoes i've heard, but i think that is bcuz i don't have the proper floor...im looking into portable tap floors, so i'll see. i've also heard that plywood works, but i tried it and it does NOT make a tap sound. its just a dull thud. but i'll have to keep looking. but overall i LOVE these shoes!!! not a waste of money