Capezio Little Kid/Big Kid 3800 Mary Jane Tap Shoe

Our review of the Capezio Little Kid/Big Kid 3800 Mary Jane Tap Shoe finds it best suited to young beginners who need a comfortable, easy-to-wear tap shoe. The single biggest reason to buy is the combination of a simple adjustable strap and a foam footbed that keeps small feet cushioned during practice, while attached taps at the heel and toe provide the sound and durability a dance class requires. This review focuses on fit, comfort, and practical features parents and instructors care about most.

Key Features

• Adjustable Mary Jane strap: The hook-and-loop closure creates a custom, secure fit that makes the shoe easy for parents and children to fasten quickly before class.
• Attached heel and toe taps: Built-in taps deliver consistent sound for lessons without the hassle of separate tap hardware coming loose.
• Removable clip-on bow: The decorative bow clips on and off so the shoe can be dressed up for recitals or simplified for everyday practice.
• Shock-absorbing foam insole: A cushioned footbed reduces impact on young feet so kids can practice longer with less fatigue.
• Rubber sole patch: A non-slip rubber patch under the sole improves grip and confidence on studio floors.
• Durable construction: The shoe is made to withstand repeated classroom wear while keeping its shape for growing feet.

Who It's For

The 3800 Mary Jane tap shoe is aimed at little girls and boys starting formal tap lessons who need a straightforward, comfortable shoe with clear, reliable tap sound. Parents who want an easy-to-manage strap and a cushioned insole for frequent practice will appreciate this model. Instructors will like that the attached taps mean fewer loose parts to maintain.

Those who should look elsewhere include dancers seeking professional-level tap shoes with advanced acoustic tuning or adult dancers needing larger sizes and more refined support. If you need a specialty sole type or higher-arched support for long performance runs, consider a performance-grade alternative.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Comfortable foam footbed reduces impact for beginners during lessons.
• Velcro Mary Jane strap offers a quick, adjustable, secure fit for small feet.
• Clip-on bow lets parents add or remove decoration without tools.
• Attached heel and toe taps provide consistent sound and low maintenance.

Cons

• Not designed for advanced performers seeking precision tap tuning or adult sizes.
• The cosmetic bow is removable but may be lost if not stored carefully.

Specifications

Brand	Capezio
Model	Little Kid/Big Kid 3800 Mary Jane Tap Shoe
Closure	Adjustable Mary Jane strap (hook-and-loop)
Insole	Shock-absorbing foam footbed
Taps	Attached heel and toe taps
Decorative	Removable clip-on bow at toe
Sole	Rubber patch for non-slip grip

Our Verdict

The Capezio 3800 Mary Jane Tap Shoe is a practical, well-made choice for beginning tap students who need comfort, easy fastening, and reliable tap sound. Its foam insole and adjustable strap make it great value for parents and instructors who want a low-maintenance shoe that stands up to classroom use while still looking neat for recitals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the taps removable?
The heel and toe taps are attached for durability and are not intended to be removed by the user.

Does the shoe run true to size?
Customers report the 3800 fits true to size with a bit of room for growth, making it suitable for growing feet.

Is the bow permanent?
No, the bow is a removable clip-on accessory so it can be used only when desired and easily detached for practice.