Capezio Women's RIFF-U Tap Shoe Review
The Capezio Women's RIFF-U is a tap shoe that perfectly balances comfort and functionality, making it an essential choice for dancers of all levels. Designed with a full grain leather upper and medial/lateral elastic gore inserts, this shoe provides a secure fit while allowing for the flexibility needed during performances or practice sessions. The flexible foam padded footbed combined with the non-slip sock lining ensures that your feet remain comfortable even during extended wear.
Salvatore Capezio, the brand's founder, began his journey in dance footwear over a century ago, establishing a reputation for quality and innovation that still resonates today. With features such as Tele Tone toe and heel taps and split-sole construction, the RIFF-U embodies the spirit of craftsmanship that has made Capezio a favorite among dancers worldwide.
Features
- Ankle-high design for added support
- Deep stretch goring inserts at tongue for easy slip-on access
- Tele Tone toe and heel taps for crisp sound
- Split-sole construction for enhanced flexibility
- Contoured skid pad for stability
- Women begin with street shoe size; men begin two sizes up
Pros
- Exceptional comfort thanks to padded footbed and lining
- Stylish design suitable for both studio and stage
- High-quality leather construction for durability
- Easy slip-on style with secure fit
- Well-respected brand with a rich history in dance footwear
Cons
- Limited color options available
- May require a break-in period for optimal comfort
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Product | Material | Sole Type | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capezio Women's RIFF-U | 100% Leather | Manmade | Lightweight |
| Bloch Dance Women's Tap Shoe | Leather/Canvas | Rubber | Medium weight |
| Sansha Women's Tap Shoes | Leather | Manmade | Lightweight |
Detailed Review
When diving into the details of the Capezio Women's RIFF-U, there are several aspects worth noting:
- Construction Quality: The full grain leather upper is not only durable but also gives a polished look that allows dancers to perform confidently. The split sole adds to the flexibility, which is crucial for executing intricate dance moves.
- Comfort Level: With a flexible foam padded footbed and brushed microfiber lining, these shoes provide an excellent cushioning effect. Many users have reported that they can wear them for hours without discomfort, which is essential for rehearsals and performances.
- Performance: The Tele Tone taps make a clear and sharp sound, which is highly desirable for tap dancing. The contoured skid pad helps in maintaining balance and stability during performance.
- Fit and Sizing: Understanding the sizing is key; women should order their street shoe size while men should opt for two sizes larger. This careful sizing guide ensures that you get the best possible fit.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 4.5/5 | Soft padding and flexible design contribute to long-lasting comfort. |
| Durability | 4.7/5 | High-quality materials ensure longevity even with regular use. |
| Performance | 4.6/5 | Excellent sound production and ease of movement during performance. |
| Style | 4.4/5 | Classic design that works in both studio and stage settings. |
User Reviews
They fit really well. The sound is clear. Easy to put on and take off with great comfort. My daughter loves them!
These are great shoes. They are narrow so not good if you have wide feet but worked good for my daughter. Since they were narrow we could get away with getting them a little big to fit her longer without them being sloppy. Unlike other dance shoes the length of these run the same as street shoes so do not order up unless you are buying for a kid that will grow into them. They have good sound. I would like them better if they were a little more flexible but they might become more flexible with wear.
This was not my first choice of style but this was the third pair I purchased. The fit was just right. These are the comfortable tap shoes of the three and stay on without slipping or being tightly laced.
Fits quite well, true to size, without socks. I normally don't wear socks with my dance shoes so this shoe fit quite well. I don't like any kind of slack in my shoe or a sloppy fit and this shoe met my expectations. I ordered my street shoe size (6). I could wear a very thin sock underneath. Good flexibility in the shoe and I'm very happy with it. Good price too.
I am a beginning tap student and I wanted something that sounded good and was easy to get on and off. These are wonderful. I bought up a half size and they fit in length but are a little snug in width. They will probably stretch with wear so I'm not concerned as they are still comfortable for all the basics that I can do.
I am very pleased with my purchase. I was nervous because a lot of reviews that I read after I ordered them said they ordered a half size up. I ordered how the product suggested true to my street shoe size and they fit perfectly. They have great sounds and they are easy to point your feet in!
Since these shoes are for active wear, I would have expected a little more width than normal. I ordered 1-1/2 sizes above my street shoe size to accommodate my extra width, but it is a struggle to get them on. I am hoping the leather will stretch a bit with wear.That said, the taps are excellent and I love the split sole. I get much better movement in my steps.
I was so disappointed when I tried these tap shoes on. The listing said "true to size," so I ordered my street shoe size. The box toes are very stiff and hurt my big toes a lot. There were not very flexible, although the taps sounded nice. I wore them for a few days around on my carpet, but they hurt so much that I had to return them. I switched to the Bloch brand and ordered a half size larger which they suggest, and I am thrilled! Sorry, Capezio! I have worn your character and jazz shoes over the years, but now in my 60s I need a super flexible high quality leather shoe with great support and no toe pinching.