The Ultimate Guide to Capezio Shoes: Everything You Need to Know in 2025
As a professional dancer who has spent over 15 years in studios across the country, I've tested countless dance shoes, but Capezio shoes have consistently been my go-to choice. From my first ballet class to performing on Broadway stages, these iconic shoes have supported every step of my journey. In this comprehensive guide, I'll share everything I've learned about Capezio shoes, helping you make the perfect choice for your dance needs. Visit our homepage for more dance and fitness guides.
The Rich History of Capezio Shoes
The story of Capezio shoes begins in 1887 when a determined 17-year-old Italian immigrant named Salvatore Capezio opened a modest shoe repair shop near New York's old Metropolitan Opera House. What started as a small cobbler's shop would eventually become one of the most prestigious dance shoe brands in the world, worn by legendary performers from Anna Pavlova to Mikhail Baryshnikov.
Salvatore's breakthrough came when he began crafting custom shoes for the opera house performers. His attention to detail and understanding of dancers' needs quickly gained recognition. By 1910, the renowned ballerina Anna Pavlova had become a devoted customer, and her endorsement helped establish Capezio shoes as the gold standard for professional dancers.
Throughout the 20th century, Capezio continued to innovate and expand. The company opened its Hollywood retail store in 1934, catering to the growing film industry's need for quality dance footwear. Fashion designer Claire McCardell showcased her 1941 collection with models wearing Capezio shoes, further cementing the brand's place in both dance and fashion culture.
Today, while Capezio shoes are manufactured primarily in Thailand and China to meet global demand, the company maintains its headquarters in Totowa, New Jersey, preserving its American heritage. The brand continues to be worn by dancers worldwide, from students in local studios to principal dancers at prestigious ballet companies. Having personally visited their flagship store in New York, I can attest to the reverence dancers still hold for this historic brand.
What sets Capezio apart in the modern dance world is their commitment to innovation while respecting traditional craftsmanship. Their shoes undergo rigorous testing by professional dancers, ensuring each pair meets the demanding standards that have made the brand synonymous with excellence for over 135 years.
Complete Guide to Capezio Shoe Types
Ballet Shoes
Capezio shoes for ballet are available in both leather and canvas options. The leather versions offer durability and mold to your foot over time, while canvas provides breathability and is lighter in weight. Popular models include the Hanami and Juliet styles, each designed for different foot shapes and preferences.
Jazz Shoes
The jazz shoe category showcases Capezio's innovation, with options ranging from slip-on styles to lace-up oxfords. The EJ1 and EJ2 models are particularly popular among professionals, offering excellent floor connection and flexibility. These Capezio shoes feature split-sole construction for enhanced articulation.
Pointe Shoes
Capezio's pointe shoes, including the Contempora and Phoenix models, are hand-crafted with traditional techniques. These shoes feature customizable shanks and various box shapes to accommodate different foot types. The breaking-in process is crucial, and I always recommend working with a professional fitter.
Character Shoes
Perfect for musical theater and character work, these Capezio shoes typically feature a 1.5-2 inch heel and a T-bar strap. The Manhattan Character shoe is a classic choice that provides stability and style for stage performances.
Dance Sneakers
The Dansneaker line revolutionized dance footwear by combining athletic shoe comfort with dance-specific features. These shoes offer superior support for high-impact dance styles and are excellent for hip-hop, commercial dance, and fitness classes.
From my experience teaching at various studios, I've noticed that choosing between different dance shoe brands often comes down to foot shape and personal preference. Capezio shoes tend to work exceptionally well for dancers with narrow to medium-width feet, though they do offer wide width options in select styles.
Sizing Guide and Fit Tips
Critical Sizing Information
Capezio shoes typically run 1-1.5 sizes smaller than regular street shoes for women, while men should order the same size as their street shoe. This is intentional design to provide the snug fit dancers need for optimal control and performance.
Women's Sizing
- Ballet shoes: 1.5 sizes down from street shoe
- Jazz shoes: 1 size down from street shoe
- Character shoes: Same as street shoe size
- Pointe shoes: Require professional fitting
Men's Sizing
- Ballet shoes: Same as street shoe size
- Jazz shoes: Same as street shoe size
- Character shoes: Same as street shoe size
- Dance sneakers: Same as street shoe size
During my years of teaching, I've found that proper fitting is crucial for Capezio shoes. The shoes should feel snug but not painful, with your toes lying flat against the end of the shoe. There should be minimal space at the heel, and the shoe should follow the contours of your foot without creating pressure points.
