Capezio Little Kid/Big Kid 3800 Mary Jane Tap Shoe (Style 2YJW)

In this review of the Capezio Little Kid/Big Kid 3800 Mary Jane Tap Shoe the bottom line is simple: it is an excellent beginner tap shoe for young dancers who need a secure, comfortable fit and easy on/off. The shoe's most compelling feature is the adjustable Mary Jane strap with Velcro that creates a custom fit while the attached taps at the heel and toe let learners produce clear sound without additional hardware. The removable clip-on bow and shock-absorbing foam insole add comfort and a touch of style, making these taps well suited for class and early recitals.

Key Features

• Adjustable Mary Jane strap: The Velcro closure gives a customizable fit that is quick to fasten for parents and independent kids alike.
• Attached heel and toe taps: Built-in metal taps deliver consistent sound so beginners can focus on rhythm without tap maintenance.
• Removable clip-on bow: The bow offers a simple way to add a dressy look for performances and can be detached for practice or cleaning.
• Shock-absorbing foam insole: The cushioned footbed reduces impact during jumps and long practice sessions, increasing comfort for young feet.
• Non-slip rubber patch on sole: A rubber grip at the sole helps prevent slips while allowing the metal taps to ring clearly.

Who It's For

The 3800 Mary Jane tap shoe is best for beginning dancers in the little kid to big kid size range who need an easy-to-use shoe with dependable taps and a secure fit. It suits parents looking for a durable, comfortable practice shoe that also looks presentable for a recital thanks to the clip-on bow.

Those who should look elsewhere include advanced tap students seeking specialty soles, higher ankle support, or professional-level tap fixtures; and adults or older teens who require larger, more performance-oriented constructions.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Adjustable Velcro Mary Jane strap makes putting shoes on and taking them off fast and easy.
• Attached heel and toe taps produce clear sound appropriate for beginner exercises and class.
• Removable clip-on bow adds versatility between practice and performance looks.
• Foam insole provides noticeable cushioning for extended practice sessions.

Cons

• The shoe is built for beginners and younger dancers, so those seeking professional-level tap construction may want a more advanced model.
• Attached taps mean limited options for tap replacement or custom tuning compared with removable-tap shoes.

Specifications

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

Our Verdict

These Mary Jane tap shoes are a practical, comfortable choice for beginning dancers who need ease of use and dependable sound. The adjustable strap, foam insole, and removable bow make them versatile for class and recitals, offering good value for families seeking a low-fuss starter tap shoe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these shoes true to size?
Customers report the shoes fit true to size with a little room for growth, so ordering the usual kid size is generally appropriate.

Can the bow be removed for practice?
Yes, the bow is a clip-on accessory and can be detached for everyday practice or cleaning.

Do the shoes provide enough cushioning for long classes?
The shoes include a shock-absorbing foam insole that many parents find comfortable for extended practice sessions.