Mary Jane Tap Shoe 3800 - Beginner Tap Shoe with Comfort Fit

Our review of the Capezio Little Kid/Big Kid 3800 Mary Jane Tap Shoe finds it a dependable choice for beginning tap students who need a comfortable, easy-to-use practice shoe. The single biggest reason to buy is the combination of an adjustable Mary Jane strap with a foam footbed and attached taps, which together deliver a secure fit and cushioned feel that helps young dancers stay comfortable during lessons and rehearsals. The removable clip-on bow is a small detail that adds style without getting in the way of practice.

Key Features

• Adjustable Mary Jane strap: The strap offers a custom, secure fit so shoes stay on during class and provide room as little feet grow.
• Attached heel and toe taps: Built-in taps mean the shoe is performance-ready out of the box and gives consistent sound for beginning tap technique.
• Removable clip-on bow: The bow clips on for a dressier look and detaches for everyday rehearsals to reduce distraction and wear.
• Shock-absorbing foam insole: The cushioned footbed reduces impact on young feet, making longer practice sessions more comfortable.
• Rubber sole patch: A non-slip patch on the sole improves traction for safer movement on studio floors without sacrificing tap sound.

Who It's For

This shoe is geared toward young beginners in tap class, from little kids to big kids, who need a reliable practice shoe with easy on/off and modest room to grow. Parents will appreciate the Velcro-style closure for quicker dressing and the foam insole that keeps first lessons comfortable.

Serious or advanced tap performers who need specialized soles, customized shanks, or professional-grade hardware may want to look elsewhere; likewise adults or dancers requiring extra archival arch support should consider shoes made for higher level technique.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Comfortable foam footbed helps reduce foot fatigue during practice.
• Easy Velcro-style strap makes the shoe simple for children to put on and take off.
• Detachable bow adds style flexibility for performance or rehearsal.
• Attached taps provide ready-to-use sound and consistent placement.

Cons

• Not aimed at advanced dancers who need professional-grade tap hardware or custom fit options.
• The basic rubber patch sole may limit use on some hardwood stages where specialized soles are preferred.

Specifications

Model	Capezio 3800 Mary Jane Tap Shoe
Style	Mary Jane with adjustable strap
Taps	Attached taps at heel and toe
Insole	Shock-absorbing foam footbed
Decoration	Removable clip-on bow at toe
Sole	Rubber patch for non-slip grip
Intended users	Little kid / big kid beginner tap dancers

Our Verdict

The Capezio 3800 Mary Jane Tap Shoe is a practical, comfortable choice for beginning tap students and their parents because it pairs a secure adjustable strap with a cushioned insole and ready-to-use taps. It represents good value for kids progressing through early lessons, though advanced dancers will want more specialized performance options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the bows permanently attached?
The bows are removable clip-on accessories so they can be used for recitals and removed for daily practice.

Do these run true to size?
Customers report they fit true to size with a bit of room for growth, making them suitable for growing feet.

Is the strap easy for children to use?
The adjustable Velcro-style strap is designed for easy on and off, helping younger dancers dress independently.