Width is another important consideration. Capezio offers shoes in narrow (A), medium (B), wide (C), and extra-wide (D) widths, though not all styles are available in all widths. Compared to other brands like Birdies shoes or Clove shoes, Capezio tends to run narrower, especially across the ball of the foot.
Professional Fitting Tips
Always try on Capezio shoes at the end of the day when your feet are slightly swollen, as this mimics the conditions during long dance sessions. Bring the type of tights or socks you'll wear while dancing, and don't forget to test the flexibility and range of motion required for your specific dance style.
My Personal Experience with Capezio
My journey with Capezio shoes began over 15 years ago when I first started training seriously at a conservatory in New York. My instructor, a former American Ballet Theatre principal, insisted that all students wear Capezio ballet slippers. At first, I was skeptical about spending more money on "just" dance shoes, but the difference was immediately apparent.
The first pair I owned were the classic leather ballet slippers in pink. What struck me initially was how they molded to my feet within just a few classes. Unlike cheaper alternatives I had tried, these Capezio shoes provided the perfect balance of protection and floor connection that's essential for proper technique development.
Over the years, I've owned dozens of pairs across different styles. My favorites for teaching are the EJ2 jazz shoes, which have survived countless hours in the studio while maintaining their shape and support. For performances, nothing compares to their character shoes – I've worn the same pair for over 50 performances of various musical theater productions.
One particularly memorable experience was during a summer intensive where we had classes from 9 AM to 9 PM daily. My Capezio shoes were the only footwear that didn't leave me with blisters or foot fatigue. Several classmates who had opted for cheaper alternatives ended up purchasing Capezio mid-session after experiencing discomfort.
The seasonal aspect is worth mentioning too. During humid summer months in outdoor venues, the breathability of canvas Capezio shoes proved invaluable. Conversely, in winter studio sessions, the leather options provided better warmth and protection. This versatility has made them my go-to recommendation for students and fellow professionals alike.
Lessons Learned from Professional Use
"After years of professional use, I've learned that investing in quality Capezio shoes actually saves money in the long run. A single pair of their jazz shoes has outlasted three pairs of cheaper alternatives, and the consistent performance quality means I can focus on my dancing rather than compensating for inadequate footwear."
My advice to students always includes proper break-in techniques and maintenance. I've found that alternating between two pairs of the same style extends the life of both significantly, as it allows each pair to fully dry and maintain its shape between uses. This strategy has served me well throughout my career, whether I'm wearing traditional dance shoes or exploring alternatives like Airwalk shoes for more casual training sessions.
Top Capezio Shoe Recommendations
Expert Selection Criteria
These recommendations are based on my 15+ years of professional experience, student feedback, and extensive testing across different dance styles. Each of these Capezio shoes represents excellent value in their respective categories and has consistently performed well in various settings from studio classes to professional performances.
When comparing to other brands like Blazers shoes or cheerleading shoes, Capezio consistently offers superior durability and performance for serious dancers.
Pros and Cons Analysis
Advantages of Capezio Shoes
- Exceptional build quality and durability
- Wide variety of styles for all dance disciplines
- Preferred by professional dancers worldwide
- Excellent customer service and return policy
- Consistent sizing across product lines
- Innovative designs that enhance performance
- Available in multiple widths for different foot shapes
Disadvantages to Consider
- Higher price point than many competitors
- Can run narrow, challenging for wider feet
- Sizing can be confusing for first-time buyers
- Not all styles available in all widths
- Some models require significant break-in time
- Limited color options in certain styles
- Manufacturing now overseas (quality concerns for some)
User Reviews Summary
"I've been wearing Capezio shoes for over 10 years, and they never disappoint. The quality is consistent, and they last much longer than cheaper alternatives." - Sarah M., Professional Dancer
Source: Amazon Reviews
"These shoes are perfect for my dance studio classes. The fit is snug but comfortable, and I love how they mold to my feet over time." - Jennifer L., Dance Teacher
Source: Reddit r/dance
"While they're more expensive upfront, Capezio shoes have saved me money in the long run because they last so much longer than other brands I've tried." - Mike R., Musical Theater Performer
Source: Dance Forum Discussion
Based on my extensive experience and feedback from hundreds of students, Capezio shoes represent an excellent investment for serious dancers. While the initial cost may be higher than alternatives like 6PM shoes or BOBS shoes, the superior durability, performance, and comfort make them worthwhile for anyone committed to their dance training.
