Capezio Little Kid/Big Kid 3800 Mary Jane Tap Shoe - Beginner Tap foam

In this review of the Capezio Little Kid/Big Kid 3800 Mary Jane Tap Shoe, the bottom line is clear: this is a strong beginner tap shoe that balances comfort and practicality for young dancers. The shoe's biggest reason to buy is the adjustable Mary Jane strap with a Velcro-style closure that makes dressing simple for children while maintaining a secure fit for dancing. Built-in heel and toe taps, a shock-absorbing foam insole, and a removable clip-on bow make this shoe a ready-to-use option for classes and recitals without extra modification.

Key Features

• Adjustable Mary Jane strap: The strap provides a custom, secure fit that is easy for parents and dancers to fasten quickly.
• Attached heel and toe taps: Ready-out-of-the-box taps mean no separate tap installation is required for beginners learning rhythms.
• Removable clip-on bow: The bow adds a neat, dressy look that can be detached for practice or when a plainer shoe is preferred.
• Shock-absorbing foam insole: The foam footbed cushions impact during jumps and helps keep small feet comfortable through class.
• Rubber patch on the sole: A small rubber grip reduces slipping on studio floors while still allowing pivoting for basic turns.

Who It's For

The 3800 Mary Jane tap is best for young beginners and children in early tap classes who need a straightforward, easy-to-use shoe. Teachers and parents will appreciate the durable construction and the Velcro-style closure that helps kids put shoes on independently and keeps them secure while learning steps.

It is less appropriate for advanced students who require professional-level tuning, removable metal taps for exact tonal adjustments, or specialized soles for advanced technique. Buyers seeking adult sizes or heavy-duty performance taps for frequent stage use should look at other options.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Comfortable foam footbed that reduces impact for young dancers.
• Convenient Velcro strap that makes the shoe easy to put on and adjust.
• Comes with attached heel and toe taps plus a removable clip-on bow for versatility.
• Non-slip rubber patch on the sole helps with safety during practice.

Cons

• Not designed for advanced tap tuning or professional-level tonal customization.
• Clip-on bow and attached taps limit aesthetic or hardware customization compared with separate accessories.

Specifications

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

Our Verdict

The Capezio 3800 Mary Jane tap is a sensible choice for young dancers and beginners because it combines an easy-to-use adjustable strap, built-in taps and comfortable cushioning at a modest value. It is ideal for classes and recitals where convenience and comfort matter most, though serious performers seeking professional tap customization may prefer a different model.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these shoes true to size?
Customers report the shoes fit true to size with a little room for growth, making them good for young children who are still growing.

Can the bow be removed for practice?
Yes, the bow is a removable clip-on accessory so it can be detached for everyday practice or cleaned separately.

Do the taps need professional installation?
No, the heel and toe taps come attached so the shoe is ready to wear for beginner lessons without additional installation.