Capezio Women's 3800 Mary Jane Tap Shoe - Leather Dance Tapper

In this review of the Capezio Women's 3800 Mary Jane Tap Shoe the bottom line is simple: this is a dependable, entry-to-intermediate tap shoe for students and recreational tappers who want traditional styling and ready-to-use taps. The reviewer found the leather upper and Mary Jane strap give a controlled fit, the pre-attached TeleTone taps deliver immediate sound out of the box, and the foam insole keeps feet comfortable during classes. Note that this shoe runs about a half size smaller than street shoes, which is the single most important sizing consideration.

Key Features

• Mary Jane strap: The classic round-toe Mary Jane strap with buckle and hook-and-loop closure keeps the foot secure while allowing quick adjustments between classes.
• Pre-attached TeleTone taps: Taps are fitted at purchase so the shoe is performance-ready without extra hardware or a tap-fitting visit.
• Comfortable insole: A foam insole provides cushioned support for practice sessions and helps reduce fatigue during extended class time.
• Non-slip elements: The scored rubber skid pad and non-slip heel counter improve grip and stability on studio floors to reduce slips.
• Removable bow clips: Included bow clips let dancers add a feminine detail or remove it for a more traditional look.
• Sizing note: Runs a half size smaller than street shoe size, so plan to order up or try on in person for best fit.

Who It's For

The 3800 Mary Jane is best for beginner to intermediate female tap dancers, students in group classes, and anyone who wants a straightforward, leather tap shoe that arrives ready to use. Its combination of leather construction and pre-attached TeleTone taps makes it a practical choice for studio practice and recitals where reliable sound and basic support matter.

Those who need extra archival cushioning, wide or narrow specialty fits, or professional-level reinforced construction may want to look elsewhere. Also, because the shoe runs about a half size small, shoppers who cannot try shoes on should size up or consult a fitting guide before purchasing.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Well-made leather upper that looks traditional and holds shape for regular class use.
• Pre-attached TeleTone taps make the shoe performance-ready straight away.
• Comfortable foam insole that customers report supports hour-long beginner classes.
• Non-slip heel and scored rubber pad increase confidence on studio floors.

Cons

• Sizing inconsistency: it runs about a half size smaller than street shoes, so some buyers may need to exchange sizes.
• Mixed reports on long-term durability from customers suggest heavier-duty tappers may wear them faster.

Specifications

Brand	Capezio
Model	3800 Mary Jane
Upper material	Leather
Taps	Pre-attached TeleTone taps
Closure	Buckle with hook-and-loop
Sole features	Scored rubber skid pad and non-slip heel counter
Sizing note	Runs a half size smaller than street shoe size

Our Verdict

The Capezio 3800 Mary Jane Tap Shoe is a solid, value-oriented choice for students and casual tappers who want an authentic leather Mary Jane with ready-to-use taps and comfortable cushioning. It delivers traditional appearance and dependable performance for classes, but be mindful to size up from street shoes and consider a heavier-duty option if durability under intensive use is a priority.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do these shoes come with taps installed?
Yes, the 3800 ships with pre-attached TeleTone taps so they are performance-ready out of the box.

How should I size these compared to regular shoes?
They run about a half size smaller than street shoe size, so try on in person or order a half size larger than your usual street shoe.

Are the bows permanent?
No, removable bow clips are included so you can add or remove the bow depending on your preference.