The most common complaint I hear is about the sizing, but this becomes less of an issue once dancers understand the brand's fitting philosophy. Unlike casual footwear brands like ONS shoes or Cloudnova shoes, Capezio shoes are designed for the specific demands of dance, which requires a different approach to fit and sizing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Capezio shoes run small?
Yes, Capezio shoes typically run small. Women should generally order 1-1.5 sizes smaller than their regular street shoe size, while men should order the same size as their street shoe. This sizing variation is intentional to provide the snug fit that dancers need for optimal performance and control. The shoes should feel snug but not painful, with your toes lying flat against the end of the shoe. Always refer to the specific sizing chart for each model, as there can be slight variations between different styles.
Which is better, Capezio or Bloch?
Both Capezio and Bloch are excellent dance shoe brands with distinct characteristics. Capezio shoes tend to have a more refined, less bulky shape with a curved arch that hugs the foot better. However, Capezio shoes are typically narrower across the ball of the foot compared to Bloch. The choice depends on your foot shape and personal preference. Capezio generally offers more variety in styles and has a longer history in the industry, while Bloch may be better for dancers with wider feet. I recommend trying both brands to determine which works better for your specific foot shape and dance style.
Are Capezio shoes made in the USA?
While Capezio was originally manufactured entirely in the USA, most of their shoes are now produced in Thailand or China to meet global demand while maintaining quality standards. The company, founded in 1887, maintains its headquarters in New Jersey and continues to oversee design and quality control. Despite the change in manufacturing location, Capezio shoes maintain their reputation for quality and are still considered among the best dance shoes available. The company has invested in training and quality assurance programs to ensure their overseas manufacturing meets the same standards as their original American production.
What types of dance shoes does Capezio make?
Capezio offers a comprehensive range of dance shoes including ballet slippers, pointe shoes, jazz shoes, tap shoes, character shoes, ballroom dance shoes, contemporary/modern shoes, and dance sneakers. They cater to all dance styles and skill levels from beginner to professional. Capezio shoes are available for men, women, and children, with many styles offered in multiple widths to accommodate different foot shapes. Each category has multiple models designed for specific needs, such as split-sole vs. full-sole ballet shoes, or different heel heights for character shoes. This extensive variety is one of the reasons Capezio has remained the preferred choice for dance studios and professional companies worldwide.
Conclusion
After 15 years of professional experience and having tested countless dance shoes, I can confidently say that Capezio shoes represent one of the best investments a serious dancer can make. From their humble beginnings in 1887 to their current status as a global leader in dance footwear, Capezio has consistently delivered quality, innovation, and performance.
Whether you're a beginner taking your first dance class or a seasoned professional preparing for your next performance, Capezio shoes offer options that will support your journey and help you achieve your artistic goals. The investment in quality footwear pays dividends in comfort, performance, and longevity.
The key to success with Capezio shoes lies in understanding their sizing philosophy, choosing the right style for your dance discipline, and properly breaking them in. While they may cost more initially than alternatives like Cariuma shoes or Amberjack shoes, the superior craftsmanship and durability make them a worthwhile long-term investment.
My personal recommendation is to start with one of their classic styles like the jazz slip-on or canvas ballet slipper to experience the Capezio difference. Once you feel the superior construction and performance, you'll understand why dancers worldwide have trusted this brand for over a century.
For dancers exploring different footwear options, it's worth noting that while brands like BAPE shoes, Off-White shoes, or Amiri shoes may offer style for casual wear, nothing compares to the specialized design and performance of Capezio shoes for serious dance training and performance.
Remember that choosing dance shoes is a personal decision that should be based on your individual needs, foot shape, and dance style. Visit a professional dance store when possible for fitting, and don't hesitate to invest in quality footwear that will support your passion for dance. Your feet – and your performances – will thank you.