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

Our review of the Capezio Little Kid/Big Kid 3800 Mary Jane Tap Shoe finds it to be a practical first tap shoe for young dancers who need a secure fit and comfort during lessons. The single biggest reason to buy is the combination of an adjustable Mary Jane strap with a foam footbed and attached heel and toe taps, which together deliver a stable, comfortable platform that helps beginners focus on rhythm rather than sore feet. It is clearly aimed at younger students and families who want a durable, easy to use tap shoe that still looks neat for class.

Key Features

• Adjustable Mary Jane strap: The hook-and-loop closure provides a custom, secure fit that makes put-on and take-off quick for caregivers and independent kids.
• Attached heel and toe taps: Built-in metal taps at both heel and toe deliver a clear, consistent sound for practice and performance without extra installation.
• Removable clip-on bow: The bow adds a simple decorative option that can be removed when a plainer look or lower profile is preferred.
• Shock-absorbing foam insole: The cushioned footbed reduces impact during steps and practice, keeping young feet more comfortable through lessons.
• Non-slip rubber patch on sole: A rubber patch on the sole helps with floor grip and adds confidence for beginners learning turns and footwork.

Who It's For

This shoe is best suited for very young or beginner tap students who need a reliable, easy to adjust shoe for weekly classes. Parents will appreciate the Velcro strap and removable bow, while teachers will notice consistent tap sound from the attached heel and toe plates.

Those who should look elsewhere include advanced students who need professional-grade sole flexibility or dancers seeking leather uppers and bespoke fitting options; the 3800 is focused on comfort, durability, and simplicity rather than advanced performance features.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Adjustable strap offers a secure fit and easy dressing for young dancers.
• Attached heel and toe taps produce dependable sound straight from the box.
• Removable clip-on bow gives a quick style option without altering the shoe.
• Foam insole provides noticeable shock absorption for comfort during practice.

Cons

• Designed as a beginner shoe, it may not meet needs of advanced tap students seeking specialized performance features.
• The description implies a rubber sole patch rather than a full non-slip sole, which could limit traction on some floor types.

Specifications

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

Our Verdict

The Capezio 3800 Mary Jane Tap Shoe is a strong value for beginner girls and boys starting tap class, offering comfort, easy on-off with the Velcro strap, and reliable attached taps. It covers the essentials parents and teachers care about: fit, durability, and a clean tap sound, making it a sensible purchase for early dance education.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the taps already installed?
Yes, the heel and toe taps are attached at purchase so the shoe is ready for class.

Can the bow be removed?
Yes, the bow is a removable clip-on so it can be used or removed depending on preference.

Do these run true to size?
Customers report they fit true to size with a little room for growth, making them suitable for young children.